TWCA Spring 2025

THE WOODLANDS CHRISTIAN ACADEMY

TWCA .NET

Spring Edition 2025

The Woodlands Christian Primed to Put On a Show to Close the Calendar Year PERFORMERS PEAK

TWCA NEWS

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PREGAME

Warrior Nation On behalf of my wife and I, we want to extend our heartfelt gratitude for the incredible opportunity to serve as Warrior Boosters Chairs at The Woodlands Christian Academy this past year. It has been an absolute privilege to work alongside such a dedicated community of parents, faculty, and students in support of Warrior Athletics and Fine Arts. Being part of this incredible team

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VYPE STAFF PUBLISHER VYPE MEDIA, LLC CEO Derek Dusek CHIEF CONTENT OFFICER Matt Malatesta CREATIVE DIRECTOR Daniel Tiller TWCA PUBLICATION & VYPE LOGO MARK Meadowlark Creative • carrie@artbymeadowlark.com DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY Bradley Collier CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Jamey Wright, Alex Vinson

has given us the chance to witness firsthand the passion and commitment that make TWCA such a special place. From organizing events, to cheering on our student athletes, to watching our Fine Arts students perform, every moment has been a rewarding experience, and we are deeply grateful for the friendships and memories made along the way. We want to especially thank the administration, coaches, teachers, and fellow Warrior Boosters members for their unwavering support and collaboration. The success of this year would not have been possible without the collective effort of so many wonderful individuals. We look forward to serving next year with great excitement and for the continued growth and success of the Warrior Boosters. Thank you again for this incredible opportunity. It has truly been an honor to serve.

STAFF WRITER Matthew Ogle VIDEOGRAPHER Alex Hinson DIGITAL EDITOR Jackson DiPasquale VYPE INTERN Molly McCollum CONTACT INFORMATION MAILING ADDRESS: VYPE Media, LLC 1334 Brittmoore Road, Suite 2901 Houston, TX 77043 EMAIL: info@vypemedia.com

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VYPE is published by Vype Media, LLC. Reproductions in whole or in part without permission are prohibited. VYPE is not responsible for the return of unsolicited artwork, photography or manuscripts and will not be responsible for holding fees or similar charges. All digital submissions and correspondence will become property of VYPE. EDITORIAL DISCLAIMER All rights reserved. For editorial matters, please contact the editor. The views of contributing writers do not necessarily reflect the policies of VYPE nor that of the publishers. VYPE has a clear commitment to inviting and publishing corrections of fact and clarifying errors of context. Corrections of errors and mistakes are a necessity in obtaining credibility in the magazine. VYPE supports and encourages our staff and contributing writers and photographers to make any potential error known to our editor. ADVERTISING DISCLAIMER All rights reserved. The views and opinions of VYPE advertisers does not reflect that of VYPE High School Sports Magazine. In accordance with the NCAA Bylaws, VYPE and its advertisers have complied in all advertisements present in VYPE. SPECIAL THANKS TWCA Marketing and Communications Team and TWCA Athletics

With appreciation and blessings, Jeramy and Christian Meacham

THE WOODLANDS CHRISTIAN ACADEMY

TWCA .NET

Spring Edition 2025

ON THE COVER Photo by BRADLEY COLLIER PEAK PERFORMERS: (left to right) Taylor Makiya, Grant Lusk, Duke Heise, Alexis Osterhaus, Beau Ellis, Anna Claire Usner

SOCIAL TWCA

@twcawarriors /twcawarriors /twcawarriors

@twca _ sports @twcawarriors /twcawarriors

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TWCA NEWS

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SOFTBALL

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REACHING the peak Expectations for TWCA Softball Skyrocketing, Following Regionals Appearance in 2024

2025 Warrior Softball

Pitching – particularly from (Keira) Crosby – was the backbone of the success we experienced a year ago, because it tends to make every factor of the game that much easier, and we were able to build off of that. We’ve got some extremely talented girls surrounding her, which comes with the fact that the team has grown significantly since then, both in numbers and experience. So, this spring is going to be about learning more each day so we’ll be prepared once we reach the playoffs. “ ” ~Coach Josh Culp TWCA SOFTBALL COACHEs’

THE HEADLINERS

Alison Chandler (Fr. OF)

CORNER Keira Crosby (Sr. P) Ashlyn Culp (So. C)

Alexis Osterhaus (Sr. 3B)

Reagan Rohrlich (Jr. SS)

Kate Rouswell (Jr. 2B)

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SOFTBALL

Keira Crosby

Alison Chandler

Ashlyn Culp

Marissa Clarke

Kate Rouswell

Reagan Rohrlich

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feature SOFTBALL on a mission Osterhaus a Central Figure In TWCA Softball’s Stunning Resurgence

\\ By Matthew Ogle

THE SECRET IS OUT THAT THE WARRIORS ARE NO LONGER A TEAM TO BE OVERLOOKED, FOLLOWING A HISTORIC SPRING, WHICH SAW THEM CLAIM A DISTRICT CHAMPIONSHIP PRIOR TO REACHING THE REGIONAL ROUND OF THE TAPPS-II POSTSEASON. Alongside star pitcher Keira Crosby (Clemson-commit) and junior shortstop Reagan Rohrlich (Texas A&M), senior Alexis Osterhaus completes the ‘Big-Three’ that elevates the roster to new heights. With that experience under their belts, paired with the much more considerable depth the team features this time around, expectations have never been higher. “Last year, people didn’t know what we were capable of, and we definitely made a name for ourselves,” said Osterhaus. “I feel that, we are an even more polished team heading into this season. I genuinely believe that people have an idea of what could happen with us, but we have more than what they expect.” Individually, Osterhaus earned a first-team, all-district nod for her efforts, in addition to receiving a TAPPS all-state honorable mention. From the third base spot, she’s fine-tuned numerous recognizable attributes that’s made her the renowned player she is today. “I think I’m extremely athletic with quick reflexes,” she said. “So, if a ball is coming my way, my reflexes are able to kick in rapidly. Not everyone has the ‘softball mindset’ sometimes, which just means being decisive in the key moments, but I just feel that comes naturally to me from my position.” While some athletes have been a part of The Woodlands Christian Academy school system from the beginning, Osterhaus transferred during her sophomore year, from a place she describes as a “little town” in Maine. Though that would be a significant change for anyone, the move has made all the difference. “The whole reason why I moved from Maine to Texas was for competitive softball,” she said. “My freshman year there, I made the newspaper cover because I like to think I was something of a ‘big fish in a small pond’. But my family and I thought it would be best for my high school experience and better collegiate opportunities to move down here. “I definitely think that it has challenged me because I’ve played girls who are better than me, which has helped me to improve and become more competitive. I see now that it was God’s blessing and I’m also just grateful to have been part of this community.” The Texas spotlight led to her commitment to continue her playing with the Army Black Knights in West Point, New York, where she later intends to join the Ordnance Corps. However, Osterhaus has one more mission to complete with TWCA: secure the softball program’s first-ever TAPPS state championship.

Alexis Osterhaus

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BASEBALL feature REVENGE TOUR Lusk the Heartbeat of TWCA Baseball

\\ By Matt Malatesta

GRANT LUSK AND THE WARRIORS HAVE A BAD TASTE IN THEIR MOUTHS. TWCA baseball didn’t make the postseason a year ago and Lusk and company are assuring that won’t happen again. “I think if you asked Coach (Brett) Cleveland, he would say that this could be the closest group of guys he’s had since coaching here,” the senior Lusk said. “That is going to take us to the playoffs. We have circle that goal since our last game a year ago. We will make a run deep in the postseason.” Lusk has been a lifer at TWCA and the green and gold is woven into his DNA. “This place is different,” he said. “The way we carry ourselves here has a different air about it. We truly care about our classmates and look out for each other. Growing in our relationship with Jesus Christ is also a huge part of the experience.”

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In my family...I’m the ‘baseball kid’. The field is my second home.

”

The constant in Lusk’s 18-year journey has been baseball. “I remember watching Mike Trout highlights on Youtube when he was a rookie,” he laughed. “In my family... I’m the ‘baseball kid’. The field is my second home.” His baseball journey will wrap up at TWCA, as he plans on pursuing a mechanical engineering career in college. “I’m looking for this last trip around the sun with my teammates, and just enjoying every minute,” he said. “God willing, I will be an Aggie starting next fall. That’s the goal.” Nothing would be sweeter than a winning season and a trip to Waco... to State.

Grant Lusk

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BASEBALL

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THE

task at hand Warrior Baseball Looks to Rise to the Challenge

2025 Warrior Baseball

The mindset is the same every year. We’re preparing to go out there and compete for a district championship, hopefully reach the playoffs, and try to make a run for State. The realignment did somewhat split the Houston districts, so we’re looking forward to the new challenge of Cypress Christian and Legacy Prep coming up. I think it’s safe to say that the TAPPS-5A title tends to run through Houston. So, we know what the task is, and I feel that we have the tools and guys to get that done. “ ” ~Coach Brett Cleveland TWCA BASEBALL COACHEs’

THE HEADLINERS

Hudson Bardwell (Sr. OF/1B)

CORNER Colton Bolsch (Sr. 3B)

Grant Lusk (Sr. 2B)

Daniel O’Brien (Sr. SS)

Knox Trevathan (Sr. OF)

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BASEBALL

Hudson Bardwell

Caden Shipley

Colton Bolsch

Daniel O'Brien

Knox Trevathan

Kade Johnson

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GOLF

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UPPER

echelon TWCA Boys in Pursuit of 5th Consecutive TAPPS-5A Title; Girls Entering the Conversation

On the girls’ side, seniors Tatum Counts, Chloe Welch, and Neely Newcomb will provide the veteran leadership, while Valerie Paris comes into her own during her sophomore year. Though they might not have quite the reputation as their counterparts (few do), there is still plenty of optimism to be had, given the experience these Lady Warriors have coming back.

THERE’S SIMPLY NO DOUBTING IT ANYMORE. When it comes to golf in TAPPS, the TWCA boys program is the gold standard. The Warriors are fresh off of another monumental season, which saw them claim their fourth straight championship in the 5A division, with a final score of 560. They did so by featuring four competitors who finished within the Top-10, individually; three of which – Duke Heise (Sr.), Quentin Frost (So.), and Hudson Grace (Jr.) – all return, alongside senior Will Sullivan, who should play a key role as well this spring.

FOR MORE PHOTOS, VISIT US ON INSTAGRAM: @TWCA_Sports

2025 TWCA Boys Golf

2025 TWCA Girls Golf

Neely Newcomb

Will Sullivan

Valerie Paris

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GOLF

Chloe Welch

Hudson Grace

Tatum Counts

Quentin Frost

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GOLF

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EYES ON the heise Senior Heise Ensures Expectations Remain High

\\ By Matt Malatesta

decision about where he’ll play next. But beyond the course, his long-term aspirations lie in a different field. “I want to do something in tech,” he said. “AI (artificial intelligence) has grown so fast, and I could see myself pursuing a career in that. I’m really fascinated by what’s happening in that space.” For Heise, golf has been about more than just competition. Under the guidance of Coach Tanner Field, the B3rdmovement has become a defining philosophy in his life. “It’s all about priorities—God first, others second, and ourselves third,” he said. “I apply it in golf, but also in my personal life.” As Heise reflects on his TWCA journey, it’s not just the wins or titles that stand out—it’s the moments in between. “It’s the bus rides, road trips, and all the jokes,” he said with a smile. “When you’re part of a team of five, you get really close with your teammates. Those bonds will last forever.”

DUKE HEISE HAS BEEN PART OF ONE OF THE MOST DOMINANT DYNASTIES IN TEXAS PRIVATE SCHOOL SPORTS—TWCA GOLF. The Warriors have won four consecutive TAPPS state titles, and if not for the pandemic, it could have been five straight. With so much talent having graduated, all eyes are now on Heise. “This is a program built on expectations,” he said. “No matter who’s on the team, the standard remains the same. We hang banners here. “Golf is different from other sports—we compete as individuals, but at the end of the day, we’re here to win a championship as a team.” Heise has had a club in his hands for as long as he can remember. “My dad played college golf, and he got me into the game,” he said. “Golf has been a huge part of our family bond, and I fell in love with the sport.” With college golf on the horizon, Heise is nearing a big

Duke Heise

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TENNIS

TAKE 5 Usner Soaking in Senior Year

\\ By Matt Malatesta

VYPE: What’s your favorite place to eat? USNER: I love Raising Cane’s.

AS ANNA CLAIRE USNER WRAPS UP HER SENIOR SEASON, SHE’S EMBRACING EVERY MOMENT—PLAYING NOT JUST TO WIN, BUT TO MAKE LASTING MEMORIES. Usner reached State as a sophomore, but she’s not putting too much pressure on herself this time around. “I’m not playing in college or anything,” she laughed. “Maybe I’ll join some intramurals. I do love the sport, though—it’s taught me so much. “Tennis builds character and mental toughness. Your coach can’t pull you to the sideline and take you out of the game like in other sports. It’s all on you, and I love that.” VYPE caught up with Usner for one last TWCA media day— let’s call it her exit interview. VYPE: What is the ‘secret sauce’ of TWCA? USNER: It’s the teachers, the staff, the coaches. They are so invested in us as students. They truly care about our well being and want the best for us.

VYPE: What does the future hold for Anna Claire Usner? USNER: I know it’s early, but I’m thinking about dermatology or becoming a physician’s assistant. VYPE: Your brother plays college golf at Texas A&M. What have you learned from him? USNER : I’m not as intense as he is, but his competitive nature has definitely rubbed off on me. It’s made me more competitive in tennis, the classroom, and everyday life. VYPE: What’s your goal for this tennis season? USNER: I made it to State as a sophomore, but last year, I was so focused on grades and college applications that tennis took a back seat. I put a lot of pressure on myself in so many ways. As a senior, I just want to have fun and enjoy the season with my team.

Anna Claire Usner

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TENNIS

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UNITED FRONT Trepanier Employing an Uplifting Mindset in Tennis Program’s Mission to Excel Past Regionals

2025 TWCA Girls Tennis

I have been working on building up a team that continuously encourages their teammates, in addition to striving to compete to the best of their ability on the court. Watching the players give it their all and push each other has been part of our growing culture. Furthermore, I encourage them to focus on each point and the current opponent rather than all the teams in the district. This will help all of our athletes through each match and hopefully lead to more of them attending TAPPS State. “ ” ~Coach Leigh-Ann Trepanier TWCA TENNIS COACHEs’

THE HEADLINERS

Gavin Bridges (So.)

CORNER Sylvia Demandante (Jr.) William Grace (Jr.)

Eli Hall (Fr.)

August Scott (Fr.)

Anna Claire Usner (Sr.)

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TENNIS

2025 TWCA Boys Tennis

August Scott

Hannah Hernandez

Eli Hall

Megan Endler

Travis Painter

Sylvia Demandante

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TRACK + FIELD

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THE FIRE

has been lit Buy-In Approaching Record Numbers for Earle’s T&F Program

2025 TWCA Girls Track & Field

Following the success we saw from last year’s class, some of whom have gone on to continue competing in college – I think that has actually started a fire within this group we have now. Because they’ve seen that it’s possible to achieve such a thing, with all the work that was put in and how it translated. What I’m most excited about is the considerable growth we’ve seen in the program on both sides. We’ve had more freshmen join than in years past, precisely because of the potential, and I feel that’s what everyone’s begun to feed off of. “ ” ~Coach Tom Earle TWCA TRACK & FIELD COACHEs’

CORNER

Flo Shirley

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TRACK + FIELD

2025 TWCA Boys Track & Field

Andrew Cockrill

Kirby Page

Roberto Calimani

Lily Phelps

Tobechukwu Anugwom

Elaina Formica

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BOYS TRACK

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jack trades Ellis a Versatile Competitor with a Relentless Drive for TWCA OF ALL

\\ By Matthew Ogle

AMONG THE MANY TALENTED ATHLETES AT THE WOODLANDS CHRISTIAN ACADEMY, FEW HAVE MADE AN IMPACT QUITE LIKE BEAU ELLIS. A SENIOR AND A THREE-SPORT STANDOUT, ELLIS HAS BUILT A REPUTATION FOR HIS VERSATILITY, WORK ETHIC, AND LEADERSHIP. Over the past year, the senior has competed in football, basketball, and track—three demanding sports that leave little room for downtime. But for him, that’s just the way he likes it. Ellis was a second-team all-state selection in football, helping TWCA reach the second round of the TAPPS-II playoffs. When winter rolled around, he transitioned seamlessly to basketball, where he played a key leadership role in another postseason run. Now, with track season in full swing, Ellis is gearing up for one final sprint—literally and figuratively. With such a packed schedule, one has to wonder if he just hates having free time. “First off, I just love being active as much as I can,” Ellis said. “You can’t take a God-given ability for granted. I don’t want to waste this time as an athlete because there’s going to come a point where I won’t be able to move the same or have the same energy when I’m older. The late practices and early mornings—they’re not for everyone. But I try to embrace it since I know it’ll be gone soon.” Juggling multiple sports isn’t easy, but Ellis believes it gives him an edge. “It’s a lot of different movement and varying types of conditioning between each sport,” he explained. “With basketball and football, there’s so much lateral movement and change of direction, whereas track is just straight forward. Basketball, in particular, has played a huge role in my endurance, and I can already see a big improvement in my speed.” That improvement could make a major difference on the track this spring. Last year, Ellis placed third in the pole vault at the TAPPS-5A District 5 Meet while also helping TWCA’s relay teams earn silver in the 4x400 and bronze in the 4x200. This season, he’s expanding his event list to include the 100m, 200m, and 400m dashes—another testament to his athletic range. With his final semester at TWCA underway, Ellis has taken time to reflect on how the school has shaped him in the four years he’s been in attendance. “I’d definitely say it’s been life-changing,” he said. “I’d be a completely different person if I didn’t come here and probably wouldn’t have played sports because middle school wasn’t looking too great for me. “The coaches here really take the time to build relationships with each individual, which is something you don’t often see in most public schools, or even other private schools from what I’ve heard. Winning is important, but growing your connection to Christ is such a big thing here. Their primary focus is to build you up, and that’s been my biggest takeaway.”

Beau Ellis

As his time at TWCA winds down, he is still weighing his options for the future. “I’m still deciding on a college right now, but I would love to run track at the next level,” said Ellis. “Football, and the physical aspect of it, is one of my biggest passions. But I really feel that I have the best shot of competing in college with track. I’m a fan of running in general, so that’s likely going to be the best fit for me.” No matter where he ends up, one thing is certain: Ellis won’t slow down anytime soon. Whether on the football field, basketball court, or track, he’s proven that dedication and perseverance can take you far—and he’s just getting started.

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GIRLS TRACK

LEAVING

A LEGACY Makiya has Something to Prove In Final Stretch with the Warriors

\\ By Matthew Ogle

sharper mindset. But at the end of the day, I’m grateful to God for everything I’ve accomplished here. It’s in His hands now, and whatever happens is for His glory alone.” While her high school career is nearing its final stretch, Makiya has even more to look forward to after graduation. She recently committed to continue her athletic career at Stephen F. Austin University (SFA). “Honestly, it was the culture at SFA that spoke to me,” she said. “They have excellent facilities, and I loved that they’re upgrading, which makes me believe I can grow just as much within their program. I’ve always wanted to be part of something special—just like I have been here at TWCA—but to experience that at the college level has always been my dream.” As always, Coach Tom Earle’s squad is expected to be a strong contender when the TAPPS-5A State Meet returns to Midway ISD’s Panther Stadium in May. And if all goes according to plan, Makiya will add another championship to her already decorated career.”

DATING BACK TO HER FRESHMAN YEAR, TAYLOR MAKIYA HAS BEEN A STAPLE FOR THE WOODLANDS CHRISTIAN ACADEMY TRACK AND FIELD TEAM. IN PAST SEASONS, SHE’S SHARED THE SPOTLIGHT WITH STANDOUT ATHLETES LIKE SARAH CHAPPELLE (HILLSDALE COLLEGE), ZOE CALIMANI, AND JANE WATKINS (OKLAHOMA). Now, as a senior, it’s her time to take center stage. “I want to achieve greatness, but more than that, I want to set the standard for the girls who come after me,” Makiya said. “Anyone in a leadership role wants to leave a legacy and build a culture of dedication. That’s going to be one of my main focuses this year.” Makiya is already a proven competitor, with two gold medals in the Shot Put from her first two trips to the TAPPS-5A State Meet. Though she finished with bronze in both Shot Put (36 08.00) and Discus (117-06.00) last year, she’s determined to return to the top in 2025. “I feel more motivated than ever,” she said. “I know what I’m capable of, and last year was humbling for me. Now, I have a

“

It’s in His hands now, and whatever happens is for His glory alone.

”

Taylor Makiya

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TWCA NEWS

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TWCA NEWS