TWCA Winter 2023-24

THE WOODLANDS CHRISTIAN ACADEMY

TWCA .NET

Winter Edition 2023-24

TWCA Combines Athleticism with Faith & Integrity WARRIOR Life THE

PREGAME

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Warrior Nation, We are moving fast and furious through the 2023-24 school year! Warrior Athletics at The Woodlands Christian Academy allows our students to grow spiritually, emotionally, and physically while glorifying our Lord Jesus Christ. The student-athletes who participate in our programs are afforded the opportunity to face adversity and build strong character

VYPE STAFF PUBLISHER VYPE MEDIA, LLC CEO Shane Hildreth

CHIEF CONTENT OFFICER Matt Malatesta CHIEF REVENUE OFFICER Derek Dusek CREATIVE DIRECTOR Daniel Tiller

TWCA PUBLICATION + VYPE LOGO DESIGNER Meadowlark Creative • Carrie@ArtByMeadowlark.com PHOTO EDITING Bradley Collier, Meadowlark Creative CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Bradley Collier, Jamey Wright, Doug Brown STAFF WRITER Matthew Ogle DIGITAL EDITOR Jackson DiPasquale CAMPUS REPRESENTATIVE Diana Alvarado

and grit. Additionally, athletic competitions enrich our campus culture and provide a framework for developing student and community spirit. We invite our Warrior Nation to come out and enjoy a game. Come and see the growth of these students before your eyes! The Warrior coaches and community thank you for your support. We couldn’t do it without you! Blessings, Randy Hollas Athletic Director

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SPECIAL THANKS TWCA MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS TEAM Stephanie Olson, Michael Fonville & Matthew Reese

ON THE COVER Photo by BRADLEY COLLIER THE WARRIOR LIFE: TWCA Combines Athleticism with Faith & Integrity

SOCIAL TWCA

@twcawarriors /twcawarriors /twcawarriors

@twca _ sports @twcawarriors /twcawarriors

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BOYS BASKETBALL

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Bold EXPECTATIONS

Tocabens Takes Over Talented Lineup

2023-24 Warrior Boys Basketball

Our expectation is to be in the State Championship Game—not only because of our past success but this also could be the most talented roster we have ever had here. Now they just have to go out and hang a banner. We can really shoot it and have multiple college-level players on this team, who have high basketball IQs. “ ” ~Jason Tocabens WARRIOR BOYS BASKETBALL COACHES’ 2 \\

THE HEADLINERS Nick Brashear Omar Gayle

CORNER Landon Harris Howie Keene Tres Luzey

Tres Luzey

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BOYS BASKETBALL

Nick Brashear

Howie Keene

Wesley Hinkle

Omar Gayle

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BOYS BASKETBALL

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Tres Luzey

Luzey Focused on Hanging Banner for Senior Season \\ By Matt Malatesta LOCKED IN

team for granted, but our goal remains the same … a State Championship. Our chemistry is there, and we all are locked in on the same goal.” Luzey took the offseason and summer to work on his game entering his senior season. “Playing AAU with FAM Elite really helped my game this summer, but hitting the weight room was the biggest difference,” he said. “After last season, I knew I had to get stronger if I wanted to play at the next level. I worked a lot with our strength coach Tim Walker on my explosiveness and getting people off of me. I just needed to get more physical.” Studying guards like Steph Curry, Trae Young, Kobe Bryant, Michael Jordan and LeBron James, Luzey tries to bring an element of each of those superstars’ games. “When I’m not watching tape, I’m hanging with friends or playing NBA2K and Fortnite,” he said. “But my real love is just playing ball. I’m going to do it as long as I can.” With Division I schools vying for his talent, it looks like he won’t be stopping any time soon.

OVER THE PAST FIVE YEARS, TWCA HAS BEEN BLESSED WITH TALENTED FLOOR GENERALS. There was Bakari Lastrap, who led the Warriors to a pair of TAPPS State Titles from 2016-2020. The VYPE Private School Player of the Year now plays at Midwestern State. Then came Austin Benigni, who won a pair of State Titles in basketball and was also a VYPE Player of the Year. His high motor and basketball IQ landed him at the Naval Academy, where he played in all 31 games last year as a freshman. The baton has been passed to Tres Luzey, who has built a solid resume at TWCA but wants more. “I worked out with Bakari and Austin over the summer and they just kept preaching hard work,” he said. “I learned from them that it’s all about attention to detail and never taking a practice rep off. You always have to be thinking of the end goal.” His goal as a senior is to win another title for the green and gold. “Coach (Jason Tocabens) reminds us that we are going to get everyone’s best shot, every night,” he said. “Teams are coming after us because of our history. We can’t take any

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GIRLS BASKETBALL THE New KID Olson Could Take Center Stage on Hardwood \\ By Matt Malatesta feature

Blakely Olson

centered young ladies,” she said. “We are going to be determined to be our best all the time. As we play together … I think we are going to be really good.” When she is not working out on the hard wood, Olson can be seen paddleboarding on the Waterway, hanging with friends, trying new restaurants or studying. “I’m focused on academics and getting into a school like Baylor or TCU,” she said. “They are two different fields, but I’d like to be a radiologist or orthodontist.” Her guilty pleasure? “I love a good, cringy rom-com (romantic comedy),” she laughed. Yep, she fits in just fine.

MOVING TO A NEW SCHOOL AS A SOPHOMORE CAN BE TRICKY. NAVIGATING NEW HALLWAYS, UNDERSTANDING THE SOCIAL STRUCTURE OF A NEW HIGH SCHOOL, AND FINDING YOUR FOOTING INSIDE A NEW LOCKER ROOM CAN BE A CHALLENGE. Well, Blakely Olson is fitting in just fine. “TWCA is a great environment, and it has been a really smooth transition,” she said. “I love my new basketball team, and they have been so welcoming.” Olson hails from Amarillo, Texas – where girls basketball is the big ticket. “I don’t know what it is about West Texas, but there is so much D1 talent that comes from there,” she said. “I started young and playing out there has really prepared me for a successful high school career. I feel like I’m a good shooter and leader … I consider myself a great teammate.” TWCA has a young squad this season under the direction of coach Matt Reese. Reese is excited about their talent, and the future could be bright as the pieces start to come together. “I think we are going to build a strong team full of Christ

FOR MORE PHOTOS, VISIT US ON INSTAGRAM: @TWCA_Sports

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GIRLS BASKETBALL

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Bright FUTURE

TWCA Girls Basketball has Path Forward

2023-24 Warrior Girls Basketball

COACHES’

“I’m incredibly excited about what we are building at TWCA this year. We are a young team, but the foundation we are laying with this core group of girls is going to pay dividends for us not just this year, but for our future as well. “

CORNER

Michelle Oji, Rhema Chiazor

Bella Orr

” ~Matt Reese TWCA GIRLS BASKETBALL

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GIRLS BASKETBALL

Grace Fadahunsi

Ashlyn Culp, Virginia Finley

Elaina Trevathan

Jillian Craft

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TWCA NEWS

TWCA Warrior Boosters promotes school spirit and provides support to the Athletic and Fine Arts Programs. To join Warrior Boosters, visit twca.net/boosters. Thank You to Our Sponsors!

WARRIOR BOOSTERS PRESENTING SPONSOR

VICTORY SPONSORS

The Orr Family

BIBLER FINNEY PANFIL PRIVATE WEALTH MANAGEMENT GROUP of Wells Fargo Advisors

The Tillman Family

The Chappelle Family

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TWCA NEWS

WARRIOR BOOSTERS FALL SEASON SPONSOR

WARRIOR BOOSTERS WINTER SEASON SPONSOR

WARRIOR BOOSTERS SPRING SEASON SPONSOR

MONARCH SILICA Expert Production. Exceptional Products.

SUPPORTER SPONSORS

BANNER SPONSORS

The Brown Family Compass Drywall

Joe Castro Plumbing Kailee Mills Foundation Kara Powell Photography Mike Powell Insurance Petroleum Wholesale

The Rodriguez Family Mike Seder Group/ Nicole Murphy Realtor Sovran Water Texas Premier Mortgage The Republic Grille

Hometown Pediatrics Houk Air Conditioning Hughes & Cozad Orthodontics

Sponsors as of December 1, 2023

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feature BOYS SOCCER Surprise SEASON

White Feels Confident in 2024 Squad

2023-24 Warrior Boys Soccer

We had about six new kids move in who are all club soccer players, including two from overseas. The district championship is well within reach, and I think we can make a big run at State. We were young last year, and those guys have more experience too. We are going to surprise people. Our strength is our starting 11, but what sets us apart is our bench. We have quality and quantity, and I don’t feel like we have had that before. Our midfield play is really solid, our Belgium goalkeeper could be really special, and Octavio Barrios is one of the top players I’ve ever coached. “ ” ~Christopher White TWCA BOYS SOCCER COACHES’ 10 \\

CORNER Octavio Barrios

Niko Patel

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BOYS SOCCER

Bronson Ward

Campbell Young

Justin Furnace

Josh Endler

Vincent De Causemaeker

Lucas Finley

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feature BOYS SOCCER THE Captain Furnace has Big Dreams Beyond TWCA \\ By Matt Malatesta

Andrew Furnace

my goal. I feel like that is a good way to leave a mark on the world for God and country.” He is honing skills for his future on the field. “I have stepped into a leadership role on this team,” he said. “We are growing really close as a team and we are going to have a great season. We will have several new move-ins and our roster will be totally different this year. I’m trying to lead this team in 2024, but also set up this program for success next year and beyond. I’m trying to grow the culture.” Furnace considers his strength as being more physical than technical on the pitch, but when off the field, he loves to marvel at La Liga … the Spanish League. “Like all soccer fans, I love to watch Messi,” he said. “But the way they play soccer in La Liga … it’s truly a beautiful game.” It’s no shock that Furnace plays center back … the quarterback of the defense. That certainly seems “on brand” for Furnace, who will make TWCA proud as he embarks on this future mission.

ANDREW FURNACE HAS A LASER-FOCUSED VISION FOR HIS FUTURE. The senior soccer star has high expectations for the 2024 season, but he is locked-in regarding his college life and beyond.

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I’m trying to lead this team in 2024, but also set up this program for success next year and beyond.

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“I want to be in ROTC, and I will be attending the Citadel,” he said. “I want to be in the military and get into the Special Forces, and the Citadel gives me the quickest path to get to

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TWCA NEWS

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GIRLS SOCCER

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2023-24 Warrior Girls Soccer Sneak ATTACK

Riley Expects Warriors to Have Breakout Season

We are coming off a season where we had nine freshman and zero seniors. We are more mature, and we should really capitalize on that. Since we didn’t lose anyone, our chemistry should be a strength along with depth. Jocelyn Klages is a tough competitor and a four-year starter. She can find the back of the net. Alexis Osterhaus is relentless and passionate about her game and is a tremendous leader. Kate Worthington is a great center back and is very level-headed. “ ” ~Paige Riley TWCA GIRLS SOCCER COACHES’ 14 \\

THE HEADLINERS Jocelyn Klages -Sr Alexis Osterhaus -Jr Kate Worthington -Soph

CORNER

Rylie Moore

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GIRLS SOCCER

Kayden Edmunds

Lily D’Souza

Ella Dafferner

Alexis Osterhaus

Sofia Cruz

Logan Swan

Victoria Crawford

Louise DeCausemaeker

Rebecca Alcala

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GIRLS SOCCER Fearless Klages Lives With an Edge \\ By Matt Malatesta

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Jocelyn Klages

The TWCA-lifer, Klages has thrived inside the halls of Warrior Nation. “There is a real sense of community here,” she said. “It really comes down to how people treat each other at TWCA. It’s the culture. It’s very encouraging.” When she’s not scoring goals, doing back tucks or flying through the air into the long jump sand pit, Klages likes to travel, map out her future and wind down in front of her favorite shows. “I love going to Mexico, but I’ve probably learned the most about different cultures going to Istanbul,” she said. “I’d like to go into plastic surgery or orthodontics as a career in the future. I know it will take a lot of hard work, but I’m up for it.” Let there be no doubt, she’s fearless.

JOCELYN KLAGES IS FEARLESS. The TWCA senior has an edge that follows her from the soccer pitch, to the track and to the football sideline, where she is also a cheerleader on Friday nights. “It comes from soccer,” the all-district performer said. “It’s a sport where you can’t be scared. If you go in scared, you aren’t going to be successful or can get injured. It’s an aggressive sport and that is what I love most about it. “I use that in cheer because you have to have that fearless mindset to try new things and progress. I learned a round off-back-tuck just trying it in my backyard. I also use that mindset on the track where I run sprints and do the long jump. You have to be explosive and a fearless competitor.” Being fearless is admittedly her general vibe. “I’m pretty serious,” she said. “I’m kind of no-nonsense but when it calls for it, I can be goofy too. I’m a determined person and want to be successful in whatever I do, so I know when to buckle down and get things done.”

FOR MORE PHOTOS, VISIT US ON INSTAGRAM: @TWCA_Sports

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SERVANT Heart feature ATHLETIC TRAINING McIntyre Leading Student Trainers; Learning Trade \\ By Matt Malatesta

Alex McIntyre

“I love being a leader and managing personalities inside the training room,” he laughed. “It’s tricky to get everyone to work together, but I like to think I help with that.” Being a part of the training program has influenced his future. “Getting involved has helped me make a decision about my direction in college and my future,” he said. “I want to do PT (physical therapy). I want to stay around sports and help get athletes back on the field. That’s my dream.” He has a front-row seat at TWCA, working with his peers with difficult injuries and celebratory returns. “We see a little bit of everything from knee injuries to bumps and bruises,” he said. “Getting kids back on the field and what they love to do is very rewarding.” Having game experience, tremendous leadership qualities and a passion for helping others, the future looks bright for McIntyre.

ALEX MCINTYRE HAS GOTTEN THE MOST OUT OF HIS TWCA EXPERIENCE.

The senior has played football, been on Homecoming court, currently anchors the defense on the soccer team, and leads the athletic trainers getting his classmates back on their fields of play. What does he do to chill? “I hang out with my girlfriend and play a lot of video games,” he laughed. “It calms me down after a stressful day. If I’m not playing, I’m watching YouTube videos of people playing video games.” When he’s off-line, McIntyre is laser-focused on school, soccer and training. “Soccer is my main focus,” he said. “I’m good at defense, getting people off the ball with my strength. I love being part of a team … the camaraderie of it.” He’s a great teammate as an athletic trainer as well.

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ATHLETIC TRAINING

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Warriors Helping WARRIORS

SOME OF THE HARDEST WORKING STUDENTS AT THE WOODLANDS CHRISTIAN ACADEMY ARE THE STUDENT TRAINERS. Many times, they are the first ones in the building and the last ones to leave with the mission of getting their fellow peers back on their fields of play. From ice packs to ankle tape to hydration to encouragement, this team is one of the most valuable on campus. Let’s give it up for your student trainers. TWCA Athletic Trainers Get Classmates Back in the Game

2023-24 Athletic Trainers

Samantha Brown

Laylee Morris

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ATHLETIC TRAINING

Reagan Sberna

Jake Bunch

Mackenzie Allphin

Will Sullivan

Caden Chapman

Virginia Finley

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feature FINE ARTS Dance REVOLUTION \\ By Matt Malatesta Stewart Revs Up Dance Team

THE WOODLANDS CHRISTIAN ACADEMY INTRODUCED DANCE IN THE FALL OF 2021, UNDER THE DIRECTION OF INSTRUCTOR KIRSTIN STEWART, AND IT HAS GROWN EXPONENTIALLY. THIS HAS BEEN THE FIRST YEAR FOR A WARRIOR DANCE TEAM MADE UP OF NEARLY TWO DOZEN STUDENTS FROM 7TH-12TH GRADE. “It has been very fun to see the excitement for the program and to have such a wonderful group of girls that work so hard and are able to share the gift of dance with the rest of the school for the first time,” Stewart said. “This year’s teams are forging the path for others to join in years to come.” The future looks bright as TWCA also has a 5th and 6th grade squad. Stewart is a decorated performer in her own right. She went to college at Point Park University (one of the top 10 schools for dance) and earned her B.A. in Dance with a Minor in Musical Theatre. She went on to performing professionally for 10 years in musical theatre on Broadway and National Tours. “In 2018, I felt God’s calling to take a leap of faith and move to Texas to become a teacher,” she said. “I was at another Christian high school for three years before God led me to TWCA. “I also try to instill in the students that we have been given this gift to dance and move every day. God has blessed us with the ability to be able to dance and use our bodies to glorify Him. We must never take it for granted, and we should strive to work our hardest and do our best each day.”

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TWCA NEWS

IT WAS A BANNER DAY FOR THE WARRIOR BOOSTERS AS THE 12TH ANNUAL WARRIOR BOOSTERS GOLF TOURNAMENT TOOK PLACE ON MONDAY, NOVEMBER 6TH AT THE BEAUTIFUL WOODFOREST GOLF CLUB IN MONTGOMERY, TEXAS. A RECORD 157 PLAYERS COMPETED AND A RECORD-SETTING TOTAL OF $85,520 WAS RAISED AT THE TOURNAMENT. “The school [TWCA] is very close to the hearts of the Reeds and with grindworksUSA as well,” grindworksUSA Director of Operations Richie Hernandez said. “We just want to support the school and the kids as best as we can, and this is a perfect way to do it.” Back to defend their crown, Beau Charbonneau, Jason Cooper, Jordan Lynn and Ryan Wilkerson took home the 2023 title with a winning score of 53 (-19). “It’s always what we like to see,” Hernandez said about the commitment of the TWCA community to support the students. “To see parents, friends and family all coming together for the kids and to help support the school is awesome.” Warrior Boosters thanks our Title Sponsor, grindworksUSA, the tournament chairs Scott and Holly Gibson, and the team at Woodforest Golf Club for hosting the event! 1. (Left to Right) Rachel Ray, Will Murphy, Nicole Murphy, Julie Ambler 2. Rachel Ray, Holly Gibson, Scott Gibson, Julie Ambler 3. Beau Charbonneau, Jason Cooper, Jordan Lynn and Ryan Wilkerson

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