VYPE Lutheran South Academy July 2022

LUTHERAN SOUTH ACADEMY

L U T H E R A N S O U T H . O R G

R U S H ! Gold 2 0 2 1 - 2 0 2 2 LUTHERAN SOUTH ACADEMY ATHL E T I C S Y E AR I N R E V I EW

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T H R E E & F O U R S P O R T A T H L E T E S 2 0 2 1 - 2 0 2 2

Top Row: Max McGee, Caroline Schepmann, Miller Denton, Joel Hutchins , Makynna Robbins, Lance Jeu,

Kris St.Clair, Luke Stewart, Wilson Klein, Jus s n Purdom, Charles Pi i s

Third Row: Brody Smith, Ca a e Hergenrader, Ben Pfei ff er, Caleb Jones, Bethew Jennings,

Evan Rocke e , Jace Windom, Blaine Birkelbach, Audrey Pfei ff er

Second Row: Je e Strack, Mason Hogga a , Cole Noack, Elli Stoeckel,

Juliana Capozzi, Haley Wright, Emily Adams, Diego David

Bo o om Row: Bianca Barba, Olivia Rivas, Noah Robert, Isabella Barton, Jacob Howard,

Ben Edwards, Cassidy Pfei ff er, Ella Wi i man, Madison Van Wie

Penland Photography

pregame

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CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Shane Hildreth CHIEF CONTENT OFFICER Matt Malatesta CHIEF REVENUE OFFICER Derek Dusek MANAGING EDITOR Joshua Koch DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY Bradley Collier ACCOUNT MANAGER Scott Terrell STAFF WRITER Dennis Silva II CREATIVE DIRECTOR Daniel Tiller CONTRIBUTING DESIGNER Carrie Follis PHOTO EDITORS Bradley Collier, Justin Hartojo CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Justin Hartojo

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Dea r F r i ends and Fami l i e s o f LSA

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.

I am excited and honored to share with you the news that our school has finished in second place in the Henderson Cup competition for TAPPS 5A. This is the highest finish that LSA has ever achieved! Each year TAPPS recognizes an overall champion in each of the classifications. The Champion is determined by the points each school earns in the TAPPS Championships held throughout the school year. A championship cup is presented to the school for display during the year, along with a plaque to commemorate the school’s success. As mentioned earlier, our second place finish in the Henderson Cup is the highest finish that our school has earned. Despite finishing 11 points behind Grace Community School in Tyler, Texas, our school did an amazing job in accumulating points in several different areas. Here are some of the highlights of our journey to finishing Second Place: · LSA earned the most athletics points in total for boys and girls combined. - LSA earned the most athletics

points in total for all of the boys’ competitions. - LSA earned the second most points in band competitions. - LSA earned the third most points in vocal competitions. - LSA earned the third most points in total in all of the fine arts competitions. - LSA earned the fourth most points in art competitions. While the Henderson Cup is a TAPPS high school competition, the foundations for success begin in our Lower School, is reinforced in our Middle School, and is brought to fruition in our High School competitions. Truly any and all of our school’s successes are merited to a campus effort, vision, and mission of Securing Their Future. At each level, it is through the partnering with our parents to accomplish this mission and see it manifested in excellence in the areas of Service, Academics, Involvement, and Leadership. To God be the Glory as we celebrate this success! Your Servant in Christ, Steve Garrabrant

LUTHERAN SOUTH ACADEMY

L U T H E R A N S O U T H . O R G

R U S H ! Gold 2 0 2 1 - 2 0 2 2 LUTHERAN SOUTH ACADEMY ATHL E T I C S Y E AR I N R E V I EW

on the cover Photo by Justin Hartojo

GOLD RUSH: Welcome to the VYPE Lutheran South Academy 2021-2022 Year in Review Magazine. Congratulations to Makynna Robbins, Jace Windom, Deundre’ Jones, Xavier Edwards, Chase Turley, Ayana Mallard-Smith, Chase Ferguson, Evany Gonzalez and Joel Hutchins for gracing the cover!

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CHAMPIONSHIP CORNER 4

LEAVING A LEGACY 10

IN THE ZONE 16 FALL WRAP 23 WINTER WRAP 29 SPRING WRAP 35

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CORNER Championship OVER THE 202 1-202 2 SHOOL YEAR, LUTHERAN SOUTH ACADEMY BROUGHT HOME A PAIR OF TEAM STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS IN BOYS SWIMMING AND BOYS TRACK & FIELD. WE TAKE A LOOK BACK AT BOTH TITLE RUNS IN THE VYPE CHAMPIONSHIP CORNER . \\ Photos Courtesy of TAPPS

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VYPE: Chase Ferguson caps an amazing career at LSA, what was it like to watch him do that? HILLEGEIST: I was lucky enough to coach him from his freshman to senior year. Year-in and year-out he has grown so much. Seeing him going into State, he was like a seasoned veteran. He had a lot of confidence, knew what he wanted to do and he swam exactly how the boys needed him to. VYPE: Talk me through all the celebration, you being doused by water and shaving your head? HILLEGEIST: I [saw it coming], they did that to me their sophomore year without me expecting it . I’m big into my shoes, so I told them they need to warn me, and they did. Early in the season, I also made a bet with them for ex tra motivation that if they won State, I’d let them shave my head at the meet . So, right before we got on the bus, I pulled out a razor and they shaved my head. They loved that . It was a ton of fun for to watch them have that much fun.

VYPE: What was different about their demeanor and how they carried themselves this year compared to last? HILLEGEIST: They had a lot of confidence this year. Last year with COVID going on, it was a lot of ‘what ’s going to happen with the meet?’. A lot of that threw them off but when they got to be all together and have that team atmosphere it gave them a ton of confidence and energy. They brought it this year. VYPE: I heard that Luke LeBlanc gave a fired-up speech prior to the State Meet . What does that tell you about LeBlanc as a leader? HILLEGEIST: Luke is very competitive. So, when he went to the locker room, he told them it does matter what we get . ‘I want to win’. Those boys loved that competitive nature. They got excited. He played football and baseball, so he’s around a lot of those more intense sports team-wise. A lot of people don’ t view swimming as a ‘team sport ’ and Luke really brought the energy to make it feel that way. Hearing him do that made me feel really good about me having him be a team captain.

WHEN LUTHERAN SOUTH ACADEMY HIT THE WATER THIS YEAR, THERE WAS A LITTLE EXTRA FIRE BEHIND EVERY STROKE, DIVE AND TURN THE PIONEERS MADE IN THE POOL IN 2022. The group was not just determined but destined to be great . In the end, not standing atop the podium holding the TAPPS 5A State Championship trophy was not an option. In the end, they got it , claiming the TAPPS 5A State Championship in boys swimming for the second time in three seasons, joining the 2020 squad. VYPE caught up with coach Jarod Hiillegeist to get The 411 on this squad. VYPE: To fall shor t last year and come back and win it all in 2022 , did that fuel you all? HILLEGEIST: Oh, definitely. When they first won State, those boys wanted to win it back-to-back . When they couldn’ t get that , they felt a little cheated. So, with the way things were they wanted to come back even better the nex t year. They wanted it so bad because they knew this was their last chance.

BOYS! Golden \\ By J o s h u a Ko c h L S A B OY S SW I M W I N S E C OND T I T L E I N T H R E E Y E A R S

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The rest of the 4x100 meter relay team was Ethan Savell , Lowery, John LeBlanc and Hutchins. In the distance races, the Pioneers also garnered points. In the 400-meter, Marcus Gaitan took silver (50.33) and Lowery placed four th with a time of 50.70. In the 800-meters, it was Matthew Gaitan taking bronze (1:58.90), besting his brother Marcus who took four th (1:59.25). Alec Salerno placed seventh in the 300-meter hurdles (46.07) and the 4x200-meter relay (Max McGee, Jonah Weber, LeBlanc, Matthew Savala) placed seventh (1:33.33). In the end, the points were enough to push LSA to the top of the mountain, which Benson hopes excites other athletes walking the halls for years to come. “You always hope a State Championship will excite athletes in the school who maybe haven’ t thought about running track ,” Benson said. “We also have a good group of athletes coming back nex t year and that ’s always exciting knowing that many coming back par ticipated in the State Championship and would like to have another one.”

program.

IT ALL CAME DOWN TO ONE RACE – THE 4X400-METER RELAY. At any track & field meet , the 4x400 is always the final race of the weekend and heading into it Lutheran South Academy track & field coach Gene Benson knew his boys team needed to do well to secure something they hadn’ t won in 20 years. As Jaylin Lowery raced down the final stretch and crossed the finish line, the clock for LSA stopped at 3:24.92 . Lowery pumped his fist in excitement . They were State Champions. “Everybody was out there whooping and hollering,” Benson said. “Everybody was ecstatic in the win.” Winning the 4x400-meter relay (Jaylin Lowery, Max McGee, Marcus Gaitan and Matthew Gaitan) gave LSA a final total of 103 points, enough to beat out TMI Episcopal by 21 points to capture the 2022 TAPPS 5A Men’s Track & Field State Championship, the first since 2002 for the Pioneers. “It ’s been a while,” Benson said with a laugh. “It ’s always good to win the title like this. It ’s exciting for everybody. We knew we had a chance and went in there and the athletes per formed. Which is what they were there to do.” Benson is in his 31st year leading the LSA track & field

As the veteran coach reached back into his memory to 2002 , the similarity to that run to a title and the one in 2022 was on the final day they just kept scoring. The Pioneers also walked into the final day with points already on the board. Wilson Klein cleared 14 feet in the pole vault to take silver, while Adan Rivas finished four th clearing 10-feet-6-inches. In the high jump, Kaden Harvey finished as the State Runner-up clearing 6-feet-4-inches. In the triple jump, Lowery finished fifth with a leap of 41-feet-11-inches. With those, LSA had 25 points already on the board heading into Saturday. Then, the points piled up event after event . Joel Hutchins brought home the 100-meter dash State Championship with a school record time of 10.67, took bronze in the 200-meter dash (22 .7 1) and then anchored the bronze medal-winning 4x100-meter relay (43.00). “He had a big meet ,” Benson said of Hutchins. “At the State meet everybody is good, so you must be ready to go. He was rearing to go, met that competition and met the challenge to what was happening.”

GOLD A Run for \\ By J o s h u a Ko c h

L S A B OY S W I N F I R S T T E AM T I T L E I N 2 0 Y E A R S

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LEGACY Leaving a \\ By J o s h u a Ko c h L S A S E N I O R S R E F L E C T A S T H E Y H E AD TO N E X T L E V E L AT LUTHERAN SOUTH ACADEMY, THE CLASS OF 202 2 WAS AN IMPRESSIVE GROUP THAT WALKED ACROSS THE STAGE IN MAY AND BROUGHT A CLOSE TO SUCCESSFUL CAREERS . EIGHT OF THOSE SENIORS GRACED THE COVER OF THIS EDITION. VYPE GOT TO KNOW THEM BET TER .

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have the goal and are pushing to get to it .” The Pioneers went on to win 21 games in 2022 and advance to the TAPPS State Softball Tournament . LSA reached the State Semifinals. Gonzalez was named first-team, all-state in TAPPS Division II after hitting .515, driving in 19 runs and registering 31 stolen bases for the Pioneers. Entering her senior year, Gonzalez wanted to be a leader for her team – mission accomplished. “Leadership is very impor tant ,” she said. “Everyone looks up to you, especially being an impor tant [role model]. If you’re guiding them, they will follow you.” Gonzalez is signed to the University of New Mexico, where she will continue her playing career for the Lobos. “I’m super excited. This is something I’ve looked forward to since I was a kid,” Gonzalez said. “Seeing the big girls play when I was little, it ’s just been a big dream of mine. When I stepped [on campus], I just knew that ’s where I wanted to be. “ The culture and the girls surrounding me, they were suppor tive and caring.” As she walks away from LSA , the softball star feels like her legacy is cemented. “I want to be remembered the most for my name,” Gonzalez said. “Knowing that I came here, and I did what I needed to do and that I’m going to be remembered.” Jace Windom Soccer – University of Texas at Dallas (Not Playing College Soccer) REFLECTING BACK ON HIS HIGH SCHOOL PLAYING CAREER,

Deundre’ Jones Baseball – Kansas State

THERE IS NO LACK OF CONFIDENCE FOR DEUNDRE’ JONES, ON OR OFF THE FIELD. “I’m a very self confident guy,” Jones said. “I feel like I always believe in myself and trust in myself.” Jones signed to play baseball at Kansas State after a stellar career at LSA. He also has some prospects in July ’s Major League

Baseball Draft to consider as well.

Playing collegiate

baseball is something he’s “always dreamed of ” and that aspiration star ted in middle school. In Jones’ time at Lutheran South Academy, the Pioneers baseball program won two TAPPS State Championships, bringing home crowns in 2019 and 2021. Last years was the program’s four th overall since 2015. “It ’s a new team every year, and the fact that we are able to just keep winning was a good thing,” Jones said. Over the years, Jones admits he learned a lot about himself in his time at Lutheran South Academy. His favorite memories were “winning State titles and getting rings”. And for the ultra-confident guy on and off the baseball diamond, there should be no surprise on who his favorite MLB player is. “I love Bryce Harper,” Jones said. “I’ve been watching him since I was young. He’s an inspiration.”

JACE WINDOM TOOK LESSONS LEARNED FROM PREVIOUS SEASONS AND GREW INTO A LEADER THE TEAM NEEDED HIS SENIOR YEAR.. His final match for LSA on March 1 in the TAPPS Division II Regional Final was indeed the last of, not only his high school career, but overall , as far as competitive soccer goes. “I’m going to miss everything,” Windom

Evany Gonzalez Softball – University of New Mexico

WHEN THE LSA SOFTBALL TEAM TOOK THE FIELD FOR THE FIRST TIME IN 2022, EVANY GONZALEZ WAS ON A MISSION. They were going to win. “I think from the very beginning I set out saying we’re here to win,” Gonzalez said. “ This is our last year, we’re going out with a bang. Ever since that , everyone had that mindset of locking in and knowing that we all

said. “But I just was ready for the nex t chapter of my life.” Windom will head to the University of Texas at Dallas and study business analytics. He may play club soccer or join an intramural team to scratch the soccer itch though. At LSA , his legacy is a strong one. Windom arrived on campus his sophomore season when LSA reached the TAPPS State Tournament . He also went back his junior year and then the Regional Finals in 2022 . “It was fun to do that with my teammates, just enjoying the experience,” Windom said about the success. “Making it far, winning those big games. It was all such a blast .” This past season, Windom netted 37 goals and registered 23 assists. Windom was named the 2022 VYPE Awards

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in the winter and finished as a State Champion track star in the spring. “Every day just coming in, seeing the people I love,” Hutchins said. “Just hanging out . Going out to practice with good coaches and just having fun.” Last season, Hutchins led the Pioneers football team in receiving with 1,311 yards and 20 touchdowns on 78 receptions. Hutchins finishes his

Private School Boys Soccer Player of the Year. But the player who describes his gameplay as “flashy” on the offensive side of things and leans on being “humble”, wants to be remembered for more than just his stat line. “Definitely that I’ve been a good leader,” Windom said. “Everybody always knew I was good at soccer. I felt like it was impor tant to be a leader to even the underclassmen.” Finally, his favorite memory? “In the Regional Final , I just hit this one [goal] that I was just amazed by,” Windom said. “I didn’ t think it was going to go in. I just cut out , I hit it and it curled right in. It was really cool.” Chase Turley Tennis – Centre College

CHASE TURLEY FACED THE MOST FORMIDABLE CHALLENGE OF HIS TENNIS CAREER THIS PAST SPRING. No, it wasn’ t the fact that he was chasing another TAPPS Tennis Doubles State Championship. It was the fact that he was indeed doing that , but with a brand new and younger doubles par tner. “I felt like a leader,” Turley said. “I was telling him

high school career with 3,180 yards and 46 touchdowns on 174 receptions, averaging 18.3 yards per catch and 90.9 yards per game. Once football and soccer were over, Hutchins turned his attention to the hardtop. Hutchins won gold in the 100-meter dash (10.67), took bronze in the 200-meter dash (22 .7 1) and was a par t of the bronze medal 4x100-meter relay team. At the end, LSA boys track & field finished with 103 points, good enough for the TAPPS 5A State Championship. “It was a lot of fun. I knew at the beginning of the season we had a lot of talent ,” Hutchins said. “I didn’ t think we had a chance of doing it , but we came together, had some fun and we did it .” Hutchins signed to run at SFA at the nex t level , which is a “dream come true,” and hopes his legacy at LSA is people chasing and breaking his school records. “Since I broke a lot of records, I think I’m just something for them to reach for,” Hutchins said. “Maybe beat me. Someone to look up to.” Ayana Mallard-Smith Track & Field – Sam Houston WALKING DOWN THE HALL, THE SOUND OF METAL CLINKING AGAINST METAL CAN BE HEARD. IT IS COMING FROM THE PLETHORA OF MEDALS HANGING AROUND AYANA MALLARD-SMITH’S NECK. The decorated LSA senior ’s legacy is cast in gold, silver and bronze. “I saw myself grow just because my time just kept going lower and lower,” Smith said about improving from her freshman to senior year. “I just felt confident in what I was doing.” In her freshman year, Smith went to State in the long jump (6th – 15-feet-10.5-inches), 200-meter dash (2nd 26.18) and 100-meter dash (2nd – 12 .45). In 2020, due to the shutdown from the COVID-19 pandemic, the season was canceled after March. Coming back in 2021, her junior year, Smith returned to State and won gold in the 100-meter dash (12 .82) and long jump (18-feet-10-inches), and took silver in the 200-meter dash (26.25).

what to do and what not to do at cer tain times. He stuck with it . He learned from his mistakes. We worked well with that .” In the end, Turley and Michael Bar ton defeated the duo of Saint Mary ’s Hall-San Antonio in straight sets (6-2 , 6-2) to win the TAPPS 5A Boys Doubles State Championship in May. “ The work and dedication that we put into it , a lot of people don’ t see that ,” Turley said. “It was a great feeling to be done and finish my senior year with a first-place medal.” Turley is signed to continue his playing career at Centre College in Kentucky. “I love the guys there,” he said. “Centre is a great town. A lot of great people. Love the coach, love the atmosphere.” As far as his legacy, leaving LSA as a back-to-back boys doubles State Champion, Turley wants to be remembered for his “dedication to tennis”. “It ’s not just school. A lot of people don’ t see tennis as a hard spor t , but it is,” he said. Joel Hutchins Track & Field – Stephen F. Austin PICK A SEASON, THEN FIND A FIELD OR A TRACK AND YOU WOULD MOST LIKELY FIND JOEL HUTCHINS. The Lutheran South Academy senior was an all-state wide receiver for the Pioneers in the fall , dabbled in soccer

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“My coaches always ask me what ’s my why in football ,” he said. “ The why is even when you’re having a bad day, football will never change on you.” So, Xavier is following in his father footsteps, playing football at the nex t level and being a par t of one of the top college football rivalry games in the nation – Army versus Navy. “I see it on TV and there’s a lot of people that show up to the game,” he said. “Always talking Army-Navy game. It ’s a big-time rivalry.”

As a senior this year, she returned to State and capped her career as a back-to-back 100-meter dash State Champion (11.75). “It was something I definitely felt like I could do because I knew I had it in me,” Smith said about winning back-to back crowns. “But if you would have

Chase Ferguson Swimming - Bucknell University

AS CHASE FERGUSON PREPARED TO BOARD A BUS TO HEAD TO THE TAPPS STATE SWIM MEET IN 2021, THE THEN-LSA JUNIOR RECEIVED BAD NEWS – HE HAD TESTED POSITIVE FOR COVID-19. Due to the positive test , Ferguson was held back and could not compete for a second-straight TAPPS Division II State Championship with his teammates. A mere 365 days later, Ferguson got sweet redemption, helping lead

said this to freshman me, I wouldn’ t have thought I would have come this far.” Despite her decorated career on the oval , the Sam Houston signee hopes people will remember her for more than her legacy on the track at LSA. “Off the track , I hope they remember me for who I am besides being an athlete,” she said. “What I showed during school and in the hallways. On the track , my dedication. See how much everything means to me and how I’m serious about it .” Xavier Edwards Football – Army THE ARMY LIFE HAS BEEN THE ONE XAVIER EDWARDS GREW UP KNOWING. It was the life his

Lutheran South Academy to the 2022 TAPPS Division II State Championship, the second of his illustrious career. “It ’s definitely a pretty cool feeling,” Ferguson said. “Going from State Champions sophomore year, not being able to do it last year and come back this year was huge for us and meant a lot . “ That ’s the way to go out .” Ferguson, who is signed to swim at Bucknell University, worked this year to be a leader for his teammates as they chased the crown, but with a dose of major positivity. “[Get them] excited for the grind, bringing the team together and having a lot of positivity,” he said. “If we could just get that ball rolling, it leads to really good results.” At State, Ferguson took silver in the 100-yard freestyle (48.75) and gold in the 100-yard backstroke (52 .72). As far as his best memory swimming for the Pioneers? “Winning State sophomore year, we did not expect that going in at all ,” Ferguson said with a smile. “We just went in, per formed our best and then some people swam up and we won the whole thing. It was wild.”

father Wilber t chose for 24 years serving in the United States Army. Now, Xavier will follow in his father ’s footsteps. At West Point – attending the academy and playing linebacker for Army football. “ There’s a lot

of people in my family that are in the service. They inspired me to go in,” Edwards said. “I’m very honored because my dad was in the military, and I’ ll be an officer when I get out . I want to serve my country.” For Xavier, football has always been his spor t . This past season, Xavier was named first-team, all-state and earned an academic all-state nod as well. He led the team with 105 total tackles, averaging 9.5 per game and five tackles for loss. Along with those, he collected a pair of sacks, interceptions and fumble recoveries.

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Makynna Robbins

L S A S O PHOMO R E H A S S T E L L A R S E A S ON \\ By J o s h u a Ko c h THE 411

Paige Bueckers, who stars for perennial power UCONN. “I try to style my game after her. I love her a lot ,” Robbins said. “She’s my biggest influence.” So, what ’s the encore? “I’m just going to continue to put in hard work and working with my teammates so that the whole team can improve,” Robbins said.

clicked.”

sophomore, Robbins averaged a team-leading 18.2 points and 11.3 rebounds per game. She also chipped in 1.9 assists, 2 .9 steals and one block per game. “I was putting in a lot of hard work and my teammates helped me out ,” Robbins said. “I love basketball and it just

AS THE SONG GOES … IT IS TIME TO REMEMBER THE NAME. That name is Makynna Robbins, who will enter her junior year at Lutheran South Academy as one of the top basketball players not only for the Pioneers but a rising star in the private school world in the city of Houston. In 27 games as a

The standout season earned Robbins a second team, all-state nod and a first-team, all-district recognition as well. It was in middle school that Robbins “really star ted putting in work” and at that point knew what it would take to be elite. Her favorite player is

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Garrett Helpenstill

Dakota Watson

Max McGee

Michael Perusse

ZONE In the LUTHERAN SOUTH ACADEMY HAD ANOTHER REMARKABLE YEAR ON THE FIELD, TRACK AND IN THE POOL . IT IS TIME TO CELEBRATE THE PIONEERS ’ BEST OF THE BEST FROM THE 202 1-202 2 YEAR . HERE ARE SOME OF THE FACES OF LSA ATHLETICS!

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Ainsley Gregson

Matthew Giugliano

Michael Barton

David Hensley

Kaleb Cox

Kenyan Bernard

Catie Hergenrader

Alec Salerno

Ella Wittman

Lauren Ferguson

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Clare Varanauski

Colt Powledge

Layton Thacker

Olivia Munoz

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Kat Maldonado

Hayden Bridges

Abby Montemayor

Caroline Ledbetter

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Remy Keller

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C OA CH J U S T I C E R E A CH E S C A R E E R M I L E S TON E Football

senior middle linebacker Xavier Edwards compiled 105 total tackles with five tackles for a loss, two sacks, two interceptions and two fumble recoveries. Edwards is signed to Army to play football , while Hutchins signed with Stephen F. Austin for track & field. Junior defensive lineman Josh Gomez added seven tackles for loss and five sacks.

THE 2021 SEASON WAS A FULFILLING ONE FOR LSA FOOTBALL . The Pioneers went 7-4 in TAPPS 5A and finished third in district play with a 3-2 record. Coach Don Justice, in his fifth season at the helm, recorded his 100th career win in the process. LSA was led by senior receiver Joel Hutchins, who totaled 1,311 receiving yards and 20 touchdowns on 78 catches, averaging 16.8 yards per catch. On defense, ALL-STATE FIRST TEAM Xavier Edwards HONORABLE MENTION Joel Hutchins ALL-DISTRICT FIRST TEAM Joel Hutchins Ethan Savell Josh Gomez Xavier Edwards Cade Goldstraw SECOND TEAM Diego David Matthew Savala Colin Fox Cole Noack Reid Goldstraw HONORABLE MENTION Jacob Sims Logan Schmidt Josh Gomez ACADEMIC Xavier Edwards

Joel Hutchins

Kaleb Cox Nick Hatch Maddox Govea Hunter Teichman Kaden Harvey

Back Row]: Tyler Helpenstill, Joel Hutchins, Colt Powledge, Justin Purdom, Tyler Saunders, Xavier Edwards and Nicholas Hatch; [Middle Row]: Farooq Ridley-Winters, Diego David, Kaleb Cox, Cade Goldstraw and Garrett Coiner; [Front Row] Syr Bailey, Bert Jennings and Luke LeBlanc

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F U T UR E I S BR I GH T F O R P I ON E E R S Volleyball

33 total blocks and 21 aces. Also enjoying strong seasons were sophomore outside hitter Remy Keller (114 kills, 69 digs) and sophomore defensive specialist Makynna Robbins (60 kills, 26 digs).

the best among TAPPS 5A. Sophomore Taylor Crain and freshman Kenna Sambrano led the way. Crain, a libero, had 359 digs (4.1 per set) to go with 160 assists and 47 kills. Sambrano, a middle blocker, led the Pioneers in kills with 165 (two per set) to go with

LSA VOLLEYBALL HAD A TRYING YEAR IN 2021, GOING 13-20 AND FINISHING FIFTH IN DISTRICT PLAY . LSA was a young team that graduated only six seniors, however, the Pioneers were not without standouts. LSA had its fair share of players honored as

ALL-DISTRICT FIRST TEAM Taylor Crain SECOND TEAM Kenna Sambrano HONORABLE MENTION Remy Keller Makynna Robbins

[Back Row]: Olivia Munoz and Evany Gonzalez; [Middle Row]: Emily Adams, Kylie Rutledge, Hayley Calhoun, Ainsley Gregson, Taylor Crain, Sydney Hardaway, Kenna Sambrano and Makynna Robbins; [Front Row]: Caroline Schepmann, Jamie Faseler, Haley Wright and Remy Keller

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L S A B OY S F I N I S H T H I R D AT S TAT E Cross Country LSA HAD AN IMPRESSIVE YEAR ON THE CROSS COUNTRY COURSE .

The Pioneer boys finished second at the district meet and third overall at the State meet . The Pioneer girls finished four th at district . Marcus Gaitan was named an all-state runner for LSA. He and his brother, Matthew, and Easton Bettcher were named to the all-district team. LSA’s Lydia Ward was recognized as an all-district selection on the girls side.

[Back Row]: Layton Thacker, Marcus Gaitan, Jett Strack, Max McGee, Lucas Wells and Matthew Gaitan; [Front Row] Easton Bettcher, Nathan Mendoza, Elijah Ward and Luke Anderson

Lydia Ward

[Back Row]: Bianca Barba, Catie Hergenrader and Audrey Pfeiffer; [Front Row]: Mia Vasquez, Lydia Ward and Charlotte Gimenez

Easton Bettcher

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PIONEER SAVE THE DATES

AUGUST 1 FALL SPORTS BEGIN

CHRISTMAS BREAK DEC 19 - JAN 2

AUGUST 15 WELCOME BACK DAY SPRING SPORTS BEGIN JANUARY 16 AUGUST 17 FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL LUTHERAN SCHOOLS WEEK MARCH 6-10 SEPTEMBER 9 HOME FB GAME vs CYPRESS CHRISTIAN SPRING BREAK MARCH 12-18 SEPTEMBER 10 LSA XC INVITE LSA GALA MARCH 24 OCTOBER 14 HOMECOMING LSA ATHLETIC GOLF TOUN APRIL 10 OCTOBER 17 WINTER SPORTS BEGIN LAST DAY OF SCHOOL GRADUATION MAY 26

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Caroline Schepmann

WRAP Winter \\ By De n n i s S i l v a I I

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L I ND B E R G , R O BB I N S S TA R ON C OUR T Basketball

2 .9 steals and 1.9 assists. Sophomore Bianca Barba averaged 8.9 points, 2 .4 rebounds and 1.9 steals per game.

1.7 assists per game.

The Pioneer boys were led by senior Paul Lindberg, who averaged 13 points and five rebounds and made 63 3-pointers in 24 games. Senior Galen Waters added 9.2 points, 2 .6 rebounds and

LSA’S HOOPERS ENJOYED NICE SEASONS ON THE COURT . The boys finished 21-16 overall and third in district play. The girls went 16-13 and also finished third in district .

The Pioneer girls were led by sophomore Makynna Robbins, a double double machine. Robbins averaged 18.2 points and 11.3 rebounds to go with

Kaleb Cox, Matthew Rhodes, Kenyan Bernard, Paul Lindberg, Justin Purdom and Galen Waters

Boys ALL-STATE HONORABLE MENTION Paul Lindberg ACADEMIC Paul Lindberg Galen Waters Alex Melillo ALL-DISTRICT FIRST TEAM Paul Lindberg Galen Waters SECOND TEAM Alex Melillo Kenyan Bernard HONORABLE MENTION Jose Medina Kaleb Cox

Galen Waters

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Girls ALL-STATE

SECOND TEAM Makynna Robbins ACADEMIC Caroline Schepmann Dakota Watson ALL-DISTRICT FIRST TEAM Makynna Robbins Bianca Barba SECOND TEAM Caroline Schepmann Dakota Watson HONORABLE MENTION Cayden Koster

Cayden Koster

2022 LSA Girls Basketball Team Members

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C OA CH H AG G E R E A CH E S 2 5 0 W I N S , W I NDOM S TA R S Soccer

Freshman Brody Smith had a nice debut campaign with 25 goals and 10 assists. The LSA girls went 12-14 but were solid in district play, finishing third with a 9-5 standing. Junior Rachel Bell paced the Lady Pioneers with 28 goals and four assists. Junior Malorie McGee added 11 goals and seven assists.

IT WAS A MILESTONE SEASON FOR LSA BOYS SOCCER COACH NATE HAGGE AS HE NOTCHED HIS 250TH CAREER WIN IN WHAT WAS ANOTHER STRONG YEAR ON THE PITCH FOR HIS PIONEERS . The LSA boys went 20 9-3, finishing second in district play. Senior Jace Windom was the catalyst , scoring 37 goals with 23 assists for 97 total points. FIRST TEAM Jace Windom ACADEMIC Jace Windom Matthew Giugliano Nick Hatch ALL-DISTRICT Boys ALL-STATE

Malorie McGee & Emily Adams

Brody Smith

FIRST TEAM Jace Windom SECOND TEAM Matthew Giugliano

Nick Hatch Max McGee Brody Smith HONORABLE MENTION Mason Hoggatt

2021-2022 LSA Boys Soccer Team Members

Girls ALL-STATE

ACADEMIC Rachel Bell Malorie McGee Emily Adams ALL-DISTRICT SECOND TEAM Rachel Bell Malorie McGee Emily Adams Claire Vaeanauski HONORABLE MENTION Tori Carroll

2021-2022 LSA Girls Soccer Team Members

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L S A B OY S , G I R L S SW I M T E AMS S H I N E AT S TAT E Swimming

On the boys’ side, the 200-yard medley relay of Ferguson, Miles, Hensley and Haver set a record mark with a time of 1:41.09. Hensley set a record mark in the 200-yard freestyle with a time of 1:45.54. On the girls’ side, Ferguson set records in the 200 freestyle (2:05.19) and 500-yard freestyle (5:39.16). The 200-yard freestyle relay of Pfeiffer, Hergenrader, Dean and Ferguson set a record with a time of 1:55.12 .

The LSA girls placed

LeBlanc, Nolen, Hensley). Ferguson won gold in the 100-yard backstroke and silver in the 100-yard freestyle. Haver finished seventh in the 100-yard freestyle and ninth in the 50-yard freestyle. Hensley won gold in the 500-yard freestyle and bronze in the 200-yard freestyle. LeBlanc took six th in the 100-yard backstroke and 10th in the 50-yard freestyle. Miles finished four th in the 200 yard IM and fifth in the 100 yard breaststroke.

IT WAS A SENSATIONAL YEAR IN THE POOL FOR LSA AS THE PIONEER BOYS AND GIRLS FARED EXCEPTIONALLY WELL AT STATE, WITH THE PIONEER BOYS WINNING THE TAPPS 5A TEAM STATE CHAMPIONSHIP . The LSA boys placed second in the 200-yard medley relay (Chase Ferguson, Tristan Haver, David Hensley, Elliott Miles) and 400-yard freestyle relay (Ferguson, Luke LeBlanc, Hunter Nolen, Miles), and third in the 200-yard freestyle relay (Haver,

seventh at State. The Pioneers were six th in the 400-yard freestyle relay (Rylee Dean, Catie Hergenrader, Audrey Pfeiffer, Lauren Ferguson) and seventh in the 200-yard freestyle relay (Pfeiffer, Pham, Erinn Donnelly, Dean). Lauren Ferguson took bronze in the 200-yard freestyle and 500-yard freestyle. School records were broken for both programs en route.

2022 LSA Boys & Girls Swim Team Members

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Bri Collazo

WRAP Spring \\ By De n n i s S i l v a I I

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P I ON E E R S R E A CH TA P P S S TAT E TOURN AME N T Baseball

team. Senior infielder Tyler Helpenstill , senior utilityman Colt Powledge and senior pitcher/infielder Drew Stanaland were named to the all-district second team, while honorable mention all-district selections were freshman pitcher/infielder Victor Coronado, junior outfielder Matthew Savala, senior pitcher/outfielder Zach Brownlee, senior pitcher/infielder Garrison King and junior pitcher/ infielder Logan Schmidt . Coiner, Garrett Helpenstill and Tyler Helpenstill were named to all-state academic team.

THE PIONEERS HAD A STRONG SHOWING ON THE BASEBALL DIAMOND IN 2022, GOING 27-10, FINISHING SECOND IN DISTRICT PLAY AND MAKING A SPIRITED RUN TO THE STATE SEMIFINALS . Senior infielder/pitcher Deundre’ Jones was named as an all-state first team selection. Senior right hander Garrett Coiner was named to the second team. Senior catcher Garrett Helpenstill was named as an honorable-mention pick . Jones, Coiner, Helpenstill and junior pitcher/outfielder Blaine Birkelbach were named to the all-district first

2022 LSA Baseball Team Members

Garrett Coiner

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L S A G R A B S D I S T R I C T CR OWN , R E A CH E S TA P P S F I N A L F OUR Softball

2022 LSA Softball Team Members

all-state honorable mention selection. Gonzalez , Koster, Collazo and Calhoun were first team, all-district selections. Sophomore shor tstop/ outfielder Kat Maldonado and sophomore Caroline Ledbetter were named to the second team. Freshman utility player Lauren Brown was named an all-district honorable mention selection. Gonzalez and Koster were also named to the all-state academic team.

LSA WAS SIMPLY DOMINANT IN 2022, GOING 26-3, WINNING A DISTRICT CHAMPIONSHIP AND MAKING IT TO THE STATE SEMIFINALS . Senior shor tstop and team captain Evany Gonzalez was named to the all-state first team. Freshman catcher/infielder Briana Collazo joined her. Senior third baseman and team captain Cayden Koster was named to the all-state second team. Senior pitcher/infielder Hayley Calhoun was an

Hayley Calhoun

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S TAT E T I T L E S WON , R E C O R D S BR O K E N F O R P I ON E E R S Track & Field LSA HAD A DOMINANT SHOWING ON THE TRACK AND IN THE FIELD IN 2022 .

100 (11.75 seconds) and 200 meter dashes (25.05 seconds). She also set a record in the long jump with a mark of 19-feet , 1-inch. The 4x100 (Makynna Robbins, Audrey Pfeiffer, Emily Adams, Smith) set a record with a mark of 50.01 seconds. Rachel Bell set a record in the discuss with a throw of 122-1. Malorie McGee set a record in the triple jump with a mark of 37-feet , 1 ½ inches.

Savell , Jaylin Lowery, John LeBlanc, Hutchins) with a time of 42 .85 seconds, the 4x400 (Gaitan, Max McGee, Matthew Gaitan, Lowery) with a mark of 3:24.92 , and the 4x800 (Matthew Gaitan, Layton Thacker, Elijah Ward, Marcus Gaitan) with a time of 8:21.72 . Kaden Harvey also set a record in the high jump with a mark of 6-feet , 5-inches. On the girls side, Mallard Smith set records in the

gold at the State meet . A slew of program records were also broken. On the boys side, Hutchins established records in the 100 meters (10.67 seconds) and 200 meters (21.60). Marcus Gaitan set records in the 400 (49.60 seconds), 800 (1-minute, 59.96 seconds) and 1600-meter run (4-minutes, 29.32-seconds). Also setting records were the 4x100 (Ethan

The Pioneer boys team took home the TAPPS 5A State Championship, while the Pioneer girls finished fifth at State. The boys also won the District and Regional team titles. The girls finished third at District and Regionals. Joel Hutchins, Ayana Mallard-Smith and the boys 4x400-meter relay took home

2022 LSA Boys Track & Field Team Members

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2022 LSA Girls Track & Field Team Members

State Results: First Place: Joel Hutchins, 100 meters First Place: Ayana Mallard-Smith, 100 meters First Place: Boys 4x400 Relay (Marcus Gai tan, Max McGee, Matthew Gai tan, Jaylin Lowery) Second Place: Marcus Gaitan, 400 meters Second Place: Kaden Harvey, High Jump Second Place: Wilson Klein, Pole Vault Second Place: Ayana Mallard-Smith, Long Jump Second Place: Malorie McGee, Triple Jump Third Place: Rachel Bell , Discus Third Place: Joel Hutchins, 200 Meters Third Place: Matthew Gaitan, 800 Meters Third Place: Boys 4x100 Relay (Ethan Savell , Jaylin Lowery, John LeBlanc , Joel Hutchins) Third Place: Girls 4x100 Relay (Makynna Robbins , Audrey Pfeiffer, Emily Adams , Ayana Mallard Smi th) Fourth Place: Ayana Mallard-Smith, 200 Meters Fourth Place: Jaylin Lowery, 400 Meters Fourth Place: Marcus Gaitan, 800 Meters Fourth Place: Girls 4x200 Relay (Makynna Robbins , Audrey Pfeiffer, Emily Adams , Malorie McGee)

Fourth Place: Adan Rivas, Pole Vault Fifth Place: Alma Mar tin, Pole Vault Fifth Place: Jaylin Lowery, Triple Jump

Sixth Place: Cassidy Pfeiffer, 300 Meter Hurdles Seventh Place: Alec Salerno, 300 Meter Hurdles Seventh Place: Boys 4x200 Relay (Max McGee, Jonah Weber, John LeBlanc , Matthew Savala)

Ayana Mallard-Smith

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BR I DG E S S TAND S OU T F O R P I ON E E R S Golf

THE LSA GOLF TEAMS HELD THEIR OWN, AND THEN SOME, ON THE COURSE THIS SPRING . The Pioneer boys finished four th overall at the district tournament . The Pioneer girls finished second. Hayden Bridges was the star Pioneer golfer in 2022 . She placed eighth at the Regional Tournament to qualify for State, and then tied for 15th at State with a two-day score of 185.

2022 LSA Golf Team Members

L S A B OY S , G I R L S S HOW O F F AT S TAT E Tennis

THE LSA BOYS AND GIRLS TENNIS TEAMS FARED NICELY AT THE STATE TENNIS TOURNAMENT. EACH FINISHED FOURTH TO CAP OFF SUCCESSFUL CAMPAIGNS . Michael Bar ton and Chase Turley claimed as State Championship in doubles play. Cat Carpenter finished third at State. Zach Chen and Derek Ying were also State qualifiers for the Pioneers. Bar ton, Turley and Chen were all recognized as academic all-state selections.

2022 LSA Tennis Team Members

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