VYPE TWCA Fall/Winter 2022

THE WOODL ANDS CHR I S T I AN ACADEMY

T W C A . N E T

F O R E : A L O O K A T G O L F ’ S H I S T O R I C S E A S O N

F A L L A N D W I N T E R P R E V I E W S ; F E A T U R E S

PROUD TO ANNOUNCE THE 2022 - 2023 PRESENT I NG SPONSOR

TWCA NEWS Thanks to our Warrior Boosters Season Sponsors!

FALL SEASON

WINTER SEASON

SPRING SEASON

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Warrior Family, We are Will and Nicole Murphy and we are proud to be serving as your 2022-2023 Warrior Boosters Chairs. Another school year is upon us and we are thrilled to work along side an enthusiastic and talented Booster committee. The foundation set by previous Booster Committees has been tremendous which allowed us to support several large projects for our athletics and fine arts departments. We will continue this great effort and are committed to working for our

S O C I A L

@vypehouston /vypetexas

@vypetexas @vype.houston

VYPE STAFF PUBLISHER VYPE MEDIA, LLC CEO Shane Hildreth

Nicole & Will Murphy

CHIEF CONTENT OFFICER Matt Malatesta CHIEF REVENUE OFFICER Derek Dusek

students and our school through funding and volunteering. Our goal is to make significant enhancements to both departments as well as maintain our state of the art additions we have been lucky to make over the years. We want to thank each family who has trusted in the Warrior Boosters over the years and supported in their own way. We will continue working to gain and keep your trust in our mission to provide the very best improvements to our student ’s athletic and fine arts departments. There will be many opportunities to celebrate our children and their endeavors throughout the year. From the Warrior Boosters Golf Tournament , the Warrior Color Run to the Christmas Performance and Fine Arts Extravaganza, we encourage you to join the Warrior Boosters to help support these events. The Warrior Boosters have accomplished so much with your support over the years and our children have benefited greatly. In the last few years alone, the Warrior Boosters have helped purchase home and away uniforms for both middle and high school teams, athletic team equipment, a state of the art weight room rivaling some college facilities, boys and girls locker rooms, a sports training room and new floor ing and lights in the David gym to name a few. Additionally, the Warrior Boosters funded the Fine Arts panels, display boards, new microphones, PA systems for the lower school music program and theatre with many more exciting enhancements coming this year. The Warrior Boosters have a great history of helping TWCA and we will continue to support both athletics and fine arts with your support. On behalf of the Warrior Boosters, we would like to invite you to renew your mem bership or become a sponsor to support our athletics and fine arts programs. We also invite you sign up to sponsor or play in our upcoming Warrior Golf Tournament on October 26th at The Woodlands Country Club-Player Course. This year will be filled with many other events to look forward to and we hope to see you all there! With your continued support , we look forward to a successful and purposeful year with many blessings ahead.

MANAGING EDITOR Joshua Koch CREATIVE DIRECTOR Daniel Tiller TWCA PUBLICATION & VYPE LOGO DESIGNER Carrie Friess - Meadowlark Creative

PHOTO EDITOR Bradley Collier VIDEOGRAPHER Cameron Driskil

CONTRIBUTING WRITER Matt Reese, Dennis Silva II INTERNS Kasey Dixon, Kennedi Cooper, Rebel Malatesta

CONTACT INFORMATION MAILING ADDRESS: VYPE Media, LLC 1334 Brittmoore Road, Suite 2901 Houston, TX 77043 EMAIL: info@vypemedia.com

PHONE: 713-969-7105 WEBSITE: vype.com

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 TEAM Michael Fonville, Kaylah Hubbard, Melissa Kong, Blair Moon, Matt Reese

Go Warriors! The Murphys The Murphys

ON THE COVER Photo by BRADLEY COLLIER

S O C I A L TWCA

STRIKE UP THE BAND: The Woodlands Christian Academy has made a large investment in their arts program to build the holistic student experience. Big things are ahead in the land of the Warriors as the school builds out their programs.

@twcawarriors /twcawarriors /twcawarriors

@twca warriors /twcawarriors /twcawarriors

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contents TABLE of

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29 34 36 37 38 35

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Golden Drivers

Winter Wunderkinds Winter Photo Feature: Boys & Girls Basketball, and Boys & Girls Soccer Warrior Boys Hoops TWCA Going for Seventh Straight Final Four \\ By Matt Malatesta

A Group to Remember Seven Seniors Created Incredibly Cohesive Locker Room \\ By Matt Malatesta

TWCA Men’s Golf Chasing Third-Straight Title in 2023 \\ By Joshua Koch

Home Away from Home Hull Leads Warriors Football in Second Stint at TWCA \\ By Dennis Silva II The Fall Frenzy Fall Photo Feature: Football, Volleyball, and Cross Country Playing for Country Pounds Shines in USA Win at Junior Presidents Cup \\ By Matt Malatesta

The Constant

Booth Overcomes Hurdles to Become Leader in the Locker Room \\ By Matt Malatesta

Top Gun

Following the Course Earle’s Programs Continue to Make TWCA Proud \\ By Matt Malatesta

Air Force-Commit Wyatt Boeker Ready for Takeoff \\ By Matt Malatesta

New Year, New Leader Reese Takes Over TWCA Girls Hoops Program \\ By Joshua Koch The 411: Kelly Gorman TWCA’s Women’s Basketball Hoopstar \\ By Joshua Koch Reloaded & Ready TWCA Girls & Boys Soccer Teams Look to Team Leaders \\ By Dennis Silva II

The Shark

Zoe Calamani Growing in Talent; Voice \\ By Matt Malatesta

Family & Physicality

Beauty & Power

New Look Warriors has Winning Culture \\ By Matt Malatesta

TWCA Fine Arts Sees Steady Growth; More to Come \\ By Matthew Reese

For the Love of the Game Leslie a Warrior On, Off the Field \\ By Dennis Silva II

Let's Get Hyped! The Warriors Have a Ton to Cheer About on the Fields \\ By Matt Malatesta

Bella Rios

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GOLDEN DRIVERS G O L F feature TWCA Men’s Golf Chasing Third-Straight Title in 2023

“

This opportunity

with this group of seniors, plus with the added guys we’ve got here, it’s honestly ridiculous. It’s like a cheat code.

\\ Joshua Koch

It was Jake’s first career AJGA win. Just weeks later, Pounds was a part of the United States Junior President ’s Cup winning team. Sam McClure is also being recruited as he enters his senior season, Alex Malanga played at State last year, Duke Heise is coming off a solid freshman season and Aiden Wright will be a name to remember. “When you stand on the tee box or the practice range and you watch them all hit , they’re just so gifted,” Field said. “This opportunity with this group of seniors, plus with the added guys we’ve got here, it ’s honestly ridiculous. It ’s like a cheat code.” So, how do they do it all over again? How do you leave a legacy of being back-to-back-to-back State champions and in turn finish off creating the dynasty that is the Woodlands Christian Academy men’s golf program? “You want to keep your approach the same day in and day out ,” Field said. “That ’s the one thing that has really made them so great . There’s a group of guys now who have created a culture in golf at Woodlands Christian where no coach needs to ask you to go work. “They’re all just grinders.”

IN SPORTS, THE WORD DYNASTY IS THROWN AROUND A LOT. SOMETIMES HAPHAZARDLY. But , with The Woodlands Christian Academy men’s golf team, the numbers they have put up over the past two seasons – winning back-to-back TAPPS 5A State Championships and the 2022 TAPPS Match Play Championship in October – they have a legitimate argument . After TWCA ran away with the 2022 title (finishing 34-under par as a team), led by Texas A&M-signees Aaron Pounds, Jack Usner and Jake Maggert , the Warriors have put themselves in a category of their own. They finished the 2022 season as the No. 1 high school team in the nation by the PGA and they have a chance in 2023 to add even more history as they seek a three-peat . “It ’s a once in a lifetime group,” TWCA golf coach Tanner Field said. “To repeat something like this, you just really can’ t do it .” Pounds won the individual TAPPS 5A State Championship shooting a 13-under, followed up by State runner-up Usner, who shot 12-under. They are all back. And they’ve been busy this summer. Maggert , the son of PGA Tour pro Jeff Maggert , broke the Accenture NW Arkansas Junior Tournament record shooting a 12-under par in September.

”

GO TO VYPE.COM FOR ALL YOUR TWCA COVERAGE

Jake Maggert

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Aaron Pounds, Jake Maggert, Jack Usner, Sam McClure and 2022 Graduate Ethan Bridges

Aaron Pounds

Jack Usner

Sam McClure

TWCA NEWS

Join us as we open our campus and honor our Warrior Grandparents and Grand Friends. Come experience sporting events, performances, classroom activities and get a glimpse of student life at Woodlands Christian.

November 17 & 18, 2022

BUILDING THE FOUNDATION OF FUTURE WARRIOR ATHLETES 2022-2023 Sports Boys Basketball ∙ Girls Basketball ∙ Softball Baseball ∙ Track & Field ∙ Golf ∙ Tennis ∙ Football/ Volleyball ∙ Boys Soccer ∙ Girls Soccer

SCAN ME FOR MORE I NFO

TW

FOR MORE I NFORMA T I ON CONT AC T L E I GHANN . TREPAN I ERTWCA . NE T

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G O L F

PLAYING FOR

Pounds Shines in USA Win at Junior Presidents Cup \\ B y J o s h u a Ko c h

said. “Knowing that I had the opportunity, if I played well, to be selected to the team. I was super excited going into it and it lived up to the expectation.” Pounds finished his day defeating Jayden Ford of New Zealand (2-Up) to win a point for the United States. On the final day, Team USA rallied to score 8.50 points and win the 2022 Junior Presidents Cup, defeating the International Team 13-11. “I’ve never done this before, representing my country,” Pounds said. “Just putting on the uniform gave me goosebumps before I went out and played. It was awesome to play with 12 of the best guys in the country. It was by far the coolest experience I’ve had so far in my golf career.” Over the two-day tournament, Pounds played well. In four-ball play, Pounds teamed up with Carson Kim from Yorba Linda, California to defeat Rayhan Abdul Latief and Jonathan Xavier Hartono of Indonesia 3&1 to capture a point. Later in the day in foursome play, Pounds teamed up with Eric Lee of Fullerton, California and they tied Anson Yeo and Juan Velasquez of Malaysia and Columbia to earn a half point for Team USA. In total, Pounds ended up helping Team USA earn 2.50 of their 13 total points in the win and a solid putting game was a big factor. “I definitely think my putting overall is something that I’ve been working hard on,” Pounds said. “Especially in match play. To win these matches, you have to be able to make these clutch putts. I felt like the greens were really fast this week, so speed control was super important, and I putted it really well. “Just being able to make those putts when you need to make them, it was good to see them go in that week.” The neatest part of the whole event for Pounds was the crowd. As they played, a crowd filled with Myers Park Country Club Members, PGA Tour Officials and a mix of general golf fans filled the sides of the course and especially the gallery behind the 18th hole. Walking up that final fairway, Pounds said it was special. “This was by far the most that I’ve ever played in front of,” he said. “On 18, there was a huge gallery around the green watching. It was cool. There were a lot of loud roars. It felt more like a professional tournament than a junior tournament.” With the win under his belt , Pounds spent the next few days hanging out with the PGA stars of the Presidents Cup Team. Justin Thomas and Kevin Kisner were two members of the team Pounds was especially excited to get to talk with and maybe even get some pointers. “I knew we were taking a team picture with them in the morning and then we got to go watch them play,” Pounds said. “I tried to get some knowledge from those guys. It was pretty cool.”

Aaron Pounds

IT IS 7:30 A.M. AT MYERS PARK COUNTRY CLUB IN CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA ON A COOL SEPTEMBER MORNING. The sun rising over the course marks the final day of the Junior Presidents Cup and Team USA found itself in unusual territory – trailing the International Team. The Woodlands Christian Academy senior Aaron Pounds was the first to walk to the tee box that day. He would be the tone-setter. Pounds rocketed his first drive off the tee straight down the middle of the fairway and it rolled to a stop just 40 yards shy of the pin. He then holed out for an Eagle – tone set. “That really got some momentum going for the rest of the match,” the No. 10-ranked golfer in the country by AJGA said. “It was a good start. There were some roars out there, which helped the rest of the team. We all had some momentum early on in the day and that translated throughout the rest of the day.” Pounds was one of 12 players chosen to represent the United States in the annual tournament. The Texas A&M-commit is fresh off a junior season that saw him help lead TWCA to a second straight TAPPS 5A State Championship and he won the overall individual State Championship to go along with it. His work throughout the year had paid off. “This tournament is what I’ve been working for all year,” Pounds

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PHOTO feature

Salem Armstrong-Behe

T H E

The Woodlands Christian Academy enjoyed a fruitful fall as the football, volleyball and cross country teams all enjoyed success. The football team was under new head coach Kolby Hull, while seven seniors led the volleyball squad to the postseason making long-lasting memories along the way. The cross country teams continued their dominance and the cheerleaders were there to hype up all the action. Here are just some of the familiar faces in the crowd, who have made Warrior Nation proud so far in 2022-23.

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Jack Van Til

Gabriel Demandante

Logan Swan

Maddie Maggert

Keller Davis

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Flo Shirley

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Avery Buck

Paul Breazeale

Kate Spitz

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Caroline Fletcher

Kirstyn Montgomery

Seth Culberson

Katie Melber

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Raina Hummel

Philip Catron

Carley Welch

Jacob Rios

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HOME AWAY FROM \\ B y De n n i s S i l v a I I Hull Leads Warriors Football in Second Stint at TWCA

VYPE caught up with the first-year head coach. VYPE: What is most different for you this time around at TWCA than the previous time? HULL: The biggest difference between this time and last time is when I left , we were still in Division III TAPPS and this time we’re Division II. The level that we’re playing this time around is a lot better than what we’ve played the last time we were here. It ’s a matter of doing what we need to do to be successful on this new level of football. VYPE: How has the acclimation been to being a head coach and not just a coordinator or position coach? HULL : It ’s more about the entire program instead of just the offense. You’re focused more on the entire personality of the team, and it puts things into a bigger scope. I think more broadly and more sociologically about things, looking at things from a group perspective. VYPE : What are the fundamentals and philosophy behind the way you coach and what you believe in? HULL: We preach being together and being a family as much as possible. If you can’t trust the guy next to you, it ’s very difficult to play good football. The last time I was here, we had a group of kids that believed in each other and loved each other and were a family, and they were very successful. Pine Tree had a similar group of kids. Whenever you see what the recipe for success is, it ’s taking that and adding a degree of physicality to it.

KOLBY HULL IS BACK TO HIS HOME AWAY FROM HOME AFTER LEAVING HOME . TWCA’s first-year head football coach is a familiar face. Hull was the offensive coordinator under Randy Hollas from 2017 2019. But to return to north Houston for his first head coaching gig, Hull had to leave home—Pine Tree in east Texas—to do so. “The head coaching position was obviously a big draw, but after a couple years away you start realizing where you really belong and the type of people you want to surround yourself with,” said Hull, the offensive line coach at Pine Tree High in Longview the last couple of years. Pine Tree is Hull’s alma mater. He initially left TWCA to be closer to family as his father fell ill. Leaving to come back to The Woodlands was a difficult choice. “For sure,” Hull said. “It was a conversation I needed to have with my parents before I ever decided to come back. Being able to be there and be around family...not just Pine Tree, but my wife is from Kilgore, which is 15 minutes away. Having my kid grow up around grandparents and having a daughter while I was there...having grandparents to have a lot of influence on grandkids was great. But there were a lot of draws coming back to a place where you feel comfortable.” Hull is in his 15th year of coaching. He has brought a more physical, running-oriented offense to TWCA. Defensively, the Warriors are still running a 3-4 base, but what Hull and his staff are coaching kids to do out of it is different. “It ’s definitely a process,” Hull said. “It ’s not a sprint , it ’s a marathon. Bringing in new coordinators and staff...I only have two coaches who were here under the previous head coach. For us, it ’s the idea of putting in our style of football and raising expectations every week to get them to a point that they understand where they need to be.”

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FAMILY & PHYSICALITY THE WARRIOR FOOTBALL PROGRAM LOOKS TO BE IN GOOD HANDS UNDER FIRST-YEAR HEAD COACH KOLBY HULL, WHO RETURNS BACK TO THE WOODLANDS AFTER A FEW SEASONS IN PINE TREE, TEXAS. TWCA has been led by junior quarterback Jonathan Vidal and running Michael Mitchener and tackle Keller Davis. The defense is the strength of the team, giving up only seven points per game in their four early season wins. The playoffs are imminent as the Warriors compete for their district title. New Look Warriors has Winning Culture \\ Matt Malatesta back Ryan Leslie. Diallo McMorris is a talented receiving threat and Vidal’s favorite target . Defensively, the Warriors have been anchored by defensive back Josh Johnson, safety Jacob Rios, linebacker Hull has brought a new energy to the Warriors, which is built around family and physicality.

Josh Johnson

JW Painter

The 2022 Warrior Football Team

Colby Shilling

IN the Trenches with TWCA

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Ryan Leslie

FOR THE LOVE OF THE

\\ B y De n n i s S i l v a I I Leslie a Warrior On, Off the Field

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RYAN LESLIE LEARNED A LOT ABOUT HIMSELF WHEN HE TORE HIS ACL DURING HIS FRESHMAN FOOTBALL SEASON AT THE WOODLANDS CHRISTIAN ACADEMY THREE YEARS AGO . Leslie learned how tough he was, mentally and physically. He learned how resilient he was. He learned how hopeful he was. He learned how much football meant to him. “I had to sit on the sidelines every day at practice, just watching the team play football, and I knew I was going to miss the entire season,” said Leslie, now a senior. “I truly realized how much I loved playing. I learned that when I was determined to reach a goal, I can push my body to the limits to accomplish it . I showed it through physical therapy, to being cleared in 4 1/2 months when the average time to get cleared was six months.” Since then, the 5-foot-8, 195-pound Leslie has been a consistent , productive fixture for the Warriors. He ran for 883 yards and three touchdowns through the first six games this season, averaging 7.8 yards per carry. While he has primarily played running back, Leslie also plays linebacker when needed. “If I had to choose to play linebacker or running back, I would choose running back any day,” Leslie said. “I think it ’s my best position. While I don’ t doubt my ability to play linebacker, I feel that my talent as running back better benefits the team in a positive way. Plus, at running back, I still have the ability to go and run over an opponent and score a touchdown on the same play, so I’m still getting to hit another player without getting in trouble.” Leslie first started playing football in the second grade. It was love at first sight and presented a whole new world. Prior to that , Leslie lived in Cairo, Egypt , for three years. “It ’s weird to look back at that experience now, because during that whole time (in Egypt) I had never known that football was even a sport that existed,” he said. “Now I know I could not live life without it .” He appreciates the life lessons the sport teaches. He respects how it fosters brotherhood. Leslie said he’s learned how to work with others, how to be coachable and how to thrive under pressure through football. But what he loves most is hitting people. “I’ve always been the smallest kid on the field, and just getting that opportunity to go and hit a bigger kid and take them to the ground makes me feel like I can do anything,” Leslie said. Leslie grew up watching the Texans and modeled his running style after Arian Foster.

“The main thing that I saw from him was he didn’ t waste time with juking or dancing with the defense,” Leslie said. “Foster only used one cut to get away from defenders, then he was going straight up field. I’ve tried to run that exact way. Just make one cut and go for the end zone.” Leslie said he is a better athlete and leader this season. During the summer, he increased his overall strength, weight and speed. He was a State qualifier in the 4x100 last year.

“

I truly realized how much I loved playing. I learned that when I was determined to reach a goal, I can push my body to the limits to accomplish it.

”

“Competing in track has made me a better football player. It ’s made me the fastest version of myself,” Leslie said. “Throughout my years in track, I’ve gotten to showcase my speed, but in more recent years it ’s been about perfecting my form so that I can run faster.” Leslie is more vocal as a leader this year and was rewarded by being named a team captain. On the field, he’s better at reading defenses and spotting holes as they open, doing anything and everything he can to help his team win. “My mindset in the game is to do my job every play so the team can be successful,” Leslie said. “I know I’m not going to break every single run or make every single tackle but I’m going to give it my all-out effort every single play. What drives me to do my best every play is to glorify God, make my parents and family proud and to not let my teammates down.”

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V O L L E Y B A L L feature A GROUP TO REMEMBER

“Our district is really, really competitive,” Parker said. “What set us apart was our chemistry and our focus on ball control. We wanted to score from the service line as much as we did from the attack line. That was out of necessity. We just wanted to control what we could on our side of the court and make our opponents get out of their systems.” The campus-wide mantra this year has been “Be3rd” – God, Team, Me. “We have really embodied that as a team this year,” Parker said. “This has been a special group and have set the standard for teams that come after them.” That ’s the Warrior Way. Seven Seniors Created Incredibly Cohesive Locker Room \\ Matt Malatesta

Leading the way was setter Katie Wise and hitter Jordan Booth. The four-year starters have left a tremendous legacy wearing the green and gray. “Katie has been the quarterback, calling the plays and commanding the court for years,” Parker said. “She has done an outstanding job at that. Jordan has been one of the most controlled players I’ve ever coach. She’s been so consistent.” Katie Holloway, who is committed to the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, and Kirstyn Montgomery, a lefty, have provided much on the offense up front , while Carley Welch was a constant in the middle. Brooke Harris and Avery Buck have kept the ball up from their DS positions.

WHEN THE WOODLANDS CHRISTIAN ACADEMY PACKS UP THE NETS AND VOLLEYBALLS AFTER THEIR 2022 SEASON, THE END-OF-THE-YEAR BANQUET IS GOING TO BE FILLED WITH GREAT MEMORIES AND LIFE-LONG FRIENDSHIPS. Get out the tissues, because the waterworks will be in full effect. Coach Kori Parker will say goodbye to seven seniors this year, who many have been together for four years of high school ball. “This is the most cohesive group I’ve ever had,” Parker said. “They are great players and a great group of girls who all care for each other. The camaraderie always showed up on the court and our chemistry made us successful.”

The 2022 Warrior Volleyball Team

Whitney Tucker

Katelynn Holloway

Addie Buck

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V O L L E Y B A L L

THE

Four-Year Starter Overcomes Hurdles to Become Leader in the Locker Room \\ B y Ma t t Ma l a t e s t a

“TWCA has been a great experience,” she said. “It ’s such a small, tight-knit community that you literally know everyone in your grade. You become friends with everyone. The teachers are great and really take the extra-effort with you. It ’s a family.” As her career wraps up, she looks to the future with pin point focus. “I’d like to go to Texas A&M or Baylor,” she said. “I want to become a nutritionist and help people with their diets and overall health.” That field of study hits close to home for Booth. At 12-years-old, Booth stopped eating and dropped weight that she couldn’t afford to. Her family took her to several specialists, and she was eventually diagnosed with Crohn’s disease – which causes the swelling of tissue in the digestive tract. “I remember being at a volleyball tournament in junior high and couldn’ t move because of incredible stomach pain,” she said. “I was trapped in a sitting position and my dad had to pick me up in that position and carry me to the hotel. I couldn’ t move. “I never really wanted to talk about it with my friends. It was kind of weird and I didn’ t want people to make fun of me, honestly. I finally just let me guard down and just accepted it . I still have flare ups every now and them, but it ’s under control and I can talk about it now.” The senior hasn’ t let Crohn’s disease define her over the years, however, her personality, perseverance and play have. “Our volleyball team has really leaned in to learning how to put other people before yourself,” Booth said. “It ’s about the good of the group, before the good of yourself. It ’s really a powerful life-lesson that I will take with me when I leave and always try and practice.” QUICK TAKES If a movie was made about your life, what actress would you want to play you? Sadie Sink Who has been your biggest influence? My mom. She’s the most selfless person I know. If you didn’ t play volleyball, what sport would you have played? I’m not good at it but gymnastics. It looks really fun. What do you do outside of volleyball? I like to read. I’m a Hunger Games type of girl. What music does you team play before a game? We have a big speaker and just play and dance to party music.

Jordan Booth

JORDAN BOOTH HAS BEEN A CONSTANT WITHIN THE WOODLANDS CHRISTIAN ACADEMY VOLLEYBALL LOCKER ROOM SINCE HER FRESHMAN YEAR. BEFORE THAT TOO, WHEN SHE HUNG AROUND THE VARSITY SQUAD WHEN HER OLDER SISTER, RYANN, PLAYED. “Volleyball has been a huge part of my life as long as I can remember,” she said. “These are my best friends, my family. “It started to hit me in the summer. This is it , the last season playing the sport I love with the people I love. It ’s sad to think about but I have been just cherishing every practice, bus ride and game all season.” The four-year starter looks back on her career with fond memories and a piece of advice for her younger self. “I would have told myself as a freshman to have fun,” she laughed. “Don’ t put so much pressure on yourself. I definitely did. I wanted to be perfect , but as a freshman you aren’ t going to be perfect . You are going make a bunch of mistakes.” As she got her legs under her, the all-district accolades began to pile up. She developed into a leader and will leave a lasting legacy at TWCA.

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FOLLOWING THE COURSE C R O S S C O U N T R Y feature Earle’s Programs Continue to Make TWCA Proud

Owen Young

Lucas Trevathan

2022-23 TWCA Boys Cross Country Team

Ryan Rohrlich

Owen Jadlot

Hudson Howard

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distance at an elite level,” Earle said. “They are some tremendous athletes.” The boys’ strength was their pack mentality. Led by sophomore Hudson Howard, the Warriors racked up points by running together in most meets. “It ’s been interesting,” Earle said. “We didn’ t have that superstar, but a great group of guys pushing each other as a unit .” Seniors Zach Bagnoli, Seth Culberson and Lucas Travathan were part of the pack along with Philip Catron and freshman Roberto Calimani.

“This is a very competitive group on the course, but also academically,” Earle said. “We had a stretch of Homecoming and the end of the grading period, where they were mentally exhausted. We took a team bonding trip to Austin to run and it was great for them. What I loved about this team is that they steadily improved all season.” Rounding out the top five runners were Flo Shirley, Elaina Formica, Camile Young and Bree Stowell. “Flo’s sister, Fern, was a great runner here; Elaina is just a freshman; Camile is a soccer star and Bree swims long

\\ Matt Malatesta

THE WOODLANDS CHRISTIAN ACADEMY CROSS COUNTRY PROGRAMS ARE STATE RECOGNIZED UNDER THE DIRECTION OF COACH TOM EARLE, WHO HAS VIRTUALLY BUILT THE WARRIORS INTO A POWER OVER A DECADE. This year ’s installment had their own unique characteristics were accentuated throughout the season. Let ’s start with the girls. Leading the way all fall was undisputed junior captain Zoe Calimani, who had a personal best of 12:48 this season.

Sarah Powell

Flo Shirley

2022-23 TWCA Girls Cross Country Team

Camille Young

Elaina Formica

Michaela Demandante

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Calamani Growing in Talent; Voice

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ZOE CALAMANI’S RUNNING CAREER DATES WAY BACK TO THE SECOND GRADE. SURE, SHE COULD COLOR IN THE LINES, AND CUT AND PASTE, BUT IT WAS RUNNING THAT SET HER APART. “Remember the game Sharks and Minnows?” she laughed. “I could dominate. That is when I realized I could run.” In elementary school and junior high, she just kept running. “I was terrible in sports with a ball or any hand-eye coordination sports,” she said. “The kids that didn’ t have that skill set went straight to cross country. That ’s how I ended up here.” Over time, she has turned into one of the state’s most lethal sharks on the running scene. “Zoe is pretty quiet by nature,” coach Tom Earle said. “She was a co-captain as a sophomore and became more of a leader, but now she has found her voice.” Calamani is now the star of one of the most recognizable running brands in TAPPS. “When I was a freshman, I was terrified,” she laughed. “My teammates had to tell me that it was okay to pass a senior teammate. I didn’ t know what to do. My confidence has been building over time. “As a junior, I did well but was just running comfortable. I wasn’ t really pushing myself. Now, I’m doing the little things to get better. I’m in the weight room more and am focused on my sleep, which is pretty important .” And to think that cross country is not even Calamani’s best sport . “I’m really trying to run track in college,” the 400 and 800-meter star said. “I run cross country to build my endurance for the track season. That ’s really my passion.” So, what balances the junior when she’s not training, doing homework or watching her favorite show – Criminal Minds ? “I’m a pianist ,” she said. “I’ve been doing it before I started running. I’m trained in classical piano. It keeps me balanced and focused. I really do it for myself and for volunteer work. I might play at an assistant living facility or just at my house. It ’s really important to me.”

Zoe Calamani

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TWCA NEWS

W A R R I O R COLOR RUN

SATURDAY APRIL 1, 2023

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POWER Beauty \\ B y Ma t t h ew Re e s e

Fine Arts Sees Steady Growth; More to Come

Grace Notes P I A N O S H OW

THE STAGE IS SET. THE CURTAIN IS RAISED. THE CONDUCTOR’S BATON AT THE READY. Now, we go. Fine Arts at The Woodlands Christian Academy has come roaring to life over the past three years, which should come as no surprise to Warrior Nation. Creativity is one of the pillars that the school builds its foundation on. “We want all of our students, Kindergarten through 12th grade the learn about their God-given talents in the arts...and to use them from an early age,” Fine Arts Director Phil Sweger said. Sweger, who is in his third year at TWCA, has been one of many leading the charge to grow the Arts in Warrior community. That charge has started to crescendo. The past three years have seen significant growth in the Fine Arts. The band has nearly tripled in size and the pep band — now in its second year — has an opportunity to perform during football games. There has been and addition of several new classes dedicated to mediums such as: broadcasting, graphic design, dance, lower school art and photography. The theater program now has productions from Pre-K to 12th grade. The Warriors compete in TAPPS One-Act Play competitions, debates, and produce musicals that routinely wow crowds with the increased production value from staging to the new lighting and sound systems. Simply put , the TWCA community has invested, and that is exactly what Sweger hopes for. “We want to provide excellence to both TWCA and the greater Woodlands community,” he said. “We want the public to know when we perform, and ultimately, we want to draw people to our school through the Arts.”

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However, this progress doesn’ t happen if you don’ t have the right people on your team. People working together towards a common goal which is what Mr. Sweger has worked to build throughout his time at TWCA. “We support each other. We recruit for each other and help each other ’s programs as much as we can,” Sweger said. Support from each other is one thing, but support for the Arts from the rest of the school can be tougher. For Sweger and Warriors Fine Arts, though, that support has come in many forms. “We have a great relationship with the athletic department ,”

Dance Class MIDDLE SCHOOL

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The course has been set. We are now all working toward a comon goal.

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Christmas Play PRE-K - 2nd GRADES

Sweger said as an example of that support . “We love those guys. We can ask them for something, or vice versa, and it ’s not an issue. We share time, students, facilities and keep a great relationship.” Ultimately, the goal for Warrior Fine Arts is to continue this growth to a point where the program has solidified processes for enrollment and retention and to create a program that students, parents and the community want to be a part of. While the program has seen steady growth, there’s more to come. Currently, The Woodlands Christian Academy is working toward building a brand new Fine Arts complex that will include a band hall, choir room, dance room, art room, and the largest black box theatre in Texas. Additionally, there will be an outdoor amphitheater where students can perform for the community. Expansion can be tough, but it ’s a good problem to have. “The course has been set ,” Sweger said. “We are now all working toward a common goal.” “Every time we wrap up a major production and we see the joy in the kids’ faces, hear the praise from the parents and community, we know that we are doing the right thing,” Sweger added. “The kids are invested, and starting to recognize the beauty and power of the Arts.” With the support of the school, community and each other, don’ t expect the curtain to drop on this ride anytime soon.

Jungle Book M I D D L E S C H O O L

Band Practice M I D D L E / H I G H S C H O O L

Musical H I G H S C H O O L

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!

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C H E E R feature LET’S GET HYPED ! \\ Matt Malatesta

The Woodlands Christian Academy cheer team is one of the best in the business. The Warriors have a ton to cheer about on the fields of play and they are there to create the vibe. Whether it is in front of a packed Warrior Stadium full of fans or the highly-charged David Gymnasium

which can be deafening, the cheerleaders set the tone.

The 2022-23 Warrior Cheer Team

Emma Conrey

Hayden Carson

Lindsay Smith

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W I N T E R

Andrew Furnace

The Warriors are getting ramped up for the upcoming winter seasons. Boys basketball, is well, boys basketball. They have been “The Show” over the past several seasons, winning district titles and hanging banners. The girls basketball team is coming off an unprecedented season of success and will reload under new coach Matt Reese. The soccer programs are relatively new but have set the bar extremely high so far. Check out just some of the headliners this fall. WUNDERKINDS

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Sam Lovell

Ashlyn Fleenor

Virginia Finley

Tres Luzey

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Jillian Craft

Jocelyn Klages

Jacob Ellis

Josh Bento

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Reese Muzny

Zach Turner

Colton Anderson

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Elaina Formica

Nick Brashear

Alexander McIntyre

Camille Young

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said. “We are going to grind and get after it . On offense, we are going to space the floor, shoot some threes and play with a little more pace. It ’s going to be a group effort .” Junior guard Tres Luzey will also be a factor in the team’s success as he will be leaned on to run the perimeter. Other young guards will be Nick Brashear, Omar Gayle and Hunter Bowman. “Our expectations are very high, and we are going to test our guys early with a very tough non-district schedule,” Field said. “We don’t have a lot of high level experience but that is where our culture comes into play. We are up for the challenge as coaches to get the best out of this group and put them in great positions for success.”

Leading the charge this year will be Wyatt Boeker – who has committed to the Air Force Academy. “Wyatt transferred as a sophomore and he has been with us for some of our TAPPS championship runs,” Field said. “We were led by Austin and Chanse at the time so there wasn’t a whole lot of pressure on him. Now, he’s ready for his moment and I’m excited to see how he handles it.” Senior Josh Bento is a tremendous leader and program guy, “who is so dedicated to what we do and we want him to go out on top.” The only other senior is post Chase Edwards, who comes over from The Woodlands. “We aren’ t going to have the size we have had in the past , so defensively things are really going to matter,” Field

WHEN COACH TANNER FIELD ENTERS THE GYM THESE DAYS, THINGS ARE DIFFERENT. SORT OF. Stars like Austin Benigni and Chanse Perkins are no longer leading the open gym, but the culture is still the same. A culture that has led TWCA to six straight TAPPS Final Fours. “I really don’t mind the term — rebuilding,” Field said. “It ’s one of those things culturally we work on every day. We will change up what we do on offense and defense with the talent we have, but culturally there are no exceptions. “I think it ’s fun. We have a new group that is super committed to carrying on the success we have had here. They have been relentless in the weight room and in open gyms since the offseason and we are seeing the fruits of that labor.”

The 2022-23 Warrior Basketball Team

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\\ B y Ma t t Ma l a t e s t a Air Force-Commit Ready for Takeoff

Boeker transferred to TWCA before his sophomore year and was part of the 2021 State Championship team. Last season, the Warriors fell just short of another title. As former stars Austin Benigni (Navy) and Chanse Perkins (Army) graduated, now the leadership role falls squarely on Boeker ’s broad shoulders. “Those guys taught me so much,” he said. “Austin showed me that when you feel totally exhausted, there is always something left in the tank. He endured everything. Chanse showed me the impact of hard work and staying focused in practice and in the game. His thing was to always stay on task.” It ’s his team now and he has high expectations. “I saw what winning State meant to my teammates and the school,” he said. “I think we are more than capable of doing it this year. I have a point-guard mindset and direct my teammates on the floor. My role is a little different because we are a smaller, faster group. I’m going to do the majority of the rebounding and protect the paint. The goals are still the same, and I’m here to push us to be successful.” While basketball is woven into the fabric of his life, he has another passion that balances him out. “I love producing music,” he said. “I’ve been taking the piano the last few years and I love to experiment with all types of music. I really like making orchestral music that could be the sound track in big movies.” See, Boeker a true Renaissance man.

WYATT BOEKER IS ONE OF THE MOST INTERESTING ATHLETES IN THE CITY OF HOUSTON. LIKE, THE ENTIRE CITY OF HOUSTON. Think about this... he will play his college basketball at the Air Force Academy. Getting accepted into the legendary service academy is extremely difficult , but imagine stuffing his 6-foot-8 frame into an airplane. “Yeah, I exceed the height requirement for sure,” he laughed. “I’m going there for aerospace engineering and my dream job would be to work for NASA or Space X. “What impressed me so much about Air Force was that the coaches were so invested in me during my recruitment. They understand my game. I’m not just another tall guy. I’m a stretch four, who can make plays and handle the ball.” He learned the game of basketball from his dad, Jason Boeker, who was a basketball captain at Texas A&M in 2000. “My dad played in college and I think I started playing the game at five years old,” he said. “He got a ball in my hands as early as he could and taught me the game. He has coached me for most of my career. He’s tough on me, but I wouldn’t be who I am today without him pushing me. “Through him, I fell in love with this game. It ’s simple but complex at the same time. There are so many moving parts and it moves really fast. You learn life lessons while playing with your friends. There is nothing like yelling at each other in practice and cheering on each other during games.”

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Reese Takes Over TWCA Girls Hoops Program \\ Joshua Koch much negativity in our current world, that I feel as a coach of young athletes, we can grow, and hold each other accountable in a positive light to accomplish our goals.” As TWCA enters this season, they will be young. Two seniors, three sophomore and four freshmen will grace the roster and Kelly Gorman – the team’s lone returning starter (averaging 15 points per game) – will be leaned upon for leadership. Senior Avery Buck is back after a year away from the game and she brings younger sister Addie along with her, who is a sophomore. At the end of the day, for Reese winning by 30 or losing by 30, the goal remains the same for his team. “As I mentioned above, our primary goal is to grow together in Christ,” Reese said. “What happens on the court is secondary in our bigger life goals for these athletes. “If we can start building a culture within the program that encourages, builds and promotes competition, I’d consider the season a success.”

he felt an “ineffable peace in my heart coaching our girls” and believes this is where he belongs. So, coach – what ’s the foundation of your new program? “First and foremost, I want to begin laying the foundation for all of my athletes to grow as young Christian women,” Reese said. “Our program-wide motto for the season is Be3rd — God, Team, Me. If my staff and I can help grow our athletes in Christ, we will have met our primary goal. On the court, I want each individual player in my program to simply become a better basketball player – regardless of scale or what our record says.” As Reese enters his first year leading his own program, the newly-minted head coach wants to bring an “energetic” style to the court. “I have a passion for the game that just comes naturally when I’m engulfed in the sport,” Reese said. “I want my team to match my energy on the court. If they do that, we will compete. I also feel that I will be an encouraging coach. There’s so

MATTHEW REESE MAY BE NEW TO BEING A HEAD COACH, BUT IT HAS BEEN ENGRAINED INTO HIS SOUL SINCE A YOUNG AGE. Reese’s father, Steve, coached basketball for 40 years before retiring in May of last year. After spending time in New Orleans, he ended up in Katy where he started coaching girls basketball for Mayde Creek in 1987 and held that role until a few years ago. Now, it is Matthew’s turn to walk the sideline – just like his dad. “It ’s certainly exciting and it seems fitting. I’ve been told my entire life how much I look and act like my dad, so it seems providential that I end up finding myself in a similar career role as him given that our paths there certainly weren’t the same,” Reese said. “I feel incredibly blessed to have him as someone I can look up to, rely on for counsel and who will be one of, if not my biggest supporter.” Reese served as an assistant coach last season for the women’s basketball team at TWCA. Last year as an assistant, Reese said

The 2022-23 Warriors Girls Basketball Team

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