Willis ISD March 2024

WILLIS ISD HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS

WILLISISD.ORG

SMOKE WILLIS ISD READY FOR ALL COMPETITION BRINGING THE

Spotlight articles

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Locked in She’s Cooking Looking Onward One of the Boys

Marina Wilson, Willis Wrestling

pregame

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GET OUT TO THE GAME

We are excited to be fully immersed in the spring season of Willis High School athletics. Our athletes have worked hard to prepare for the season, and coaches have done great work training them. If you have time, I encourage you to support these athletes by attending a game or match. It is amazing to see the dedication, sportsmanship and love of their sport in action. It is a busy season for sports in Willis ISD, and we can’t wait to watch our student-athletes succeed. Success in Willis ISD goes beyond the wins and losses. Success is helping young athletes to become contributing members of our

community and society in general. We are also excited to announce that Trent Miller has been named the new Athletic Director for Willis ISD. He will also remain Head Football Coach. Coach Miller is the driving force behind the recent successful football season, where the Wildkats took the 13-6A district championship undefeated, and went three rounds deep in the playoffs. We are excited for the future of all athletics in Willis ISD under his leadership as he guides our student-athletes on their journeys forward!. Tom Crowe, Willis ISD Interim Superintendent

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WILLIS ISD HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS

WILLISISD.ORG

on the cover Photo by Bradley Collier

BRINGING THE SMOKE: Daniel Nickel, Chelsea Mentado-Perez, Kynlei Chapman and Maddox Keo are the Pride of the Purple.

SMOKE WILLIS ISD READY FOR ALL COMPETITION BRINGING THE

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WELCOME ABOARD

I am honored and humbled to serve as the new Athletic Director for Willis ISD. My family and I have loved every minute of our time in Willis, and we can’t wait to continue making memories here. As we transition into the vibrant spring season, I am delighted to extend a warm welcome to all community members as we gear up for an exciting lineup of high school sports. As the Athletics Director, it brings me great joy to witness the dedication, passion, and spirit displayed by our athletes and coaches. The spring season marks the end of winter sports and the renewal of outdoor activities, bringing a fresh opportunity for our students to showcase their talents on the field, track, court, and beyond. From basketball, wrestling and powerlifting - to baseball, track and field, softball, tennis, and soccer, our student-athletes are just wrapping up their winter sports as our spring sports are ready to demonstrate their skills and sportsmanship throughout the upcoming months. I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to the parents, families, and community members who continually support our athletes and coaches. Your unwavering encouragement and enthusiasm

serve as invaluable pillars of strength for our entire athletic program. Whether you’re cheering from the sidelines, volunteering your time, or providing words of encouragement, your contributions do not go unnoticed and are deeply appreciated. In this season of growth and renewal, let us come together as a community to celebrate the achievements and efforts of our student-athletes. Their commitment to excellence both on and off the field is a testament to their resilience and determination. Through their participation in sports, they not only cultivate athletic prowess but also develop essential life skills such as teamwork, discipline, and leadership. I invite each and every one of you to join us in supporting our athletes as they embark on this exciting journey. Let us fill the stands with enthusiasm and pride as we cheer on our teams to victory. Thank you once again for your continued support and dedication to our high school athletics program. Together, we will make this spring season one to remember. Trent Miller, Athletics Director & Head Football Coach

THANKS TO OUR BOARD MEMBERS

Kyle Hoegemeyer PRESIDENT

Paulett Traylor VICE PRESIDENT

Chad Jones SECRETARY

Scott Carson MEMBER

Nikita Lagway MEMBER

Charles Perry, Sr. MEMBER

Cliff Williams MEMBER

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Photo feature

Jorden Taylor

Kelsie Wyland (sliding) and Rylee Gage (tagging)

THE WILLIS WILDKATS ARE BRINGING THE HEAT THIS SPRING ON THE DIAMOND AND THE OVAL. IT HAS BEEN A HISTORIC YEAR FOR THE PURPLE AND WHITE THIS PAST FALL, WITH FOOTBALL ADVANCING DEEP IN THE POSTSEASON, AND THEN BASKETBALL FINISHING SECOND IN DISTRICT 13 6A. NOW IT’S TIME FOR THE “SPRING STARS” TO TAKE THE BATON. HERE ARE SOME OF THE HEADLINERS THIS SEMESTER. HAZE P U R P L E

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Photo feature

Rodney Pace

Jaden Menjivar

Addie Hall

Cody Hicks

Taina Troncoso

Evangeline Munaretto

Baseball

Seth Sloan

Jaden Menjivar

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OUT OF THIS WORLD THE WILLIS BASEBALL TEAM IS LOCKED IN. AFTER JUST MISSING THE POSTSEASON IN 2023, THE WILDKATS WILL BE IN THE PLAYOFF CONVERSATION UNDER THE LEADERSHIP OF COACH BRETT WASHBURN. THE ACE IS MADDOX KEO, WHO HAS SIGNED WITH RICE, BUT THE STAFF HAS DEPTH WITH SHEY HOLLIDAY, AUSTIN GASKINS AND JADEN MENJIVAR PLAYING EXPANDED ROLES ON THE MOUND. MENJIVAR, GAGE BLINKA, SETH SLOAN, KELLY ABKE AND JOHNNY HUDSON PROVIDE THE POP AT THE PLATE, AMONG OTHERS. STAY TUNED AS THE HARDBALLERS CHALLENGE FOR A POSTSEASON SPOT IN ONE OF THE MOST COMPETITIVE DISTRICTS IN THE STATE.

Austin Gaskins

Zadin Cannon

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KEO ANCHORS FORMIDABLE WILLIS STAFF L O C K E D IN \\ Matthew Ogle

close enough to come home if I need to.” “I’m normally a very talkative person, and that was the case when I made visits to some other schools. But with my visit to Rice, I didn’t talk – I just soaked it all in. At that point, everything just clicked, and I knew I was making the right decision when I committed that day.” Prior to games, it’s extremely common for athletes to listen to music to hype themselves up. However, that doesn’t happen to be the case for Keo. His pregame ritual is much more introspective. “I’m not a big music guy, actually,” Keo said. “I don’t really listen to anything when we warm up. It’s more of a meditation in my head, and my thoughts for me. After I eat my sweet onion chicken teriyaki sandwich from Subway, I’ll just go into the corner of our field for 30 minutes and think about what I’m going to do, and it relaxes me.” “Being mentally prepared for a game is extremely important to me, in order to avoid frustration. Being physically ready hasn’t been an issue for me, so if I’m focused on the mental side, I know I can do what needs to be done.” Keo is locked in for his last ride at Willis High and that looks to be scary for his District 13-6A opponents.

“Freshman year was tough because it was our COVID year,” he said. “Adapting to the circumstances is something that everyone needed to get used to. Our culture has changed tremendously in recent memory.” “Last year we slacked a little bit, but this Spring we’re going to be locked in, and a lot of people have been stepping up.” Willis narrowly missed out on the postseason a year ago, during a season which saw Keo earn second-team, all-district honors. However, if his baseball journey is any indication, things should play out differently in 2024. “It all started from a young age, since T-ball when I was three years old,” said Keo. “I’ve grown up with these guys my entire life on the baseball field. The brotherhood and bond that we share has kind of kept me in love with the sport.” “The fact that pitching came naturally to me and I’ve gotten good enough that I was getting DI offers, makes me invest myself that much more.” Speaking of DI offers, Keo ultimately chose to play for Rice at the conclusion of his high school career. “I committed to Rice because it felt like home,” he said. “The second reason was because I know that I’m actually going to play during my freshman year. It’s also

From new coaching, to the COVID-19 epidemic, the senior pitcher has become adept at rolling with the punches.

BEING A FOUR-YEAR LETTERMAN ON WILLIS’ VARSITY PROGRAM, MADDOX KEO HAS WITNESSED THE TEAM OVERCOME A GREAT DEAL OF ADVERSITY.

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CHAPMAN DEALING ON THE DIAMOND WHILE SELLING BAKED GOODS S H E ’ S COOKING \\ Matt Malatesta

to be a Realtor and build my baking business after college,” she said. “That’s my plan.” And she’s sticking to it like an Ooey Gooey Butter Cake.

Campbell Sports Park, where I work in the summers. I also knit blankets to sell.” Softball is her “now” but business is her “future”. “I’m going to take softball as far it takes me, but I want

my pecan pie cheesecake. I can only make two a day, but they go so fast.” “I’m kind of an entrepreneur. I get it from my Dad, who co-owns a snow cone stand at Gene

WILLIS SOFTBALL STAR KYNLEI CHAPMAN COOKS ON THE MOUND AND BAKES IN THE KITCHEN. Huh? The senior ace of the Wildkat softball team is one the most feared pitchers in the city of Houston when she toes the rubber. With her red hair flowing and her windmill motion, the ball explodes out of her hand. “You know red heads are a little angry,” she laughed. “Over the years, I’ve had to improve on my anger management, honestly. Just keeping composed on the mound and getting in my zone. I just go out there and concentrate on hitting my spots.” The right-handed senior has signed to play her college ball at McLennan Community College next season after putting in years of honing her craft. “I love how close-knit the girls are and how they worship God even though it’s not a Christian school,” she said. “That was something I was looking for. Also, 90-percent of the girls sign with DI college programs after they graduate.” When she’s not mowing down batters for Willis, “Chappy” can bake with the best of them. She has started a small business – “Cakes by Kynlei” – where she sells her masterpieces. “Making cheesecakes, pies and cakes is just my thing,” she said. “My top seller is

softball

ON THE CUSP WILLIS SOFTBALL BARELY MISSED THE POSTSEASON IN 2023 AND A YOUNG NUCLEUS IS READY TO RESTORE THE ROAD INSIDE THIS PROUD PROGRAM. WITH AN ACE IN THE CIRCLE, THE ‘KATS ARE HUNGRY TO MAKE THE PLAYOFFS.

Rylee Gage

Sydni Garcia

Sydney Prihoda

THE STRENGTH OF THIS TEAM IS THE FACT THAT THEY ARE ALL ONE. THEY GET ALONG REALLY WELL AND ARE HITTING ON ALL CYLINDERS AS FAR AS CHEMISTRY. KYNLEI CHAPMAN WILL LEAD US IN THE CIRCLE, BUT WE HAVE A FRESHMAN PITCHER WHO WILL EAT UP INNINGS. WE ARE A STRONG HITTING TEAM AND TRY AND GET THE MOST OUT OF EVERY AT-BAT. WE HAVE SOME YOUNG GIRLS WHO ARE ALSO GOING TO HELP POWER THIS OFFENSE. LECHELLE LARA - WILLIS SOFTBALL COACH

PLAYERS TO WATCH KYNLEI CHAPMAN, P RYLEE GAGE, SS SYDNI GARCIA, OF

Coach Lechelle Lara

ADDIE HALL, 1B CODY HICKS, OF

SYDNEY PRIHODA, OF KELSIE WYLAND, 2B

Girls Track & Field

F A M I LY ATMOSPHERE TIGHT-KNIT CULTURE A RECIPE FOR SUCCESS

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THE CULTURE I’M TRYING TO INSTILL HERE IS THAT WE’RE A FAMILY. WE ALL HAVE OUR INDIVIDUAL EVENTS, BUT WE RUN TOGETHER WHEN WE COMPETE AGAINST EACH OTHER AT PRACTICE, WHICH

TRANSFERS OVER TO OUR MEETS DURING THE YEAR. AARON BREED - WILLIS GIRLS TRACK & FIELD COACH

PLAYERS TO WATCH DESTINY HIGHTOWER EVANGELINE MUNARETTO CARLY PAUGH TAINA TRONCOSO KAELEY UHLIG

Carly Paugh

Destiny Hightower

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Boys Track & Field

TAKE YOUR MARK! RUNNERS WILLIS RETURNS TO CONTENTION ON THE OVAL

Trenton Holmes

PLAYERS TO WATCH

JERMAINE BISHOP TRENTON HOLMES DANIEL NICKEL RODNEY PACE

Tyler Daigrepont

Coaches Darrell Williams & Aaron Breed

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THE ADAGE ‘IRON SHARPENS IRON’ CAN REALLY BE APPLIED TO OUR PROGRAM. WE HAVE A GREAT, YOUNG GROUP OF GUYS WHO HAVE SET THE STANDARD. THAT COMPETITION INSIDE OUR PROGRAM BREEDS EXCELLENCE. WE MAKE PRACTICE OUR GAME TIME, AND GAME TIME OUR PRACTICE. DARRELL WILLIAMS - WILLIS BOYS TRACK & FIELD COACH

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NICKEL WANTS TO LEAVE LEGACY AT WILLIS L O O K I N G ONWARD \\ Matthew Ogle

with the program, Nickel reflected on what the sport has meant to him and what he will do in the future. “It means everything to me,” he said. “I feel like I’ve built something here, and I hope to leave a legacy for other kids to look up to. I want to prove that anything is possible. My first 100m time was 11.90 seconds during my freshman year, and I recently ran a 10.80 despite having a bad start.” “That sets me up for a great season, and I want to show that you can do anything when you put your mind to it.” The WildKats reached the Regional Meet a year ago and brings back the majority of that roster this Spring. If the rest of the Willis team share a similar passion as Nickel, the WildKats should be in for a thrilling performance down the stretch.

IT TAKES A SPECIAL KIND OF PERSON TO CONTINUALLY EXCEL ON THE TRACK, ESPECIALLY CONSIDERING THE TOUGH COMPETITION THAT CONROE ISD OFFERS ON A YEARLY BASIS. Among the imposing roster that Willis features, senior Daniel Nickel has made a name for himself. Originally a football player for the Wildcats, Nickel eventually found himself gravitating towards the track and field program. “My story in the sport began my sophomore year,” he said. “Football just wasn’t my thing anymore, since I suffered some concussions. From there, I think that track is where I thrived. The one-on-one coaching was definitely a little different for me, and I felt much better about it. I made varsity that year and haven’t looked back.” Given his considerable speed, Nickel competes in the 100m, 200m and 400m dash for Willis. He has a proclivity for the 200-meter dash in particular, due to the “sweet-spot” distance he knows that he can excel in. “Ultimately, I plan on breaking the school record in the 200m this year,” Nickel said. “Down the line, I hope to acquire my first Division I offer, while I compete for the team. I don’t really have any hobbies outside of this sport. I dedicate all my time to track, so I hope something like that will happen.” Since this is his final year

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WILLIS INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT

The Four Ballot Propositions: Bond 2024 is about the growth of Willis ISD. The proposed bond projects include new facilities to address student enrollment growth and to support student programs. PROPOSITION A includes a Willis High

In January 2024 the Willis ISD Board of Trustees unanimously called for a $218.1M bond referendum for the May 4, 2024 Election. The bond referendum consists of four propositions aimed at addressing the district’s growth, as well as instructional and extra-curricular and athletic facility needs. By 2033, enrollment in Willis ISD is projected to double, increasing to over 18,000 students, with an estimated 30,000 new housing occupancies coming to the district. The Willis ISD Bond referendum was developed by a Long-Range Planning Committee consisting of parents, local business owners, community members and staff. This group of 70 individuals spent several months studying district enrollment trends and projections, district financial information and facility needs to determine projects necessary to meet student educational and district infrastructure needs.

School 9th grade expansion, parking lot upgrades, and a new transportation center. With 2,600 students currently enrolled at Willis HS and projections exceeding capacity by 2027-28, this expansion aims to alleviate overcrowding and delay the need for a second high school. PROPOSITION B proposes the construction of a new athletic complex & stadium with a community room. The stadium, which would be located across from Willis High School, will accommodate a growing 6A school district with 8,500 seats, concessions, and restroom facilities. PROPOSITION C plans for an aquatic center adjacent to the proposed stadium. The facility will feature a 50-meter swimming pool, dive well, seating for 800, locker rooms, classrooms, and more. This center aims to provide students and community members with access to aquatic activities closer to home. Willis ISD does not currently have an aquatic facility, and students participating in swim and dive programs currently travel to facilities at a neighboring school district facility to practice and host competitions. PROPOSITION D would provide funds for the construction of a student activity center at Willis High School. This center will include various amenities such as media rooms, classrooms, locker rooms, and indoor fields for sports activities. It aims to support the diverse needs of nearly 1,000 students participating in various extracurricular activities.

willisisd.org/ bond2024

Early Voting Begins April 22 Election Day Saturday, May 4

WILLIS INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT

PROPOSITION A | $102,700,000 • Willis HS Ninth-Grade Center • Transportation Center • Parking Lot Improvements • Facility Upgrades

Highlights Ninth-Grade Center • Capacity for an additional 1,200 students • Two new gymnasiums

Example photo. Subject to Change

willisisd.org/ bond2024

Early Voting Begins April 22 Election Day Saturday, May 4

WILLIS INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT

PROPOSITION B | $68,800,000 Athletic Complex & Stadium with Community Room

Highlights of Athletic Complex and Stadium • Located on property adjacent to Willis HS • 8,500 seats • Field House • Community Room

Example photo. Subject to Change

willisisd.org/ bond2024

Early Voting Begins April 22 Election Day Saturday, May 4

WILLIS INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT

PROPOSITION C | $19,600,000 Aquatic Center

Features • 50-Meter USA Sanctioned Competition Pool • Platform & Springboard Diving Area • Girls & Boys Locker Rooms • Classrooms • Capacity for 800 Spectators • Community Use (Swim Lessons/Lap Swim) •

Example photo. Subject to Change

willisisd.org/ bond2024

Early Voting Begins April 22 Election Day Saturday, May 4

WILLIS INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT

PROPOSITION D | $27,000,000 Student Activity Center

Features • Foyer for Art Shows / Events • Classrooms & Media Room • Wrestling Room • Air Force JROTC Space • Baseball/Softball Batting Nets • Soccer and Golf Nets • Indoor Practice Facility • Band

• Cheer • Dance • Girls & Boys Locker Rooms • Weight Room

Example photo. Subject to Change

willisisd.org/ bond2024

Early Voting Begins April 22 Election Day Saturday, May 4

Photo feature

SJ Young

Jordan Montgomery

Ethan Elliott

Emily Holland

OUT I C E D

THE WILLIS WILDKAT BOYS’ BASKETBALL TEAM HAD A HISTORIC SEASON TO START OFF THE WINTER SEMESTER. COACH JEREMY CLARK HAD A MAGICAL RUN AS SJ YOUNG, CHANDLER BEASLEY, JERMAINE BISHOP AND BRYCE BASS LED THE ‘KATS TO A SECOND-PLACE FINISH IN DISTRICT PLAY. LUCA AND TRISTAN RIOS ALSO MADE SCHOOL HISTORY BY ADVANCING TO THE UIL STATE WRESTLING MEET AND PLACING FOURTH AND SIXTH, RESPECTIVELY. THE POWERLIFTING TEAM SAW 10 GIRLS AND EIGHT BOYS ADVANCE TO THE REGIONAL MEET, WHILE DIVER KESLEY WEDDINGTON FINISHED 11TH AT THE UIL STATE MEET. GIRLS SOCCER WAS COMPETITIVE IN A TOUGH DISTRICT ON THE EDGE OF A PLAYOFF BERTH. HERE ARE SOME OF THE OTHER STARS OF THE WINTER SEASON.

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Photo feature

Nija Calyen

Alexis Best

Bryan Badillo

Presley McDonald

Jackson Day

Caleb Fletcher

Kaleigh Kibbey

Cheyenne Swonke

Boys Basketball

WE’RE INTEGRATING A CULTURE OF TOUGHNESS AND GRIT IN ALL OUR PLAYERS IN THE PROGRAM. WE WANTED TO ATTACK THE GAME WITH A MINDSET OF BEING THE TOUGHEST ONES ON THE COURT, WHILE ALSO FOCUSING ON EMBRACING THE POSITIVES AND HAVING FUN. JEREMY CLARK - WILLIS BOYS BASKETBALL COACH

SJ Young and Jackson Day

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SJ Young

T O P PLAYERS BRYCE BASS CHANDLER BEASLEY JERMAINE BISHOP SJ YOUNG

Cutline Coach Jeremy Clark

Jackson Day

OVER TALENT TOUGHNESS WILLIS WAS DOMINANT ON THE COURT THIS WINTER

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Girls Basketball

T O P PLAYERS NIJA CALYEN SOFIA DOMINGUEZ AMY ROBERTS REBECCA VAUGHN ELLE WIENECKE

Sasha Traylor

Sofie Dominguez

M E A S U R I N G SUCCESS WILLIS GIRLS HOOPS OPTIMISTIC HEADING INTO NEXT SEASON

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MOVING FORWARD, I WANT TO BRING A CULTURE OF PLAYING HARD, PLAYING FAST AND NEVER GIVING UP. THAT’S WHAT I HOPE TO SEE FROM THE GIRLS AS WE PREPARE FOR NEXT YEAR. WE TALK A LOT ABOUT HOW WE’RE GOING TO MEASURE SUCCESS, WHICH ISN’T JUST DETERMINED BY WINS AND LOSSES, SO WE FIND EXCELLENCE IN SEVERAL DIFFERENT WAYS. LEVAR BROWN - WILLIS GIRLS BASKETBALL COACH

Elle Wienecke

Abbie Mize

Amy Roberts

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Powerlifting

Cesar Cantu, Caleb Fletcher, Garrett Loar, Jacob Gober and Ethan Haynes

Makinna Kleb, Emily Vaughn, Emily Holland

Garrett Loar

H E A V E HO WILLIS POWERS INTO REGIONALS

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WE CALL IT THE ‘IT’ AROUND HERE. WE WANT TO BE COMFORTABLE BEING UNCOMFORTABLE. THIS IS A YEAR-ROUND SPORT, AND YOU HAVE TO BE COMMITTED TO IT. WE HAD A LOT OF EXPERIENCE AND A BIG SENIOR CLASS THAT LED THE WAY. WE HAD TWO OF THE BEST TO EVER COME OUT OF HERE IN GARRETT LOAR AND MAKINNA KLEB. THEY HAVE MEANT A LOT TO THIS PROGRAM. RYAN ANTHONY - WILLIS POWERLIFTING COACH

T O P PLAYERS BOYS CESAR CANTU CALEB FLETCHER ETHAN HAYNES AUSTEN HERNANDEZ

LOGAN HILTON JACOB GOBER GARRETT LOAR JOHNATHAN MILLER GIRLS DAZIA DENISON JJ FELLER EMILY HOLLAND MORGAN HORNER HANA HUDSON ABBY KOENIG MADISON MORGAN

Emily Vaughn

ANIYAH PHILIO EMILY VAUGHN KEYONA WHITE

Jacob Gober

Makinna Kleb

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Boys Track & Field

TO LOSE REFUSE WILLIS WRESTLING MAKES HISTORY BY PLACING AT STATE

T O P PLAYERS ALEXIS BEST LUCA RIOS TRISTAN RIOS MARINA WILSON

Luca Rios

Tristan Rios

(Luca and Tristan made the podium at the UIL State Wrestling Meet)

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Alijah Wood

Javon Kindle

Alexis Best & Marina Wilson

THE BEST MOTIVATION I PROVIDED THE TEAM WAS TAKING THEM TO A TOURNAMENT EARLY ON IN THE SEASON AND LETTING THEM SEE WHAT IT TAKES TO SUCCEED AND EARN SOME MEDALS. ONCE THEY SAW OUR PEOPLE ON THE PODIUMS, THAT GOT THEM FIRED UP FOR THE REST OF THE YEAR. BRYAN THOMAS - WILLIS WRESTLING COACH

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Boys Soccer

Noe Gallaga

Damien Ruiz

Edwin Nieto

WORK IN PROGRESS WILLIS SOCCER STILL FINDING ITS FOOTING IN CLASS 6A

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WE’RE STILL TRYING TO FIT INTO THIS CLASS 6A PICTURE, AND WE ARE DOING SOME DIFFERENT THINGS OVER EACH OFFSEASON IN ORDER TO RAISE THE SKILL LEVEL AND EXPERIENCE OF THE BOYS. FORTUNATELY, WE HAVE MORE GUYS PLAYING CLUB BALL THAN WE’VE SEEN IN A WHILE, WHICH SHOULD ONLY IMPROVE THE GROUP MOVING FORWARD FOR THE PROGRAM. DAVID OPP - WILLIS BOYS SOCCER COACH

T O P PLAYERS BRYAN BADILLO

NOE GALLAGA EDWIN NIETO

Coach David Opp

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Girls Soccer

Olga Barcenas

Coach Sean Day

THE MOST INTRIGUING ASPECT OF MY JOB IS THE EASE AND CONNECTIVITY THAT THESE GIRLS HAVE WITH EACH OTHER. THEY’RE A VERY EASY-GOING GROUP WITHOUT ANY BIG EGOS, AND THEY GOT ALONG REALLY WELL. THAT TRANSLATES ONTO THE FIELD. THE LEADERSHIP AND EXPERIENCE WERE ALSO PALPABLE. SEAN DAY - WILLIS GIRLS SOCCER COACH

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V I B E S GOOD GREAT CHEMISTRY TRANSLATES TO SUCCESS

Aliana Mejia

T O P PLAYERS SUMMER CLARK CHELSEA MENTADO-PEREZ GEORGIA PAUGH JORDAN MONTGOMERY

Georgia Paugh

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MENTADO-PEREZ LIVING UP TO FAMILY NAME ONE OF THE BOYS \\ Matt Malatesta

WHY IS CHELSEA MENTADO-PEREZ SO GOOD AT SOCCER? Well, she has a theory. The junior mid-fielder is the only girl in a family of four siblings, who all played soccer. “Growing up with three brothers can be frustrating, but makes you tough,” she laughed. “They are always messing with me, but they have made me a better soccer player. I never wanted to sit and watch them play as their sister, so I grew up playing soccer on boys teams. I’ve been like that since I was little. I always wanted to play.” She, like her older brothers, have played varsity since her freshman year. Her little brother is a freshman and also plays varsity soccer. With a high soccer IQ, it’s no surprise that she is the quarterback on the field. “I love to move the ball around the field and get my teammates involved as a mid fielder,” she said. “I just see the field really well and love to attack the defense by setting my attackers up for success.” Her play as a sophomore was paramount in the team’s success as they made the postseason for the first time since moving up to the Class 6A classification. The ‘Kats won a playoff game against Aldine to advance to the Area Round. This season, Mentado-Perez is the team’s leading scorer as they chase a playoff spot. “I love this team and playing with all my friends,” she said. “Our chemistry is so good, and we just treat each other with respect. Everyone says it, but we are really a family.” Off the field, she loves to go on walks with her animals, watching car movies and listening to anything that “relaxes” her. “I’m a very hyper, outdoorsy person,” she laughed. “I love to listen to chill music to calm me down sometimes.” Again, she’s just one of the boys.

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2024 - 2025 ACADEMIC CALENDAR

Approved January 10, 2024

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10111213 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 July 2024 S M T W T F S SEMESTER 1 SEMESTER 2 18 19 20 21 22 27 28 29 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 23 24 25 26 30 31 } 20 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 21 22 23 24 25 2627 28293031 5 6 7 8 January 2025 S M T W T F S 1 2 3 4 9 10 11 } 28 29 30 31 November 2024 S M T W T F S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 New Teacher Academy May 2025 S M T W T F S

August 2024 S M T W T F S

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 1011121314 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 September 2024 S M T W T F S

13 14 15 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9101112 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28293031 October 2024 S M T W T F S }

1 2 3

4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 } December 2024 S M T W T F S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 1011121314 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 } 16 17 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 101112131415 18 19 20 21 22 232425262728 June 2025 S M T W T F S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 1011121314 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 February 2025 S M T W T F S 1 Staff Development Days

}

Holidays

Grade Reporting Periods 2 9 Weeks nd 1 9 Weeks st Aug. 14-Oct. 11 Oct. 21-Dec. 20

Labor Day Student Fall Break Staff Fall Break Thanksgiving Break Winter Break Independence Day July 4 Sept. 2

Oct. 14-18 Oct. 16-18 Nov. 25-29 Dec. 23-Jan. 3

New Teacher Academy

July 30-August 2

Staff Development Days

Aug. 5-13, Oct. 14-15

9-Week Period { }

Early Release Staff/Student Holiday

March 2025 S M T W T F S

20 21 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9101112 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 April 2025 S M T W T F S

1 8

} 7

2 3 4 5 6

21 9 101112131415 16 17 18 19 20 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29

}

30 31

Holidays

Grade Reporting Periods

Student Holiday MLK Day Student Holiday Spring Break Winter Break

4 9 Weeks th 3 9 Weeks rd Jan. 8-March 7 March 17-May 23 Staff Development Days Jan. 6-7, Feb. 17, April 21, May 27-29

Jan. 6-7 Jan. 20 Feb. 17 March 10-14 Dec. 23-Jan. 3

Good Friday

April 18 April 21 May 26

Graduation TBD

Student Holiday Memorial Day

9-Week Period { }

New Teacher Academy

Staff Development Days

Early Release Staff/Student Holiday

Pre-K: 8:35am-4:05pm Elementary: 8:25am-3:55pm Middle & High School: 7:30am-3:05pm

REGULAR HOURS: EARLY RELEASE HOURS:

SCHOOL HOURS

Pre-K: 8:35am-1:10pm Elementary: 8:25am-1:00pm Middle & High School: 7:30am-12:00pm The Willis Independent School District is an equal opportunity educational provider and employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age or disability in educational programs, activities that it operates, or in employment matters. The District is required by Title VI and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, as amended, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act, as well as Board policy not to discriminate in such a manner. For more information about Title IX or Section 504/ADA right, contact the Title IX Coordinator or the Section 504/ADA Coordinator at 612 N. Campbell St. Willis, TX 77378

Official

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A R Turner Elementary WISDTurner Lagway Elementary @WISDLagway Brabham Middle School @WISDBrabham Stubblefield Academy @WISDStubblefield

Cannan Elementary @WISDCannan Meador Elementary @WISDMeador Lynn Lucas Middle School @WISDLynnLucas Willis ISD @WillisSchools

C C Hardy Elementary @WISDHardy PArmley Elementary @WISDParmley Roark Early Education @WISDRoark Willis High School @WISDWillisHS