Prosper HYPE - Spring 2021

Prosper ISD Sports - Spring 2021 Soccer | Tennis | Golf | Track & Field | Softball | Baseball

ROSPER HY P E

Dedicated to Prosper ISD Sports

2021 Spring Sports RECAP

PRIDE

DISCIPLINE

RELATIONSHIPS

SERVANT LEADERSHIP

//PREGAME//

SPOTLIGHTS

ROSPER HY P E

Dedicated to Prosper ISD Sports

12 //PHS SOCCER 14 //RHHS SOCCER 20 //PHS TENNIS 22 //RHHS TENNIS 24 //PHS GOLF 26 //RHHS GOLF

Publisher Cedarbrook Media Admin@CedarbrookMedia.com Creative Director / Photographer Jason Reynolds Jason@CedarbrookMedia.com www.CedarbrookMedia.com Director of Sales & Marketing Heather Reynolds Heather@CedarbrookMedia.com 972-347-6231 District Coordinator Valerie Little Director of Athletics - Prosper ISD valittle@prosper-isd.net

28 //PHS TRACK & FIELD 30 //RHHS TRACK & FIELD

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32 //PHS SOFTBALL 36 //RHHS SOFTBALL 38 //PHS BASEBALL 41 //RHHS BASEBALL

Prosper HYPE is published by Cedarbrook Media Group, LLC. Prosper HYPE Magazine is published 3 times a year. No portion of this publication may be reproduced or copied whole or in part without expressed written permission from the publisher, Cedarbrook Media Group, LLC. ©2020. All Rights Reserved Worldwide. The title and all material are protected by international copyright laws and are reserved. Although the greatest of care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in this magazine at time of going to press, neither Prosper Hype Magazine, Prosper ISD nor Cedarbrook Media Group, LLC can be held liable for omissions, inexactness or errors. The views and opinions of Prosper HYPE advertisers does not reflect that of Prosper HYPE Sports Magazine.

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Left to right- Tommy Sacco, Natatorium Director: Mary Anne Cooper, Admin. Assistant to the Director of Athletics: Valerie Little, Director of Athletics:

Michael Sain, Assistant Athletic Director: Max Bledsoe, Ticket & Event Manager

s our Winter sports were wrapping up, our Spring sports A were already well underway. At the time of production, we still had all 4 baseball/softball teams still in playoff contention,

PHS Girls Soccer were undefeated District champs. They ran into the eventual State champs and lost to them in the Regional Quarterfinals in a tight match which went into OT. The boys finished 3rd in District and had an amazing playoff run. They lost in the Regional Quarterfinal match as well in a hard fought battle.

RHHS Girls Soccer had a good first season and barely fell short of the playoffs. The Boys team tied for 3rd place in District and qualified for the State playoffs but lost to a tough team in the BiDistrict round.

PHS Tennis had a boys doubles team win the District championship and qualify for Regionals! We also had a girls doubles team finish 3rd in District. At Regionals, it was a good showing, but the boys fell short in the Regional Quarterfinals.

RHHS Tennis finished the spring season as the boys District champions! They qualified several boys and one girl for Regionals.

They all performed well but fell short of the finals.

PHS Girls Golf saw Chandler Browning crowned the 5-6A District Champion! We also had the girls team qualify for Regionals! They all competed well at Regionals but fell short of qualifying for State this year.

RHHS Golf had two District Champion! Aliesa Situmorang won for the girls and Ryan Shellberg won it for the boys in District 105A. Aliesa played two good rounds at Regionals but fell short of

PHS Track and Field competed well at District with the girls finished 3rd as a team and the boys coming in 5th. Both programs had several Area and Regional Qualifiers who continued competing as Eagles. For State, only one girls qualified, but she did so in 3 events. Aubrey O’Connell came home as the STATE CHAMPION in the 800 meter run. We can’t wait to see what she does next year.

RHHS Track and Field saw the girls finish as the District runner up, while the boys finished in 3rd place at District. Several Area and Regional qualifiers came out of those District finishes. The boys and girls both qualified 6 for Regionals and one for State. Our Blue Hawks competed well at State and we have no doubt they will be back next year!

PHS Softball finished in a 3 way tie for first in District and went storming into playoffs. They are currently playing in the Regional Quarterfinals and hoping to continue their run a few more weeks.

RHHS Softball won a District Championship in Year 1. They are one of only 32 teams left in the State still playing for a State Championship!

PHS baseball finished in 2nd place in District and are playing for the Area Championship this week! We hope their run continue for a few more weeks.

RHHS baseball finished 3rd in District and qualified for the State playoffs. They are in the Area round this week and hope to continue playing for a bit!

Again, we are so proud of everything our teams have accomplished in the face of one of the toughest years in public education. The adjustments we have made to ensure our KIDS GET TO PLAY have been insurmountable at times. Looking at the successes of our kids will help you understand why we do it! We are thankful for a District that allowed our kids to compete and have a normal year.

Thank you all for your support of PISD Athletics.

SPRING 2021

which is very exciting for our school district. The overall success of both schools this year proves we did not “split our talent”.

We simply have TWICE the amount of opportunities for kids to compete for their schools! Our Spring sports are the ones who suffered the most last year as their seasons were cut short or cancelled all together. We are so thankful these athletes and Coaches had another chance to compete this year.

qualifying for State. Ryan Shellberg has qualified for State and will compete on May 17/18 in Austin for the Blue Hawks!

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ROSPER HY P E

Dedicated to Prosper ISD Sports

||PHS Girls Soccer

- Coach Taylor Baca

What were some of the most memorable moments of this season?

Coach Baca: “We had a great season! We ended up with an overall record of 24-1 and were undefeated District Champions, Bi-District Champions, and Area Champions. We were also ranked #2 in TopDrawerSoccer’s Fab50 Winter National rankings.”

Kaitlyn Giametta was named District 5-6A Co-Offensive Player of the Year, 1st Team All-Area, and 2nd Team All-State. Jordyn Gunnarson was named to 1st Team AllDistrict, All-Area Defensive Player of the Year, and 1st Team All-State. Last, but not least, Abigail Wilson was named District 5-6A Utility Player of the Year.

What did you enjoy the most about this year’s team?

Coach Baca: “Absolutely the togetherness they demonstrated and the class they showed, both on and off the field.”

How many of your Seniors are moving on to play at the next level?

Coach Baca: “We have four. Jordyn Gunnarson signed with Texas A&M, Kaitlyn Giametta with Texas Tech University, Haley Nichols with Tulsa, and Laleh Lonteen will be heading to Jacksonville State University.”

What are some of the most notable accolades your athletes received?

Coach Baca: “Molly McDougal was named the District 5-6A Defensive Player of the Year, 1st Team All-Area, and 1st Team AllState. Hadley Murrell earned the honor of District 5-6A MVP and was named 1st Team All-Area and All-State Honorable Mention.

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This 2020-2021 season was the best first and last season i could have! I made so many friendships and memories that will last forever.

The bus rides, before game songs, handshakes and dances we made will forever be a memory that reminds me of PHS women’s soccer. I’m so thankful that i got the opportunity to meet and play for the my amazing coaches and teammates, and even though my season got cut short, i wouldn’t have wanted to spend it any way other than supporting and cheering on my girls. Im so proud of each and every one of them and i know they’re going to do big things in the future!

-Laleh Lanteen

PHS Boys Soccer//

ROSPER HY P E

Dedicated to Prosper ISD Sports

- Coach Ryan Rogers

As you reflect on this season and your team, what thoughts come to mind?

Coach Rogers: “I was very happy with the way our season went this year. The team overcame a lot of adversity in terms of injuries, illnesses, etc. The depth of our roster was tested, and the guys rose to the occasion. Playing in District 5-6A is very difficult, so we were battle-tested heading into the playoffs. These guys made the longest playoff run in our program’s history. I am extremely proud of the team and their performance.”

What did you enjoy the most about this season?

Coach Rogers: “The dedication and determination that this team showed throughout the year was fun to watch and be a part of.

Everyone knew their role and fought hard for each other.”

Who led your team the most and what were their contributions?

Coach Rogers: “Our team captains were Cooper Olson, Chandler Kovarik, and Drew Peterson. They all did a great job of keeping the team focused and motivated throughout the season. Junior Forward Gavyn Rosales earned the District 5-6A Offensive Player of the Year award and was named TASCO 2nd Team All-Region. He scored 12 goals and had three assists this season. Junior Forward and Middle Fielder Dunes Nielsen scored three goals and had 12 assists. He was named 1st Team All-District. Also named 1st Team All-District were Senior Defender Cooper Olson, Junior Defender Drew Peterson, and Junior Middle Fielder Cason Berg.”

What were some of your overall accomplishments this season?

Coach Rogers: “We finished the season with record of 12-7-2. We placed 3rd in Districts and then defeated Coppell 3-1 to earn the BiDistrict title. Moving on to Area, we defeated Richardson Pearce 3-1 and were named Area Champions. However, we fell short against Allen 1-3 in the Region Quarterfinals. It was a great playoff run and I’m extremely proud of this team!”

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ROSPER HY P E

Dedicated to Prosper ISD Sports

||RHHS Girls Soccer

-Coach Manuel Cordova

Building a brand-new program can certainly be challenging, but you seemed to handle it with grace. How do you think your inaugural season went?

Coach Cordova: “We had a great season; it was a season of many firsts for our soccer team. From the first ever Varsity & JV TEAMS, to our first ever Freshman class, to the first ever Graduating/Alumni class, to the first ever Varsity and JV TEAM wins on December 30th in 30-degree temperatures, rain and wind. We are excited for the future and are looking to build on our ‘first ever’ list as we add more history to the books in the coming years!”

While every team and every season is special, what did you enjoy most about this group of athletes?

Coach Cordova: “I enjoyed their willingness to learn, grow and adapt to all the conditions we put them through to develop better people and better athletes. Given all the different situations our TEAM faced, we showed up and continued to work and battle to Protect The Rock. We are most proud of how we showed our resilience given the climate we had to work under. The girls worked to represent Rock Hill and Prosper ISD at an elite level and we are most proud of that mindset to FIGHT ROCK FIGHT.”

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How did your athletes step into and handle new leadership roles within your program?

Coach Cordova: “Our leadership did an amazing job this year. From our captains to our seniors, they all worked hard to serve and put the TEAM first. They led by example and did a great job of demonstrating servant leadership. On Senior night, there was not a dry eye in the locker room as we honored our Class of 2021 athletes. Seeing all the hugs and praises given to them by the TEAM demonstrates what type of legacy they left for all the underclassmen to follow.”

What were some of your team’s successes and accomplishments?

Coach Cordova: “We finished the season with an overall record of 8-7-8. We were excited to have our TEAM efforts lead to individual honors. We had Jocelyn Loertscher and Ella Simmons named to the 1st Team All-District. Erin Coleman, Noemi Mistretta and Brooke Walpole named to the 2nd Team All-District, and Kendall Bowlby and Avery Wheeler named Honorable Mention. Beyond the field and in the classroom, we had Erin Coleman and Adeline Alcala named Academic All-State and had 20 players on the Academic All-District Team.”

RHHS Boys Soccer//

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Dedicated to Prosper ISD Sports

-Coach Jason Gaglione

How would you describe your inaugural year as Head Coach of the Rock Hill Boys Soccer program?

Coach Gaglione: “What a fantastic inaugural season, definitely one that will never be forgotten. Despite the worldwide adversity and uncertainty that we all faced this year, we were able to open up a school, build a soccer program, and complete a full season. It was well worth it, every bit of it. The memories that we experienced will never be forgotten, the foundation was set on solid ROCK. Our journey began back in August with a group of brave athletes that took a leap of faith, answered the call to be the pioneers at Rock Hill High School, and earned the title of the ‘first to ever’…!”

What was the most special thing about this team and these athletes?

Coach Gaglione: “They trusted the process from day one, rolled up their sleeves, and got to work. From early morning weight room sessions to tough conditioning sessions, it was all worth it. We had good days and bad days, but through it all we were able to come together and build memories and a brotherhood that will last a lifetime. The bar has been set high and TEAM 1 will forever be the ‘first to ever’….”

What were some of the greatest highlights from the season?

Coach Gaglione: “Our first game that we ever played was against McKinney High. We WON, 8-0! We ended our season with a District record of 7-4-3 and an overall season record of 10-9-3. In our very first season, we qualified for the playoffs, earning ourselves a chance to play in Bi-Districts. We had FIVE 1st Team All-District selections: Zach Schryver, Jake Loper, Ashon Medina, Nicolas Arango, and Anthony Reid. We also have FOUR 2nd Team All-District selections: Caleb Zavala, Mateo Cabrera, Jake Loertscher, and Andrew Gentile. In addition, we had TWO Honorable Mentions, Grayson Burdett and Ryan Schryver. And finally, Ashton Medina earned the honor of District 10-5A Newcomer of the Year!

Do you have any closing words for this season?

Coach Gaglione: “As a coaching staff we want to thank PISD, our leadership, parents, teachers, community members and everyone that made this year a success. We are truly blessed to be able to get up every day and work with the hardest working group of men in the country. We are excited to welcome the future generations of Blue Hawks and look forward to continuing making history as we did this year. We began unknown and finished unforgettable.

VAMOS!

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“ Most memorable season I’ve ever had. Great teammates and coaches to make a school historic playoff run. Wouldn’t want to do it with anyone else.”

- Anthony Lozada

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ROSPER HY P E

Dedicated to Prosper ISD Sports

||PHS Tennis

How was your Spring success different from what you had in the Fall with Team Tennis?

Every year and every team is special, but what was your favorite moment this season?

Coach Weaver: “Our spring season was GREAT! We beat teams we fell short to in the fall, and I can't express how proud I am of this team. We have played a number of tournaments since January and by the time the spring district tournament was here, the team was ready to fight, and that they did!”

Coach Weaver: “There are too many great moments to pick out just one that I enjoyed most about this year. This team cheered each other on through the highs and the lows and pushed each other every day to be better at practice and matches. What I am most impressed with is how they all came together this year; how friendships turned into more of a family and relationships were built that I hope continue to grow long after their high school days.”

What were some of the most notable moments of the Spring season?

Coach Weaver: “Our Boys Doubles Team, Jett Anderson and Drew John, won District and went on to the Regional Tournament where they finished as Regional Quarterfinalists. Our Boys Varsity Team claimed the District Runner-up title, and our Girls Doubles Team, Rachel Rajamoney and Ava Kirkendall finished third in the district tournament.”

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What was the team leadership like from your Captains and your Seniors?

Coach Weaver: “The leadership from our Senior Captains, Jett Anderson and Caroline Wilburn, was very noticeable from the very start of the season. They did a fantastic job building up the team and leading by example all year. We are graduating eight Seniors from our program and are proud to say that Jett Anderson signed to play collegiate tennis at Centre College in Kentucky. We will miss the Class of 2021 but know that they will go on to do amazing things. GO EAGLES!!”

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ROSPER HY P E

Dedicated to Prosper ISD Sports

||RHHS Tennis

After an exciting and successful Team Tennis season in the Fall, how did Spring measure up?

Coach Sands: “We had an amazing Spring Season. The spring season for tennis is individual and our Blue Hawks did a great job!

We had our first District Champions, 4 Regional Qualifiers and our entire Boys team were District Champions. As a coach, I could not be prouder of the individual accomplishments my team had. They set the foundation for many more teams to come. I could not have asked for more from our Inaugural Season.”

Can you tell us about some of those individual accomplishments?

Coach Sands: “First, our Boys won the District Championship. Andrew Kochevar & Josh Stephen won the Boys Doubles District Championship and were Regional Quarterfinalists. Ben Cochrum & Jack O’Hara took 2nd in Districts for Boys Doubles and qualified for Regionals. Julia Burski & Cole Moody placed 2nd in Districts in Mixed Doubles and also qualified for Regionals. Aidan Brooks earned 2nd Place in Districts in Boys Singles and qualified for Regionals as well. Daniel Siles was the JV Boys Singles District Champion and our Spring Tournament Results included eight 1st Place finishes, eleven 2nd Place finishes, and twelve 3rd Place finishes. Go Blue Hawks!”

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ROSPER HY P E

Dedicated to Prosper ISD Sports

||PHS Golf

What made this year’s team so memorable and special?

How did your Seniors manage their leadership role this year?

Coach Sharp: “This year’s team was filled with a group of great young kids. We were a very young team compared to the rest of our District.

We took some bumps this year but learned how to be a more cohesive team in one of the most individualistic sports. As the year progressed, this group became more and more coachable and their willingness to improve became much more apparent.”

Coach Sharp: “We were fortunate to have Seniors Blake Bergeron and Jackson Berry join the team for the Spring Season. Their leadership on and off the course played a vital role to the younger members of our team. They showed the level of work that needs to be put in to be successful. These two helped create a positive culture within Prosper Golf that will help our program continue to compete at the highest level.”

Coach Salinas: “Chandler Browning and Ally Schnagl stepped up in a huge way as leaders for the district tournament. Junior Jadyn James and sophomores Hanna Fisch and Sydney Kincade followed suit doing their part to all contribute to holding off Allen at the district tournament by 1 shot for a 2nd place finish and advanced to the regional tournament.

Chandler browning won the district tournament as an individual in a 1 hole playoff. At Regionals, we competed very hard finishing 6th. We hung in there with top schools in the state the second day includingeventual state champion Hebron, showing how far we have progressed in three years.”

How many are moving on to play at the collegiate level?

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Coach Sharp: “After graduation, Blake Bergeron will be playing golf at Concordia University. Jackson Berry is heading to Southern Utah to play football, and Austin Davis will be continuing his education at University of North Texas.”

Coach Salinas: “Our District 5-6A Individual Champion, Chandler Browning, will be playing golf at University of North Texas. Haili Moore, who finished in the Top 10 at State in 2019, will be heading to play collegiate golf at the University of Kansas.”

“My senior golf season was one for the books!

My team and I made it out of our district, and competed at the regional tournament. We had an interesting season due to covid, but the experience was one to remember. I am so grateful to my coaches, teammates, and booster members for everything that they have done this year. Nothing would be possible without them. I cannot wait to take what I’ve learned from Prosper Golf, and use it at UNT next year! Once and Eagle, always an Eagle.”

-Chandler Browning

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ROSPER HY P E

Dedicated to Prosper ISD Sports

||RHHS Golf

-Coach Taylour Reeder

The Rock Hill Golf team is led by Head Coach Taylour Reeder and Assistant Coach Stephen Rumsey. In their inaugural season, they were without any Seniors, but had much success. The Boys Team ended up 3rd in District and the Girls earned 2nd in District and qualified for Regionals.

Ryan Shellberg earned the District MVP honor, as well as 1st Place in Districts, 1st Team All-District, and is the program’s first State Qualifier.

The Blue Hawks also had FIVE boys that earned Academic All-District honors: Ryan Shellberg, Lawson Stankiewicz, Gautham Janayuvla, Colton Farrerri, and Elijah Huston.

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Aliesa Situmorang was also named the District MVP, placed 1st in Districts, 1st Team All-District, and was on the program’s first Regional Qualifier team. Selina Sun was named to the 2nd Team All-District and was on the Regional Qualifier team. Also on that Regional Team were Savannah Erwin, Madison Weir, and Ella Slaughter. In addition, the Lady Blue Hawks had FOUR female athletes named to Academic All-District: Aliesa Situmorang, Savannah Erwin, Selina Sun, and Madison Weir.

Coach Reeder summed up the season with these thoughts, “Being able to create a culture from the ground up has been so much fun! From kids who came over from PHS to those who were freshmen they all bought in and trusted in the process that we have put in place here.”

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ROSPER HY P E

Dedicated to Prosper ISD Sports

||PHS Track & Field

- Coach Jennifer Gegogeine / Coby Richards

Following a season that was cut short last year due to COVID, what was this year like?

These kids are TALENTED and broke several records and won Championships. Can you tell us about them?

Coach Gegogeine: “Our season was one to be remembered. We were so excited that we were able to compete again and have a complete season. The progression of the season was a gradual improvement each week which led to Personal Records as well as School Records. The girls grew stronger and their bond as a team grew stronger as well.”

Coach Gegogeine: “Aubrey O’Connell broke the school record in the 800 at the 5-6A District Championship (2:08.52) and re-broke her 1600 and 3200 records at the I-6A Regionals (4:49.09 and 10:24.30 respectively). Our Varsity girls also took 3rd in Districts, and we had 13 athletes place in the Top 6. O’Connell was the District Champion in the 800, and placed 2nd in both the 1600 and the 3200.

Also earning a 2nd place finish was Lauren Lewis in the 400 and 3rd place finishers were McKenna Seaman in the 100, Emily Kern in the 800, Aubrey Russell in the 100 meter hurdles, Avery McIntosh in the 300 meter hurdles and the 4x100 Relay team of Peyton Mudd, Sam Wlodawsky, McKenna Seaman, and Kayla Watson. Emily Kern placed 4th in the 400, Avery McIntosh placed 5th in the 100 meter hurdles and Taylor Pinkney placed 6th in the 400. The Girls went on to take 6th Place at Area and 7th Place at Regionals. O’Connell earned a 2nd Place finish in the 800, the 1600, and the 3200 at Regionals, while Emily Kern took 7th in the 400 and Jaxson Lanz took 9th in the 200. We also ended up 17th at State and had a STATE CHAMPION!!

Aubrey O’Connell won the 800 with a time of 2:08!

What did you enjoy most about this season and what will you remember most about this team?

Coach Gegogeine: “This team understands and respects everyone and each of the 17 events. What I have enjoyed the most this season is watching the team grow and connect. Watching the seniors lead and create a ONE team approach! Building team culture and bonds that will last a lifetime.”

Coach Richards: “The Highlight of our Track Season is that our JV Team won 1st Place Team at the District Track Meet. It came down to the 4x400 between us and Allen and we beat them by 3 steps.”

Who stepped up to lead your team this year, and what is in store for your graduating Seniors?

Coach Gegogeine: “Our seniors are the voice of experience, so we rely on them for leadership throughout the year. Our senior leader standouts were Taylor Pinkney and Logan Osby. At this point, we have not had any Seniors commit to run or compete at the next level. However, I do believe that a few might try to walk on in the Fall.”

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Coach Richards: “Sammy Morris was the District Champion in Long Jump and then placed 5th at Area with a distance of 20’ 9.75”. Jaxson Lanz missed the school record by .03 seconds…he ran a 21.89 in the 200 and the school record is 21.86! He did go on to place 4th at Area and qualified for Regionals where he took 9th.

ROSPER HY P E

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||RHHS Track & Field

The Rock Hill Track & Field program had an amazing inaugural season. The varsity boys finished 3rd in the District Championship and the girls were crowned District Runner-Up. Elyssia Brooks was Rock Hill’s first District Champion, winning in the High Jump.

The Blue Hawks also qualified 28 athletes for the Area 9/10-5A Championship, and advanced 12 of those athletes to Regionals.

Gavin Hecke earned the Area and Regional Championship and was the program’s first ever State Qualifier. Hecke finished 4th overall at the State Championship. Jourdin Edwards also qualified for State in the 100-meter hurdles and finished 5th overall at State.

Some of the program’s most notable performances were Elyssia Brooks with the District Championship in the High Jump and Jourdin Edwards with the District Championship in the 100 and 300 Hurdles, as well as being a State Qualifier in the 100 Hurdles.

Region II 5A Qualifiers included Kyla Lewis who took 3rd in the 400, Kirstin Towle who placed 4th in the 3200, and Alexis Svoboda who placed 4th in the 1600 and 5th in the 3200.

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Athletes earning All State Academic Honors were Alexis Svoboda, Peyton Lehmann, and Mikaela Woodard. Also recognized for the THSCA Elite Team were Colten Van Voorhis, Lukas Morehead, and Mikaela Woodard. Blake Barnes and Alexis Svoboda were both named THSCA 2nd Team, and Peyton Lehmann was named THSCA Honorable Mention.

The inaugural graduating Senior class also signed six athletes to compete at the college level. Blake Barnes signed with Texas A&M, Colton Van Voorhis signed with Texas A&M Commerce, Rebeca Betanzo signed with UT Dallas, and Haftom Foutz signed with Oklahoma Baptist University. Alexis Svododa and Kirsten Towle both signed with Appalachian State.

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||PHS Softball

- Coach Todd RainWater

The Prosper High School Softball team is led by Head Coach Todd Rainwater and Assistant Coaches Alicia Williams, Renna Bersosa, and Lauren Ainsley. Coach Rainwater is in his third season coaching at PHS and led the Eagles to 2nd Place finish in District 9-6A and a Bi-District Championship in 2019. When the season ended due to COVID last year, the Eagles were 2-0 in District play.

Prosper Softball was the District Co-Champion this season, sharing the title with Allen and Denton Guyer. However, they were just getting warmed up and went into playoffs with a six-game winning streak in district play. They then swept Marcus in two games to win the Bi-District title. The Eagles went on to claim the Area Championship with a win over Nimitz and advanced to the Regional Quarterfinals. Prosper swept Denton Guyer in the Quarterfinals to move on to the Regional Semifinals!

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||RHHS Softball

As a brand new softball program, how do you feel like the season has gone?

Which of your athletes have really stepped into the leadership role for your team?

Coach Budd: “This season is definitely one for the record books and one to remember for a lifetime. We have been District Champions, Bi-District Champions, Area Champions, and we’re still going!”

Coach Budd: “We have had great team leadership that came from different avenues. We had our non-vocal, vocal, and lead by example leaders that stepped up when needed in big moments.

With no Seniors this year, everyone will be returning.”

Obviously, every team is special, but what do you enjoy about this one?

Who has really stood out on the field?

Coach Budd: “This team trusts the process with details in the little things and relying on our close-knit relationships to trust and play for the person next to them. Their energy and camaraderie have been such a pleasure to be around, and we are lucky to be able to coach them.”

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Coach Budd: “What is so great about this team is that every game we have someone different stepping up when it is their time. Our pitchers have owned their roles with splitting innings, our hitters have come in the clutch 1-9 and our bench has been AMAZING! Without everyone we would not be successful, every role is important.”

Team Leaders Batting Average:

Emma Klaire Hill .467 On Base Percentage: Veronica Cully .511 Slugging Percentage: Jolie Malan .826 RBIs: Kat Luna 43 Home Runs: Jolie Malan 5 Stolen Bases: Emma Klaire Hill 26 Fielding Percentage: Grace Berlage 1.000 Pitching ERA: Grace Berlage 2.4 Pitching Strike Outs: Grace Berlage 100 Wins: Taylor Hagen 11 Spring 2021 || Prosper HYPE | 37

ROSPER HY P E

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||PHS Baseball

The Prosper High School Baseball program is led by Head Coach Scott Holder and Assistant Coaches Phil Berndsen, Nick De La Cerda, Clay Wilson, and Donny McEwan. Coach Holder is in his 2nd year with Prosper Baseball and his 23rd year in education. A graduate of Thorndale High School, Holder lettered in football and baseball at Blinn Junior College in 1993 and then transferred to Texas A&M to pursue his education and coaching career. Holder was selected State High School Coach of the Year n 2005 and 2014, as well as selected by his peers as the Head Coach for the THSBCA 5/6A South All Star team at Dell Diamond in 2015.

The Eagles finished 5-6A District with a record of 8-4, earning them a 2nd Place finish and a run for the playoffs. The began playoffs with a two-game sweep over Hebron in the Bi-District Championship, advancing them the Area round against Martin High School.

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“This season with my brothers is what Iv been dreaming about my whole life living here, nothing much more I could ask for.”

- Chase Pendley

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“Rockhill baseball has taught me so much this season, it’s taught me that when a group of guys can come together there is nothing that can’t be achieved. I went into the season with one brother and now I have 29” #bcm - Luke Leaumont

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RHHS Baseball//

ROSPER HY P E

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-Coach Shaun Stanton

What has your focus been on with developing the Rock Hill program?

Coach Stanton: “Rock Hill Baseball began our program by creating a Blue Collar Mentality and building everything we do around that motto. Most of my players have something to prove and something to play for. With this mindset and mentality, players become unselfish and start playing for anyone but themselves. The accolades they receive are met with praise to others for these accomplishments. My players understand that if it wasn’t for their teammates, coaches and family, they wouldn’t be able to accomplish their goals.”

What has the team achieved this season and which athletes have really stepped up to the plate?

Coach Stanton: “We are 18-12-3 so far this year and earned 3rd Place in District 10-5A. Going into this year, we had very little varsity experience offensively and NO varsity experience pitching. It was amazing to see some of the boys not be fazed by the whole varsity experience. Brett Foss has stepped up as our ace. He is 8-1 with a sub 2.00 ERA. I’ve also got a few Seniors who will be hard to replace: Luke Leaumont at first and Josh Livingston at third. Josh is putting up All-State numbers…he is one of the state’s leaders in batting average (.439) and home runs (8). Brenner Cox, Brett Foss, Jack Opoien, and Ty Townsend are returners who have had solid years as well. Livingston will be playing at Crowder College, which is one of the Top 5 junior college programs in America.”

What has been the most memorable moment this season?

Coach Stanton: “It’s been great to see the buy-in from the players and watch them bust their butts on a daily basis to prove themselves to others. And they are still doing that!

Even though this season isn’t over, I’m looking forward to next year. Since the majority of the team is back next year, we are going to build on this year’s successes!”

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“I asked my players last summer to be ready on the very first day of school to explain to me and their teammates what BCM means to them and how it can be adapted to fit their personal lives, their baseball career and the Rock Hill Baseball program. This is how we developed our Blue Collar Mentality, and how our team is making a mark on the legacy of this program. We’ve discussed everything from putting our heads down and going to work, to always doing the right thing and being a man of integrity who does not cuss or swear, to being able to handle adversity and proving to everyone what great baseball players we are. Our players are focused on being good teammates, and our coaching staff is dedicated to making them better individuals…teaching them work ethic and how to accept their role on the team.”

-Coach Stanton

42 | Prosper HYPE || Spring 2021

Spring 2021 || Prosper HYPE | 43