Prosper HYPE - Spring Issue 2022

Prosper ISD Athletics SOCCER | TENNIS | GOLF | TRACK & FIELD | SOFTBALL | BASEBALL

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2022 Spring Sports

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Dedicated to Prosper ISD Sports

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PRIDE Spring 2022 - Prosper HYPE | 3

DISCIPLINE 4 | Prosper HYPE - Spring 2022

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RELATIONSHIPS 6 | Prosper HYPE - Spring 2022

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SERVANT LEADERSHIP Spring 2022 - Prosper HYPE | 9

//SPOTLIGHTS//

ROSPER HY P E

Dedicated to Prosper ISD Sports

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Publisher Cedarbrook Media Admin@CedarbrookMedia.com

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Creative Director Jason Reynolds Jason@CedarbrookMedia.com

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Director of Sales & Marketing Heather Reynolds Heather@CedarbrookMedia.com 972-347-6231 District Coordinator Valerie Little Director of Athletics valittle@prosper-isd.net Photography Jason Reynolds Cedarbrook Media Group www.CedarbrookMedia.com Neena Sidhu Prosper High School

Production/Design Cedarbrook Media Group, LLC Design@CedarbrookMedia.com A Cedarbrook Media Group, LLC Publication www.CedarbrookMedia.com

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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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// Spring Edition

Left to right- Tommy Sacco, Natatorium Director: Mary Anne Cooper, Admin. Assistant to the Director of Athletics: Valerie Little, Director of Athletics: Erin Struwe, Ticket & Event Manager: Michael Sain, Assistant Athletic Director

W

hat a great Winter season we had, which paved the way for our Spring sports to continue the success on the field of play and in the classroom. As the Dallas Morning News recently mentioned, 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 and be successful and we have taken FULL advantage of that!

All four or our PISD soccer teams qualified for the State playoffs in their respective divisions with several of them having a high State ranking all season. PHS girls went undefeated in District play and the RHHS girls only had one loss in District play!

PHS girls’ soccer were undefeated District champs for back to back years. They ran into the defending State champs in the Bi-District round and were not able to rally and get past them. The boys finished 2nd in District and battled some adversity on the day of their Bi-District match and eventually lost in a shootout.

RHHS girls’ soccer had an unbelievable season rolling through most of it undefeated! They were the 10-5A District champs and made it to the Regional Quarterfinal round of playoffs this season! The boys team also finished 10-5A as District champs and then ran into a formidable foe in the Bi-District round of the State playoffs.

luck to both of these golfers!

RHHS golf had two REPEAT individual District Champions! Aliesa Situmorang won for the girls and Ryan Shellberg won it for the boys in District 10-5A for back to back years. The girls team also claimed the 10-5A District Championship!

PHS Track and Field has their District Track meet next week and hopes to have several Area Qualifiers. We are hoping Aubrey O’Connell can defend her State Championship in the 800-meter run. The boys team also hopes to qualify several athletes for the Area Meet which is their next step on the road to State!

RHHS Track and Field – both boys and girls – are in the same boat – they will compete in their District meet next week after a very successful Spring season. They are both hoping for a record number of Area, Regional & State Qualifiers!

Both PHS & RHHS Softball teams are undefeated in District play as well as ranked # 1 in the State in their classification! They both are looking to repeat deep playoff runs.

PHS baseball currently sits atop 5-6A with a 1-game lead finishing up Round 1 of District. We are hoping the Eagles have a strong playoff run which will start in the next month or so.

PHS tennis had Cameron Youtsey boys single and a mixed doubles team with Drew John and Presley Churchman all qualify for Regionals at time of publication deadline. We wish all three of them the best of luck.

RHHS baseball is currently 3rd in 10-5A and are starting Round 2 of District next week, which means 4 weeks until playoffs start. We can’t wait for the Blue Hawks to continue their Road to State!

RHHS Tennis finished the spring season as the District 10-5A Boys Team champions for back to back seasons! Ironically, they qualified for Regionals in the same divisions as PHS – Blake Anderson, Boys Singles and Cole Moody & Julia Burski with Mixed Doubles -who were both the District Champs in their respective divisions. Good luck to these athletes at the Regional Tournament next week as well!

It is mind blowing the amount of success both high schools are having this year and we have almost two months left to achieve the rest of our goals and continue to add to the trophy cases! We could not do any of this without great coaches, the support of a great administration and school board, and the constant encouragement from great parents and a great community. Thank you all for your support of PISD Athletics, our student athletes and their teams.

PHS girls golf finished 3rd in District as a team and had one Regional Qualifier – Sydney Kincade – who will compete next week for a chance at the 6A State Tournament. The boys team also had one Regional Qualifier – LT Harris – who has his Regional Tour in two weeks. Good

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ROSPER HY P E //PHS SOCCER

Dedicated to Prosper ISD Sports

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Girls Head Coach Taylor Baca Tell us a little bit about how this year's season went.

Coach Baca: "We finished our season with an overall record of 19-2-1 and were undefeated, back-to-back District Champions."

What did you enjoy most about this year's team and how do they differ from past teams?

Coach Baca: "This team came together as a group and had a great season. We had a lot of girls step up and fill important roles in the team."

What about your seniors and your team leadership? Do you have any girls going on to play at the college level?

Coach Baca: "We had a great group of seniors who led by example. Several of our girls have been Varsity players for 3 or 4 years, so they've really come up together and been important characters for us for a long time. Their impact on the program has been huge and they have left a great legacy at Prosper Soccer. Our Seniors playing in college are Molly McDougal at Mississippi State, Jordyn Herrera at Iowa State, Abigail Wilson at the University of the Incarnate Word, Taryn Martin at Midwestern State University, and Kylie Rogers at Hardin-Simmons University."

Who were your standout athletes and did you have anyone that really surprised you? Is there anyone who won any awards or accolades?

Coach Baca: "There weren't a lot of surprises, as we knew that we had a great group of girls who had huge potential. We had several girls who stepped up and had a great impact this year. We had players all over the field who contributed and we wouldn't have been the same team without any of them. Molly McDougal was named District 5-6A Defensive Player of the Year and Emma Yolinsky was named District 5-6A MVP." What was your theme for this season and what does it mean to the program and players?

Coach Baca: "UNITED was our slogan for this year. We knew this year was going to be about everyone coming together to work together and play for their teammates if we wanted to reach our goals. This group was special in terms of how they cared about each other and it showed on the field."

Girls Head Coach Bryan Thompson As you reflect on your first season at Prosper High School, how do you think it went?

Coach Thompson: “We ended our season 2nd in district and were eliminated in the first round of playoffs. However, I thought we ended strong with wins over Allen and McKinney Boyd.”

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

Coach Thompson: “This is my first year at Prosper High School. I believe this year’s team grew in confidence and belief regarding our style of play and our plan for development.”

What can you tell us about your team leadership? Do you have any seniors going on to play in college?

Coach Thompson: “Our team has developed leadership through our senior class as a whole. In particular, Bryce Kowalski and Austin Stiglets have developed as leaders on and off the field. Seniors Aiden

Mieger and Dunes Nielsen are signing letters of intent at this time, and I believe we may have one or two more sign.”

Who are your standout athletes and is there anyone who surprised you this season? What about any awards or accolades?

Coach Thompson: “Carson Stiglets, our freshman varsity player. Dunes Nelsen and Gavyn Rosales have led the team in scoring. Sophomore Caden Berg has been an excellent contributor to our offense. And so far, we have Austin Stiglets, Bryce Kowalski, and Thomas Trauttman who received Academic All-State.”

Did you have a team slogan or them for the season?

Coach Thompson: “Our overall theme has been TEAM: Time, Enthusiasm, Attitude, and Meaning.”

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ROSPER HY P E //RHHS SOCCER

Dedicated to Prosper ISD Sports

Boys Head Coach Jason Gaglione How would you describe this year’s season?

Coach Gaglione: “Our season ended with winning Rock Hill’s first-ever District Championship. We ended up with a 19-5-1 overall record, a 13-1 district record, and scored a total of 65 goals.”

Tell us a little bit about what you enjoyed most with this year’s team?

Coach Gaglione: “The chemistry and energy of this year’s team was amazing.

The boys played every game with such passion and excitement, and they were super fun to watch and be around. It is rate to find a group like this one, that cares so much for each other and loves to play soccer. The culture that has been brewing in the locker room for the past two year is unbelievable.

This team is so young, but they are hungry, and they play for each other. They have each other’s back at all times and the BLUEHAWKBROTHERHOOD is real.”

What about your team leadership? Do you have any graduating seniors who are going on to play in college?

Coach Gaglione: “Our team captains were senior Sean Kunhs, and juniors Caleb Zavala and Nicolas Arango. These captains were vital in the culture and success of the team this year. Although all three have very different personalities, they all had one thing in common. They always had the team’s best interest in mind. They held everyone accountable and made sure that our core values were exemplified every day. We have four seniors graduating, but only one is going to play at the next level.”

Which of your athletes have truly stood out and is there anyone that has surprised you?

Coach Gaglione: “We graduated most of our backline last year, so there was a lot of opportunity on our defensive line this year. Seach Kuhns, Leshan Kantai, and Collin Shelton really stepped up in times of need and became our strongest unit. They quickly built a chemistry and synergy to become the best defensive line in the district, only allowing six goals against them all season.”

Are there any awards or accolades that your athletes earned?

Coach Gaglione: “We earned eight 1st Team All-District and six 2nd Team AllDistrict selections, along with District 10-5A MVP, Ashton Medina, as well as Co-Offensive Player of the Year, Anthony Reid.”

What was your team theme or slogan this season, and what did it mean to your players and program?

Coach Gaglione: “Believe the Hype. It’s not everyday that you get to be part of a group that opens up a high school. Last year we laid the first bricks of the BLUEHAWKBROTHERHOOD, and after only a year, we created an exciting culture that created a buzz around the state. There was a hype about Rock Hill soccer and the energy that this group brings. This year we focused on living up to that hype and expectations. More than anything, we focused on believing in ourselves, and regardless of how young or “new” we were, that could continue establishing a tradition of excellence and being champions in life. And I guess claim a district championship along the way. I love this group, they are special. I am confident that they will continue to make their school, families and community proud next year. VAMOS.”

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Girls Head Coach Manuel Cordova How would you sum up your 2021-2022 season?

Coach Cordova: “We just wrapped up our season. The TEAM put together a great season. Our overall record was 21-2-1. We ended up as District Champions going 12-1-1 in district. We were Bi-District and Area Champions as well and ended our reason as Regional Quarterfinalists.”

What do you enjoy most about this year’s team and how are they different than last year?

Coach Cordova: “I really enjoyed how this TEAM came together. They worked on their TEAM chemistry and getting to know each other. They spent time in small groups doing challenges. It carried over to the field as they supported each other, cheered for each other, and brought the juice to motivate each other.”

Tell us a little bit about your team’s student leadership. Do you have any athletes moving on to play at the college level?

Coach Cordova: “The TEAM voted three captains: Ella Simmons, Avery Wheeler, and Madison Bishop. What made this group special was their effort to be better than the previous season. They all worked extremely hard to lead by example. They made a lot of progress at the individual level to improve and lead the team. The other part that helped them be good leaders is the way that they worked to include everyone in the TEAM. They made us better by serving the TEAM. We have two seniors competing at the college level next year. Ella Simmons is going to Hardin-Simmons University and Kendall Bowlby is going to the University of Indianapolis. We are proud of what these seniors brought to the TEAM and are excited to follow them at the next level.”

Who were your standout athletes and who has maybe surprised you this season? Do you have any athletes that earned honors or accolades this season?

Coach Cordova: “We are proud of everyone on the TEAM. They all found a way to contribute to our season. We needed everyone’s contribution to have the season that we had. Jordyn Hardeman was named as Overall MVP, and we had six players named to 1st Team All-District: Ella Simmons, Avery Wheeler, Noemi Mistretta, Madison Bishop, Jocelyn Loertscher, and Ella Copenhaver. We also had six players named to 2nd Team All-District: Sophia Sallusti, Samantha Boettiger, Lindsay Spera, Kendall Bowlby, Alana Aiken, and Brooke Walpole. And finally, we had three Honorable Mentions: Haley Heischman, Katelyn Morgan, and Kaylee Humble.”

What was your theme for this season?

Coach Cordova: “#OneTEAMOneDream. Our goals this year were to make the playoffs, be top 4 in district, and have better team chemistry.

They ALL wanted the same thing, so they worked to be one and chase their goals.”

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ROSPER HY P E //PHS TENNIS

Dedicated to Prosper ISD Sports

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//FAMILY// Head Coach - Mandy Weaver Head Coach of Prosper HS Tennis, Mandy Weaver, reports that their season is going great!! They had their mixed doubles team, Senior, Drew John and Freshman, Presley Churchman win district and Junior, Cameron Youtsey got 2nd in Boys Singles. All three of them qualified for regionals. Freshman Nicole Steel got 3rd in girls singles and Sophomore, Aryan Bhaskar and Junior, Eli Steuer, got 3rd in boys doubles. All three of them are heading to regionals as the regional alternates. The regional tournament started April 11th.

The JV team competed in their district tournament on April 14th. They were working hard and ready to go! Coach Weaver says, “Everyone on the team continues to work hard, push themselves and their teammates and I couldn’t ask for anything more. They are a great group of kids who love to play tennis, love to be a part of a team, love to compete and win!”

When asked what she enjoys the most about this year’s team, Coach Weaver said, “Every year is different, even when you have so many of the same players. Every year brings new memories, new faces and new lessons! I have been very fortunate in Prosper ISD to have great athletes on my team. I don’t mean just talent wise either. All of my players are good kids, who make coaching easy. They show up, they love to play and want to be there. I love the way our teams laugh and have fun together while still being competitive! We are together ALL YEAR, and we play ALL YEAR, but the relationships continue to grow, the talent continues to get better and we do that because we are a close team on and off the court.”

Leadership is important for PHS Tennis, and they are fortunate to have a lot of leaders on both the JV and Varsity Team. This year’s Varsity captains are Seniors Drew John and Ava Kirkendall.

Coach Weaver expressed great joy with her leaders by saying, “They have done a great job of holding the team accountable and pushing them to be better. They set expectations for the team and future teams. They have done a fantastic job this year! We have great leaders on both teams, even without a title. I absolutely love seeing our kids step up and be leaders on and off the court... even at times they don’t realize they are.”

This year, the team’s slogan was Family. It goes back to knowing that they are together all year and buttons will be pushed, and limits will be met... but at the end of the day they... Prosper Tennis... they are a family, and they stick together, and they play, fight, represent and win.

They are there for each other and that is a big part of what makes their team and program a solid one.

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ROSPER HY P E //RHHS TENNIS

Dedicated to Prosper ISD Sports

Head Coach David Sands

As you reflect on the season, what went well and do you have any projections for postseason play?

Coach Sands: “Our spring season went great. We had several of our players win medals at tournaments. Our JV and Varsity won several gold medals at tournaments and improved a great deal. We had two regional qualifiers and two district champions. Julia Burski & Cole Moody advanced in mixed doubles and were district champs. Freshman Blake Anderson advanced in singles, was district champ and advanced to the UIL state championship which is April 26th and 27th.”

What do you enjoy most about this year’s team and are they different from your inaugural season?

Coach Sands: “This year my team has continued the tradition that last year’s team did. We compete hard and have brought home several medals during this tournament season. I think my favorite part of this year’s team is the personality and creativity they bring.

They are all close and have been so much fun to watch succeed and grow as individuals.”

Talk a little bit about your team leadership, and what makes them special.

Coach Sands: “Our team leaders have been amazing this year. Our team captains are seniors Ben Cochrum and Ainsley Lutes. They have brought our team together and left their mark on our program. Their personality and hard work has made our team stronger and more of a team. They will be missed next year!

Who are your standout athletes and is there anyone who surprised you?

Coach Sands: “Our standouts have been Blake Anderson, Cole Moody and Julia Burski. All of them qualified for regionals and have shown what Rock Hill Tennis is all about. They all are district champions and Blake is a State Qualifier. They all work extremely hard and compete at the highest level.”

Are there any awards or accolades that your athletes have received?

Coach Sands: “We had several District Champions: Blake Anderson in Boys Singles, and Cole Moody & Julia Burski in Mixed Doubles.

Josh Kirsch & Sainitin Goli placed 3rd in District in Boys Doubles, as did Oviya Panneerselvam & Kendall Gibbons in Girls Doubles.”

What was the overall theme for your season?

Coach Sands: “My slogan is have fun and enjoy the moment. You play tennis because you love the sport and to never forget that. The most important part of playing a sport is to have fun!”

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ROSPER HY P E //PHS GOLF

Dedicated to Prosper ISD Sports

//ACE// 22 | Prosper HYPE - Spring 2022

Boys Head Coach Nick Sharp Tell us a little bit about how this season went and what predictions you may have for post season.

Coach Sharp: “We finished the season in a tie for 2nd place and lost on the 2nd hole of a team playoff to Denton Guyer. We are the alternate to represent our district in the Regional Tournament. We will be represented at the Regional Tournament by freshman LT Harris. Our District Tournament results consisted of a 3rd Place Individual finish by freshman LT Harris, a 6th Place Individual finish by senior Santiago Arredondo, and a 9th Place Individual finish by junior Landon Bownds.”

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

Coach Sharp: “I really enjoyed watching this team grow together. We have a team full of highly competitive guys that could not stand to lose. At the beginning of the year, they would focus more on competing with each other rather than focusing on what it would take to compete against our district teams. When they figured out that they were a team, they became more cohesive and ultimately ended the year with the best 6A finish in Prosper Golf history.”

How was your team leadership this season?

Coach Sharp: “We were led

by Santiago Arredondo, Parker Covington, and Tim Wanasek. Their senior leadership was a vital part of our season. They took some of the younger guys under their wing and taught them how to be part of a team.

With their excellent example of leadership, they have defined what it means to be part of the Prosper Golf program. Off the golf course, the entire team is truly the definition of servant-leaders. They will out of their way to help with anything whenever it is needed.”

Who were your standout athletes and was there anyone who really surprised you?

Coach Sharp: “LT Harris came in as a freshman and his work ethic and commitment to improving led him to capturing the 3rd Place Individual spot in our district and moving on to the Regional Tournament. The surprise this season was with Kelly Pimenov, who was playing on the 2nd team. Kelly finished the District Tournament in 23rd Place Individually and made us better by pushing the guys in the Top 5 to continually improve. He will compete for a Top 5 spot for the next two years.”

Are there any awards or accolades that your athletes have earned this season?

Coach Sharp: “We have two athletes named to the 1st Team AllDistrict team: LT Harris and Santiago Arredondo. We also had two guys named to the 2nd Team All-District team: Landon Bownds and Marcus Williams. And finally, we had two Honorable Mention AllDistrict: Parker Covington and Kelly Pimenov.”

What is your overall team slogan or theme and what does it mean?

Coach Sharp: “#ACE. It means Accountability, Commitment, Excellence.”

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ROSPER HY P E //RHHS GOLF

Dedicated to Prosper ISD Sports

This year as season has been one to remember. With so many new seniors it has brought a new energy to the team. I was able to win districts and take 3rd in regionals to qualify for state.

-Ryan Shellberg

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Head Coach Taylour Reeder Rock Hill’s Head Golf Coach, Taylour Reeder reported that Ryan Shellberg was District Champion for the second year in a row and will compete at the Regional Tournament during the week of April 18th. The boys’ team earned an overall 4th Place finish. Aliesa Situmorang was District Champion for the second year in a row and will also compete at the Regional Tournament. The girls’ team earned the title of District Champions.

“This year’s team brought my first group of Seniors for the program, and I am beyond thankful for all that they have done for our school and for this program. They have left a lasting impression and I am so proud to have the chance to coach each of them. My sophomores Ryan and Aliesa are not only amazing golfers, but great leaders of the game for their teammates. They are always willing to help others while never letting off the gas on their own game. Emma Brown was a young lady that started the year on JV but put in so much work that she worked her way on to my Varsity roster.

There are not many young athletes willing to put in the work that it takes, and she did that in such a short amount of time. I am excited to see how these sophomores finish out their high school careers,” said Coach Reeder.

Madison Weir – 2nd Team All-District, Academic All-District Selina Sun – 1st Team All-District, Academic All-District Savannah Erwin – 1st Team All-District, Academic All-District Aliesa Situmorang – District MVP, Academic All-District Pooja Mirkheler – 1st Team All-District, Academic All-District Richa Mirkheler – 2nd Team All-District, Academic All-District Emma Brown – All-District Honorable Mention, Academic All-District Ryan Shellberg – 1st Team All-District, Academic All-District Guatham Janyavula – 2nd Team All-District, Academic All-District

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ROSPER HY P E //PHS TRACK & FIELD

Dedicated to Prosper ISD Sports

Boys Head Coach Coby Richards How is your season going and do you have any predictions or projections that you want to share for district or post-season?

Coach Richards: “This season is going better than expected. We have broken three school records in the Open 100-meter, the 4x100-meter Relay, and the 4x200-meter Relay. We currently have the 2nd faster 4x100 time in our region. Hopefully, we can keep that momentum up and see how far it will take us.”

What do you enjoy most about this year’s team and how do they differ from those in the past?

Coach Richards: “This year’s team is basically the same team we had last year. This has helped lead the growth of the team and the records being reestablished.”

Who are this year’s team leaders? Do you have any seniors who are going on to compete in college?

Coach Richards: “Our team leaders are Jack Johnston, Jaxson Lanz, and Rayaan Hameed. At this time, we don’t have any seniors going on to compete at the college level.”

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What about your standout athletes?

Is there anyone who has really surprised you this season?

“Trevor Montayne, Jr broke the school record in the Open 100 and Jaxson Lanz, Sr. has been a consistent runner through all of his events.”

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ROSPER HY P E //RHHS TRACK & FIELD

Dedicated to Prosper ISD Sports

Girls Head Coach Zach Morgan How is your season going and do you have any post season predictions you’d like to share?

Coach Morgan: “Our season is going extremely well. All the right pieces are in place, and we have had tremendous success to this point. The girls’ team is in contention for a district championship title with several athletes that have potential to advance to the state championship in May.” What do you enjoy most about this year’s team?

Coach Morgan: “This group truly values the aspect of the entire team and not just certain individuals in particular event areas. They have done an excellent job motivating each other and holding each other accountable. We are also fortunate to have depth in all events.”

Who are your leaders and what makes them special? Do you have any graduating seniors that are going on to compete in college?

Coach Morgan: “This is the core of our success this season. Our upperclassmen on varsity truly believe that everyone is capable of reaching new heights each week. Senior Jourdin Edwards has led our program for two years and does a great job including all the girls no matter what level they are on. Her passion for track and field is infectious and other on the team thrive off her drive. Cailyn Milner and Kyah Shannon have also done a great job pushing their peers to perform at their best. Jourdin Edwards will be heading to the University of Louisville and Rees Van Voorhis to the University of Southern Mississippi.”

What about your standout athletes? Has anyone earned any awards or accolades so far?

Coach Morgan: “Amari Wrightsil has done a phenomenal job in our 200/400 group and is an integral part of our 4x400-meter relay.

Kaylie Hancock has also made a big jump in pole vault in her fist varsity season. Kyla Lewis was nominated for TX Milesplit Girls Performer of the Week.”

“Track season went really well, I ran the 4x400 and we made it all the way to state qualifiers. It was super fun and exciting. No one really expected us to make it that far. Even though running the 4x400 was super hard it was still alot of fun and super impressive on how far we made it” - VERONICA CULLY 28 | Prosper HYPE - Spring 2022

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ROSPER HY P E //PHS SOFTBALL

Dedicated to Prosper ISD Sports

The season has been going very well. We have been working everyday to reach our goals. We just clinched district championship along with a playoff spot. We have stayed very consistent throughout the season. We are trying to redeem ourselves from last year and win a state championship this year.

-Elizabeth Moffitt

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ROSPER HY P E //RHHS SOFTBALL

Dedicated to Prosper ISD Sports

Head Coach Leigh Anne Budd How is your season going and do you have any predictions to share regarding district and post season play?

Coach Budd: “We are currently 19-7 overall, and 8-0 in District.

We are looking to close out undefeated in district and have goals of a deep run into post-season in hopes that we end up in Austin!”

What do you enjoy most about this year’s team and how do they differ from last year’s inaugural team?

Coach Budd: “Our team this year is a ton of fun and so exciting to watch because we have challenged them day in and day out, and each time they have risen to the occasion. But not only are they extremely talented, they are genuinely good people, and the coaches enjoy being around them. With no senior graduating last year, we only got better this season.”

Can you tell us a little bit about your team leadership? Do you have any seniors who are going on to compete at the college level?

Coach Budd: “Leadership is what is so special about this team because at any given moment during a game, at practice, or in the classroom, we have various athletes stepping into this role. Our seniors have done great at helping to guide the underclassmen in tough situations, and our juniors have stepped into bigger roles on the team. We have three senior athletes that are looking forward to playing in college: Grace Berlage, who

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is attending Mid-American Nazarene, Taylor Hagen is heading to Salt Lake Community College, and Katerina Luna is going to Pace University.”

Tell us a little bit about your standout athletes, and those that have really surprised you this season.

Coach Budd: “What is great about our team is the talent spread throughout our team. We have speed, power, and versatility. I think the ones that have surprised everyone are our underclassmen, including both of our freshmen, Ella Berlage and Gabrielle Luna. They are continuing to play like upperclassmen and have a bright future at Rock Hill.”

Understanding that your season isn’t even halfway over, have any of your athletes earned any accolades so far?

Coach Budd: “We have three athletes that earned honors as Top DFW Performers: Ella Berlage, Grace Berlage, and Jolie Malan.

We also had two athletes earn nominations for DFW Player of the Week: Grace Berlage and Ella Berlage. Finally, we have one Dallas Morning News Player of the Week: Katerina Luna.”

What is this season’s theme or slogan, and what does it mean to the program?

Coach Budd: “Level Up. The players chose this phrase because last year we finished incredibly strong. In fact, better than most thought we would do. The players knew that in order to continue building their legacy, they would have to step up and elevate to the next level.”

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ROSPER HY P E //PHS BASEBALL

Dedicated to Prosper ISD Sports

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“We are progressing very quickly. At the beginning of the season we had no clue who was gonna play where and how our many strengths would all fit in one lineup. We’ve finally found how everything works together and we’re becoming pretty dangerous. We are the team to beat right now.”

- Jacob Devenny

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ROSPER HY P E //RHHS BASEBALL

Dedicated to Prosper ISD Sports

Head Coach Shaun Stanton Understanding that you are barely through the first half of the season, how is it going so far?

Coach Stanton: “We are currently 13-8 overall and 4-1 in district. We are sitting at a #13 ranking in state 5A.” What do you enjoy most about this year’s team and how do they compare with your inaugural Blue Hawk team?

Coach Stanton: “Last year we didn’t hardly have any varsity experience. This year is different because now we have that experience. And that will certainly help us once the playoffs roll around.”

Talk to us a little bit about your team leadership. Do you have any seniors that are going on to play in college?

Coach Stanton: “Brenner is my vocal leader. He was not only the QB on the football field, but he has been my “QB” on the baseball field as well. Jack Opoien is a silent leader. He gives 100% on and off the field with his actions. Brenner Cox will be

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playing at the University of Texas. There will be other seniors play at small schools, but there aren’t any commitments as of yet.”

What about your standout athletes and their performances?

Has anyone earned any awards or accolades so far?

Coach Stanton: “Ty Townsend is second in the DFW area with five Homeruns. Brett Foss is 5-0 and is hitting +.300.

Brenner Cox played in the Perfect Game National, Texas Scout Association game, and Area Code games.”

What is your team slogan, and what does it mean to your players and the program?

Coach Stanton: “Our motto is BCM, which stands for Blue Collar Mentality. It means we focus on putting your head down and going to work. We don’t worry about accolades. Instead we get the job done for our family and for our teammates.”

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