As shorter days give way to longer nights, it's understandable to find fewer fans at Dragon Stadium. It may be winter, but the play on the field is far from cooling off. Quite the contrary, Southlake Carroll’s boys and girls soccer teams are each bringing the heat through their own unique rosters.
Boys head coach Chris Padilla is currently enjoying the play of a highly experienced team of seniors that he’s coached up for the last four years. And after girls head coach Matt Colvin sent an unprecedented five players early to both collegiate and professional play (*see our interview with Kennedy Fuller of Angel City FC), his team is finding similar results with a new core of multi-talented underclassmen.
Senior captain Chris Parsons joined us in the studio along with the high scoring Holcombe twins, Olivia and Caroline for a fun cover shoot. Together, the trio are representative of these teams who are both currently No. 2 in the area 6A rankings from the “The Dallas Morning News”.
Thanks to the accomplishments in other team sports like tennis, cross country, football, swimming and more, our reigning UIL Lone Star Cup winners are stoking the fires for the race to once again be crowned as the state’s top high school sports program— a feat they’ve already accomplished nine times.
Yours in Dragon Pride,
Mike Tesoriero | Publisher Mike@SouthlakeStyle.com
(L-R) Olivia Holcombe, Chris Parsons and Caroline Holcombe
Photo by BluDoor Studios
PHOTO BY STEWART JOHNSON
ALWAYS in season
BLOCK PARTY: The Lady Dragons take flight against the Eaton Eagles.
Vanessa Glenn (L) and Kinsley Young (R)
SPORTS IN REVIEW
DRAGONS CROSS-COUNTRY
BOYS AND GIRLS EACH EARN 16TH TRIP TO NIKE NATIONALS
In sports, sometimes it's not just a steady run to a championship that’s impressive, but the way a team responds to a setback. Both scenarios were on full display as the Carroll boys and girls cross country teams hit the trail in their quest to return to the 6A state meet this past fall.
While the Carroll boys continued expanding a dynasty by capturing gold and their sixth-straight state title in November, the Carroll girls finished sixth at state after four consecutive years of taking the second-place silver. But the Lady Dragons rebounded in a big way by posting their best finish of the season at the Nike Regionals later that month, clinching second at the event and qualifying for the prestigious Nike Nationals in December alongside the boys.
“The state meet didn't go the way we thought it could have gone, but then the girls redeemed themselves at Nike Regionals,” said Justin Leonard, Carroll cross country coach. “That was big, kind of a redemption run. Also, it shows the underclassmen what can be done, so it's kind of exciting for the future.”
Most impressive for the program was that both the Dragons boys and girls teams have reached the Nike Cross Nationals 16 times each since the event’s founding just 19 years ago. This season saw the boys take fourth overall and the girls finish 22nd. The boys took third at nationals in 2023, but saw a marked improvement by junior runner Caden Leonard this season. Caden — the coach’s son — finished third individually and just three seconds behind first place after losing his footing in the rainy conditions midway through the race. The junior also took first place at the UIL state meet for the second year in a row.
“He was wanting to do things at the state level and also on the national level, so he had his sights set on that and he just worked really hard and pro gressed,” said Justin, noting that his son not only prepares with physical train ing, but researches race videos and national competition. “He sets goals and he's determined.”
Caden was a huge spark to his team’s success, as the boys took first in all their meets in the regular season, except the nationally competitive Woodbridge Classic event held in California, where they finished second. It took strong efforts by the top five runners all year, especially at state. The Dragons distanced themselves just enough to edge out Austin Vandegrift, posting a lower runner placement total to take the title (49 points to Vandegrift’s 53).
Cypress Bridgeland finished third (84 points).
Caden’s first-place time of 14 minutes, 50.10 seconds was 10 seconds faster than his winning time at state last year, while senior teammates Blake Bullard (15:15.80) and Griffin Cords (15:24.20), finished eighth and 11th, respectively.
Head Coach: Justin Leonard
Assistant Coaches: Dusty Allen, Emilia Egel, Sarah Odneal
BOYS
“They believe it can happen, and they make it happen,” Justin said of the program’s continued dedication to win championships.
While the boys had four varsity runners returning from last year, the Lady Dragons returned three this season. Seniors Sarauy Valuri, Elizabeth Smits and Gabriella Tesoriero were called on to lead a team whose top seven were rounded out by three sophomores and a junior. The team finished in the top three at several regular season meets, took second at district and third at regionals.
At the state meet — won for a fifth-straight time by local rival Flower Mound (47 points) — Veluri finished 34th to pace Carroll (170 points), while sopho more Abigail Perez came in 52nd and Smits finished 61st.
Justin said the effort at the Nike Regional meet was a turning point for the inexperienced Lady Dragons, as Carroll finished the season ranked in the Top 30 nationally.
“I think it kind of flipped the script a little bit, and gives the girls a lot of motivation going into next season,” he said. “We were a young team, so if we buckle down a little more and focus on the little things, I think we’ve got a really bright future.”
” They believe it can happen, and they make it happen.
— Coach Justin Leonard
DRAGONS
BUILDING FOR THE FUTURE
Having graduated five senior boys from last year’s team and relying on less experienced players in key roles, questions swirled over how well the Carroll boys tennis team would perform this past fall. The boys, whose top six lines were composed of sophomores and juniors, stepped up to the challenge and became a strength for a Dragons team that came within a match of reaching the Class 6A state tournament.
The Dragons (19-4) saw their season end with a 10-9 loss to Allen at the 6A Region I Final on Oct. 18. Head coach Corey Aldridge said the boys’ ability to improve, perform and lead this past season was key.
“It's always interesting as a coach to see new teams come together, what dynamic we’re going to have, who's going to be the leaders,” Aldridge said. “I can always say, ‘Hey, I want you to lead.’ I can pull a kid aside and say I want you to do this, but that's up to them. They've got to have the personality to be able to lead.
“Seeing their personalities come out and just kind of take over, take a step into some leadership, was kind of interesting.”
The boys side provided plenty of wins for the Dragons this past fall, but a more experienced girls team provided stability. Four of the top six girls were seniors, and as a whole they outplayed their opponents later in the season.
The effort across the board was evident when the Lady Dragons defeated Plano West by a 10-4 final in the Region I semifinal match on Oct. 17. Plano West (ranked No. 8 in the state by the Texas Tennis Coaches Association) was one of several qual ity programs Carroll faced during the season. The Dragons also defeated Highland Park (ranked No. 7 in 5A), Frisco Lebanon Trail (No. 8 in 5A), Coppell (No. 13 in 6A), and El Paso schools Franklin (No. 18 in 6A) and Coronado (No. 21 in 6A).
After winning eight district games by a combined individual match total of 1409, Carroll rolled through its first three postseason matches with wins over Boswell, Coronado and Midland Legacy. The Lady Dragons’ subsequent win over Plano West paired them against Allen (No. 3 in the state), a team with which they split two matches earlier in the regular season. Coming down to the wire, it wasn’t to be for Carroll this time around.
Head Coach: Corey Aldridge
Assistant Coach: Abby Mahlmann
BOYS
Bennett Berlew Sr.
Jack Couch Sr.
Jason Gao Sr.
Danil Kazakov Jr
Haydn Kim Jr
Rushil Rajpal So.
Aman Rangee Jr
Colin Seaburn Sr.
Aaron Stone So. Abhishek Tyagi Jr
Andrew Whitehead Jr
GIRLS
Montse Alanis Sr.
Nikki Battini Sr.
Kimbyl Belnap Sr.
Louisa Downes Sr.
Arianna Esquivel Jr
Maggie Finley Jr
Macyn McCaffrey Sr. Abigail Perez So.
Peyton Pham Jr
Jasleen Rangee Fr.
Ria Sanghavi Jr
Addison Timmerman Sr.
Sarah Woods Jr
“(Allen was) just a little bit better that day,” Aldridge said. “On paper against Allen, we were favored in all the boys matches, and we dropped a couple of matches on the boys side. (Our) girls won a couple that they shouldn't have. But ultimately, it wasn’t enough.”
The Carroll girls must replace four of its top six players on its singles and doubles lines next season. The boys team returns its top six.
“I just told them, ‘Use this feeling as motivation.’ What are we going to do? We don't want to be here again,” he said. “I hope that we remember that gut feeling, so that they can use that to try to work a little bit harder, stay a little bit later, come a little earlier, hit a few more serves, hit a few more returns. And hopefully we'll be in better shape next year.”
DRAGONS SWIM AND DIVE SPORTS IN REVIEW
DRAGON SWIM & DIVE FULL OF ‘SUPERSTARS’
A swimming rivalry is alive and well between Southlake Carroll and Keller, and both schools dominated at the Region 1-6A swim meet in February. The Lady Dragons claimed top honors on the girls side, edging out cross-town rival Keller by 42 points. The boys team saw success as well, finishing in second place behind Keller.
The Lady Dragons could find themselves in the heat of a first-place battle at state once again, with several fast swims individually and in relays this season, but those showings — as well as Carroll’s diving results — at the Class 6A meet could play a key factor in claiming the gold this time around.
And while the Carroll boys’ second-place finish at the UIL championship meet in 2024 might be a stretch to replicate this year, the potential return and effectiveness of an injured top swimmer could be the difference in finishing anywhere between fifth and seventh and reaching the medal stand for a possible bronze showing in February.
“We have three really fast girls,” said Kevin Murphy, Carroll swim coach, mentioning school and pool records set in the 200 and 400 free relays this season. “For the girls, those divers will be really important to the outcome of the [state] meet.
“My very best [swimmer] got hurt at club practice way back in September or early October,” Murphy said of senior Jackson Hernandez, who was a high school All-American with times posted last year. “He's just now trying to get going again. So that's kind of changed our equation.”
“We hope he has a nice 50 (freestyle event at district), and if he can swim some relays, (he’ll) come to the regional meet. … If (Hernandez) is ready to swim, we could finish maybe third at the state meet.”
The battle to place at or near the top at state for the boys and girls starts with a familiar foe at the district level once again. Keller is expected to vye for both Class 6A titles after coming close to reaching that feat in 2024. Keller won the boys state title last year, comfortably leading second-place Carroll in point total (312.5 to 208) and is favored to take gold again this season. Keller was third in the girls championships with 252 points, trailing second-place Carroll by just 11.5 points.
The two-team race should continue this postseason at the regional meet while they simultaneously compete against schools out west from areas like El Paso and Midland. For the Carroll and Keller girls, the battle is expected to continue up until the very last race in Austin.
The Lady Dragons have had strong showings in the 100 (junior Olivia Colombo) and 200 freestyle (junior Emma Bibza), 100 butterfly (senior Marin Clem and Bibza) and 100 backstroke (Clem, Colombo), as well as all three relays — especially the 200 medley and 400 free relays. The boys side is expected to end up in the top five or so of all three relays as well, as Carroll aims to send a total of six relays (boys and girls) and possibly as many as eight girls swimmers to state.
“We've got some superstars,” Murphy said. “The state meet — that's hard to get into if you don't have superstars.”
Competing in several challenging meets this season, Carroll has won every dual meet in which it’s raced. However, the annual Lone Star TISCA event this past November serves as one of the best meets in terms of talent faced, as well as an indicator of what could happen in late-season contests. The boys finished second to Keller at TISCA, while the Lady Dragons nar rowly edged out Keller to win.
The difference at TISCA was diving, which could serve as the X-factor at state as well. Last season, the Carroll girls had the top two divers at state, and freshman Jack Ma finished third for the boys. Although the two girls graduated, senior Melina Michaeledes and some of her teammates could likely reach Austin, along with Ma, now a sophomore.
“It was kind of funny (at TISCA), because when they first gave out the trophy for winning the meet, they hadn't included the diving scores,” Murphy said. “So they gave Keller (girls) the trophy. …They (later) had to send the trophy home with one of our high school girls who was a club swimmer.”
Head Coach: Kevin Murphy
Assistant Coach:
Rachael Ausdenmoore
Diving Coach: Anastasia Podzniakova
BOYS
SWIMMERS
Pierce Chapman Fr
Ian Collins So.
Kobe Dickheiser So.
Aaron Dong Fr
Alex Erastov Sr.
Colin Heintz Jr
Dylan Heldenbrand So.
Jack Hernandez Sr.
Ethan Jetty So.
Finley Laurence Fr
Jack Lu Sr.
Jeffrey Liu So.
Finn McAteer Jr
Lucas Mijares Sr.
Thomas Paskvan Jr
Ryan Seifert Fr
Grayson Sullivan So. Landon Weilert Sr.
Leonardo Xiao Sr.
William Zhang Jr
DIVERS:
Jack Ma So. Collin Mertens Fr
GIRLS
SWIMMERS
Emma Bibza Jr
Alli Boswell So.
Lauren Boswell So. Katelyn Burke So.
Marin Clem Sr.
Olivia Colombo Jr
Julia Cook Fr
Kay DeYoung Fr
Merren Grannell Sr.
Jordan Jiuliano Sr.
Kaitlyn Jiuliano Sr.
Jenna Khalaf So.
Sydney Klopfenstein Jr
Carolina Lotrean So.
Sayesha Mahat Jr
Caitlyn Nguyen So. Nono Okafo Jr
Taryn Plows So.
Sydney Rubin Sr. Emma Ta Sr.
DIVERS
Reese Calvin Jr
Melina Michaelides Sr.
Bella Sanouvong Fr
Gabriella Ybarra Fr
DRAGONS
five years in 2023-24 – a huge step for the program. Still, losing its first-round playoff game 57-54 in overtime to Chisholm Trail stung.
This season, the Carroll boys found themselves in that kind of funk during a stretch in the first half of district play, losing three consecutive 4-6A contests in overtime to fall to 3-4 after an otherwise strong district start. However, Dragons coach David Markley believes his 2024-25 team is mature enough to put together another run that will propel them back into the playoffs
“We just didn't finish games like we should,” said Markley, whose team lost in overtime to L.D. Bell, Keller Central and Byron Nelson. “You learn from those tough ones, fighting through adversity. Every team goes through it, and how we respond to it is going to determine how the rest of the season goes.”
The Dragons shook off the setbacks and won its next three games to get back into the postseason hunt in January.
Carroll’s strong play is impressive for a team that lost seven seniors from 2024’s 21-9 team. Many of the 12 seniors are first-year varsity players or saw limited action last year.
The Dragons have, however, relied heavily on three seniors who played pivotal roles and extensive minutes in 2024.
Guard Ari Tumma has compiled an impressive year having surpassed 1,000 career points in December. The Truman State commit leads the team in scoring (24.7 points per game), rebounding (7.6), assists (3.8) and steals (1.6), as well as three-pointers made per game (2.7). Forwards Amechi Anwah and Gavin Munroe, and the late appointment of Brody Knowles, have also provided a spark for Carroll on both sides of the court.
“Even with those guys, they have all-new roles,” said Markley. “We lean on those guys, for sure.”
Several of this year’s seniors — as well as junior Riley McCoart (9.5 points per game this season) — were part of a junior varsity squad that won a district championship, so Carroll’s coaching staff knew the talent and potential they were bringing to varsity this year. That potential has turned into performance, mainly due to how hard they work in practice, Markley said.
“On the offensive end and on the defensive end, we get on the glass really well,” Markley said. “You hold a team to one-and-done, and you’ve got some possessions from your offensive rebounding, that helps a whole lot. I think defensively, we've surprised some teams with how good we are on our man-to-man defense.”
Battling a tough district schedule that includes first-place Keller, L.D. Bell and Byron Nelson, Markley said a couple of plays here or there could be the difference in wins and losses. Early season tournaments, like Carroll’s trip to the Houston area for the Magnolia Doghouse Invitational, helped prepare them for the challenge as they fought through some close games.
“We went 3-1, and all four games came down to the buzzer,” Markley said. “We hit a couple buzzer beaters and then got beat at the buzzer. So we've been in tight games all year, and I think playing in those kinds of games has helped (prepare for late-season battles).”
Head Coach: David Markley
Assistant Coaches: Jon Cravens, Jordan Willis, Dustin Burchfield, Skyler Wetzel
Riley McCoart Jr
Chris Lassanske Sr. Lucas Underwood Sr. Ukeame Ewoh Sr. Gavin Munroe Sr. Brody Knowles So.
Preston Sullivan Sr. Saket Dhawan Sr.
Timi Afolabi Sr. Carson Williams Sr. Noah Johnson So. Cash Baldwin Sr. Ari Tumma Sr.
Amechi Anwah Sr. Sultan Kantar Sr.
DRAGONS GIRLS BASKETBALL
Head Coach: Robyn McCoart
sisters threw a huge curveball at this year’s roster plans.
Enrolling in Oak Cliff’s Faith Family Academy over the summer, Milania, Gianna, Natalia and Nadia Jordan — all in Carroll’s state-ranked starting lineup in 2023-24 — left the Lady Dragons program and took their combined average of 50 points per game with them. Senior Taryn Barnes also graduated last spring, meaning none of last year’s starters would take the floor for Carroll this season.
Carroll head coach Robyn McCoart admitted the Jordan sisters’ departure took her a little off guard.
“I had no idea [about the sisters’ plans to leave],” said McCoart. “I got an email like a week or so after they had enrolled. … We were kind of starting from scratch. I wish them the best. They're awesome kids, we never had one issue. … But it’s ‘next man up.’ That’s the way I look at it.”
The Lady Dragons have shown they understand the message, and have reacted accordingly. Although the huge shakeup was initially a shock to the team, play ers quickly realized they would need to step into new roles in order for Carroll to succeed.
One of the biggest emerging stars for Carroll this season is sophomore guard Whitney Jense. After seeing varsity playing time in a sixth-man role her fresh man year, Jense (18.6 points, 8.0 rebounds and 3.3 assists) has stepped into the spotlight as a go-to player and offense generator who leads the team in points, rebounds and assists. She is also averaging over three steals per contest.
“I told her at the beginning of the season, ‘You're going to need to shoot 20 shots a game. You're used to shooting around two. I'm going to need you to shoot volume shots,’” McCoart said. “So she stepped up.”
With only two seniors on the roster, several younger players have increased roles for Carroll this season. Freshman guard Angelina Bouley (7.5 points), junior guard Payton Lee (7.7 points, 4.6 rebounds, 2.8 assists), as well as junior forward Jillian Hall (4.0 points, 3.8 rebounds) are key components of the team.
Senior forward Katah Gunter (5.8 points, 4.7 rebounds) is getting her chance as a starter after serving as Barnes’ backup the past three seasons. Gunter and Audrey Hendrickson, the only other senior on the roster, help set the tone with their leadership and work ethic, McCoart said.
Assistant Coaches: Sally Allsbrook, Rosana Barbosa, Callie Gressett, Brock Smith
Aamani Tumma Fr
11 Sahasra Kunam Jr
15 Angelina Bouley Fr.
20 Whitney Jense So.
21 Payton Lee Jr
22 Katah Gunter Sr.
23 Modean Croy Fr
32 Jillian Hall Jr
The Lady Dragons gained confidence from early season wins over Coppell, Crowley and Waxahachie, as well as a close loss to Mansfield Lake Ridge.
The district schedule has proven itself challenging, with losses to first-place Byron Nelson and L.D. Bell. Carroll could see its four-year streak of winning district come to an end, as they currently sit in second place. But another 20-win season and playoff berth looks promising.
“(The lineup changes) required almost everybody to take on a different role,” she said. “They were just super-resilient, super-positive, never heard anybody complain. No one ever talked negatively about anything that happened. … We were going to keep figuring out how to gel as a team, and that's what they've done.”
DRAGONS
A RETURN TO REGIONALS VOLLEYBALL
Head Coach: Leslie Jackson
Assistant
The Carroll volleyball team overcame the loss of several key players to gradua tion, improved defensively and battled through arguably one of the toughest district schedules in the nation to clinch a third-place seed and playoff trip in 2024.
In the end, the Lady Dragons (28-11) found themselves finishing in the same spot as last year — returning to the Region I final and falling just shy of reaching the 6A state tournament.
Trophy Club Byron Nelson (40-1), ranked No. 1 nationally and the team that would go on to win the 6A Division II title, handed Carroll a 3-0 loss in the regional playoff match. It was the third time the two district rivals met this season, and Carroll fell short each time.
“We did the best we could, but they were extremely talented,” Carroll coach Leslie Jackson said of her team’s play versus Nelson. “Byron's good every year, they've got great talent, and they're well-coached.
“Sometimes you play teams that are No. 1 in the nation, and sometimes you play teams that aren't. It is what it is, as far as the draw is concerned. But I thought our kids did a really nice job when they played them. They played super hard, and that’s all you can ask for.”
Although Nelson cruised throughout the postseason without losing a single set in six matches, Carroll’s games with the Bobcats were tighter (17-25, 22-25, 19-25) than either of the two matches Nelson played against its opponents in the state tournament. That strong level of competition between the Lady Dragons and Nelson was true in district play as well. The Lady Bobcats swept all their sets in 4-6A except two 3-1 matches with Carroll.
It was a great example of the strong effort during a challenging district schedule for the Lady Dragons. Six teams in District 4-6A registered 25 or more wins for the season.
“You get tested a lot,” Jackson said. “Whether it's a team that on paper is more talented than you or not, if you don't show up, then you're not going to be successful.”
The Lady Dragons overcame a 6-5 start to the season to win 19 of its final 24 games, including 11 of 16 district matches. Led offensively by junior outside hitter Layla Austin (406 kills), as well junior middle blocker Kinsley Young (368 kills) and senior outside hitter Mary Beth Morse (256 kills), Carroll’s attack was solid. The team made strides defensively, thanks to the effort of Young (team-leading 124 blocks), as well as the ability to make digs by senior defensive specialist/libero Addisyn Kennedy (407 digs) and sophomore outside hitter Vanessa Glenn (299).
“Our blocking was better than I had anticipated,” said Jackson. “We have a lot of offensive weapons, but I thought that our defense was something that needed improvement … I thought that it picked up quite a bit.”
Carroll graduates several seniors, including setter Parker Tuttle, libero Blue Anderson and setter Ashley Tam. The loss of this year’s graduating class will be felt, Jackson said.
“There was such a high level of personality in this group (of seniors),” she said. “There were some really great leaders in that group, so I think they're going to be missed more than they probably think.”
DRAGONS
WATER POLO
TEAMS IN TRANSITION STILL CLIMB TO THE TOP
It was a year of transition for the Carroll boys and girls water polo teams, as a coaching change and the loss of some former standout players meant adjustments were needed in order to stay in the state title hunt.
“It's always unique when you have a coaching change,” said Justin Pudwill, Carroll’s Aquatics Center manager who took over coaching duties for the Dragons when former coach Keith Gomez stepped down prior to the 2024 season. “We had some players who didn’t get a ton of valuable minutes in the past who had to play pivotal roles. That's a very fast learning curve in a short amount of time.”
The Lady Dragons (21-3, ranked No. 12 nationally by MaxPreps) were forced to fill a huge offensive void with the departure of 2024 UCLA signee Jojo Walters, who compiled 205 points (138 goals and 67 assists) in 2023. This season, junior Maile Farden (121 goals, 42 assists) and seniors Sydney Rubin (100 goals, 66 assists) and Ella Le (56 goals, 95 assists) led the Lady Dragons’ offensive charge.
Defensively, Carroll had to overcome the graduation of goalkeeper Somto Okafo (229 saves on 287 shots on goal in 2023/24). Senior Regan Morris, who was a field player last year, switched to goalkeeper and improved as the season progressed.
“She quickly transitioned into a goalie and played outstanding, especially in that regional final game,” Pudwill said. “A lot of our season’s success came because of how she was able to elevate her game in the water.”
After Flower Mound Marcus (20-2, No. 10 nationally) handed Carroll its first loss in a 17-8 decision, the Lady Dragons’ only other regular season defeat came when Richmond Foster (31-1, No.8 in the nation) dealt them a 15-12 loss. Carroll held the lead until late in the contest.
Winning its final eight games of the regular season, the Lady Dragons rolled through their first three playoff games before exacting revenge on Marcus in an 11-10 decision in the Region I finals. But Clute Brazoswood (28-2, No. 4 nationally), proved to be too much in the state semifinals, winning 14-8 to end Carroll’s season.
“We were winning at the half and I think that was a winnable game,” Pudwill said of the loss to Brazoswood, who went on to win state. “[We] definitely overperformed what I think everyone else's expectations would've been for the program.”
The Carroll boys (25-7) lost four players who contributed 100 or more total points during the 2023/24 season. But senior Carter Smith (76 goals, 71 assists for 147 points) and junior Ivo Tagliani (109 points) led the Dragons offensively this season. Senior Louie Christensen and junior Royce McBride each contrib uted 79 points as well.
“Ivo is probably one of the best centers in the state of Texas right now, and Carter is, as I like to say, our best all-around player,” Pudwill said. “He can kind of do everything.”
Defensively, Carroll split time between two goalkeepers in senior Ryan Bradford and freshman Jaxon Faast, both of whom averaged better than three saves per game.
The Dragons captured the district title with a 5-1 record, losing only to Dallas Jesuit (13-10 final). But two regular season meetings with Marcus (23-1, No. 8 nationally) and a contest with Boerne Champion (23-5) were Carroll’s top tests. After losing 21-14 early in the season to Marcus, the Dragons gave a much improved effort in an 11-10 loss in their second meeting. Facing Champion, a team that reached the state tournament, Carroll came away with a 13-12 win.
“The region we're in is pretty tough, but we're definitely one of the top pro grams in the state,” Pudwill said.
The Dragons also showed they belonged in the postseason with impres sive nine-goal wins over Hebron and Prosper, and an 11-goal win over The Woodlands College Park. But facing Marcus in the regional final for the second year in a row was once again a tall order, as Carroll fell 17-12 to end the year.
“What kind of work are we willing to do in the offseason? That's extremely important,” Pudwill said. “We've already been back at it, we're back in the pool working towards our 2025 season so that we can make sure we're in a good spot when it counts.”
”The region we're in is pretty tough, but we're definitely one of the top programs in the state.
— Coach Justin Pudwill
DRAGONS DRAGON WRESTLERS GO TROPHY HUNTING
Head Coach: Joe Hathaway
Assistant Coaches: Leslie Salazar, Steve Love, Josh Raulerson
Claiming the gold medal in the 106-pound weight class in 2024, Dylan Ota became the first Carroll boys wrestler to win an individual state title since Cameron Haddock in 2018, joining only a handful of Dragon athletes in school history to accomplish the feat.
As a junior this year, Ota appears the odds-on favorite to defend his title, as three Carroll boys wrestlers that advanced to state in 2024 will attempt to make a return trip to Austin for the Class 6A state tournament Feb. 14-15.
“If I was going to bet the farm on anybody, it'd be Dylan,” said Joe Hathaway, now in his 16th season as Dragons wrestling coach. “He's going to give you everything he's got every time he steps out there regardless of the situation.
“He's beaten all of his closest competition pretty handily so far this year,” Hathaway said of Ota, who was ranked No. 1 in state heading into this season’s 4-6A district meet.
Ota is a key reason why Hathaway feels good about his boys team’s chances of making a push for a top-four state finish after sending four and finishing 15th as a team in 2024. Dylan’s older brother Carson Ota (113-pound senior) and sophomore Tyson Gibson (126) also carry state meet experience from a year ago and could likely return, while junior move-ins Keagan Sieracki (138) and Luke Burgar (157), as well as freshman Robert Soto (126), are also favored to clinch trips to Austin.
“The top four (teams) at state get trophies, so that's kind of the way I look at it,” Hathaway said. “Whatever color it is, that’s fine, but we want to get a trophy.”
The Carroll girls wrestling team knows its limited numbers makes the goal of competing for a trophy less likely, but three Lady Dragons have a strong chance of advancing to state. Along with 2024 graduate Haley Maxwell, Carroll was also represented at state last year by Cora Hayes (114 pounds). Now a junior, Hayes is ranked in the top ten in the state and has had strong showings like her fourth-place finish among the Cy-Fair Tournament’s 80-team field.
Junior Grace Jose (120), who fell short of state last year, is looking even stronger this season. Freshman Brielle Trang, younger sister of former state champ Bailey Trang and state qualifier Brenna Trang, is also looking promising in the 100-pound class after recovering from injuries early in the season.
“[Brielle] placed in basically every tournament she's been at so far when she's been healthy,” Hathaway said. “[Those three girls are] going to be kind of our core that we are building around this year and into next year.”
Carroll’s boys were tested at tough wrestling tournaments like Cy-Fair — believed to be the largest high school tournament in the country — and passed with flying colors, finishing first as a team. The Dragons placed fourth at the State Duals event, while Sieracki and Dylan Ota placed at the tough Mid-America Tournament in Oklahoma. The Lady Dragons were pushed at the challenging Texas Women’s Classic and at Cy-Fair.
“We could be 30-0 against a bunch of cupcakes, then go out and get smashed and have the deer in the headlights (look) when we get to regionals and state,” Hathaway said. “We’re going to go wrestle the best competition because we want to test ourselves, and that just gives us more data to be able to get back in the room and improve.”
BOYS
Cole Austin Jr
Parker Barry Sr.
Tyree Bates Fr
Blaise Bennett Jr
Luke Brown Sr.
Matthew Bryce Fr
Luke Burgar Jr
Jorge Caballero Jr
Corban Chen So.
Liam Cruce Fr
Chris Dawood Fr
Arav Desai So.
Ayann Didarali Sr.
Noah Dyer Jr
Elijah Emmer So.
Tyson Gibson So.
Hudson Goldsmith Jr
Ryan Haskell Jr
Mustafa Kayani Fr
Andrew Kelley Fr.
Matthew Kruger Jr
Varun Mathews Jr
Zaden McBride So.
Ruben Mendoza Fr
Ethan Menezes Jr
Carter Miller Jr
Blake Nguyen So.
Noah Nicholson So.
Carson Ota Sr.
Dylan Ota Jr
Dhylan Patel So.
Grant Peterson Jr
Matthew Pyay Fr
Rocky Robbins Jr
Gavin Sibbett Jr
Keagan Sieracki Jr
Ethan Singh Jr
Robert Soto Fr
Wesley Steiner So.
Aaron Thomas Jr
Braden Trang Jr
Jaxon Weber Sr. Aiden White Jr
GIRLS
Sylvie Barnes Fr
Lilly Caskey So.
Cora Hayes Jr
Grace Jose Jr
Denise Koh Fr
Chloe Lassanske Fr
Addison Savich Fr
Adia Singhania So.
Brielle Trang Fr
SPOTLIGHT
AN OFFENSIVE TEAR Ari Tumma surpasses 1,000 career points for the Dragons p.
Count it!
Boys Basketball Coach David Markley Earns 200th Win
Carroll High School head boys basketball coach David Markley, currently in his fourth season manning the sidelines for the Dragons, celebrated his 200th career win in December after winning two of three at the 2024 Knights of Columbus Tournament, a prestigious pre-district tournament showcasing some of the best teams in DallasFort Worth.
Carroll is Markley’s second head coaching stop, beginning his career at Chisholm Trail High School in Eagle Mountain-Saginaw ISD. He immediately left his mark upon taking the reins, leading the Chisholm Trail Rangers to playoff appearances in 2016, 2017 and 2018
and winning two District 5-5A championships. Markley and the Rangers were dominant during that threeyear stretch, winning a total of 73 games.
He has already left his mark in Southlake, too - at Carroll, Markley had led his teams to 20 or more wins in back-to-back years, a feat that no Dragon boys basketball team has accomplished in over two decades. In a tough district that includes Northwest, L.D. Bell, Byron Nelson and Euless Trinity, the 2025 team has already surpassed 20 wins and has officially clinched a Class 6A playoff berth. Carroll qualified for the playoffs in 2023-24 under Markley, losing in the first round to his old team, Chisholm Trail, in overtime.
QUINN EWERS DECLARES FOR 2025 NFL DRAFT
Quinn Ewers is officially going pro. The former Carroll Dragon and Texas Longhorn announced Jan. 15 that he will forgo his remaining year of NCAA eligibility and enter the 2025 NFL Draft, to be held April 24 in Green Bay. “These past three years have been some of the best years I could’ve imagined,” Ewers said in a video on X. “I’m truly thankful for the opportunity to play football in my home state at the best university in the world. … With prayer and careful consideration, I’m officially declaring for the NFL Draft.” Ewers leaves Texas third in program history in completions (737), passing yards (9,128) and passing touchdowns (68). In what will now be labeled his final college season, Ewers threw for 2,472 yards and 31 TDs with 12 interceptions.
SYDNEY RUBIN NAMED WATER POLO ATHLETE OF THE YEAR
Senior Sydney Rubin, a captain of the Lady Dragon Water Polo team, was named the 2024-25 Water Polo Athlete of the Year for 5A and 6A. The University of California at Davis commit’s skills were further acknowledged when she was also named one of seven players selected by the Texas Girls Coaches Association Water Polo Committee for the 2024-2025 all-tournament team as the lone representative from the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. Rubin plays club water polo for the North Texas Thunder Water Polo Club.
BROCK BOYD RECEIVES STATE, NATIONAL RECOGNITION
Junior wide receiver Brock Boyd piled up the statis tics in 2024. Now, he’s piling up the accolades. Boyd finished the 2024 season with 111 receptions, 1,875 receiving yards and 20 total touchdowns to lead the Dragons to the Class 6A Division 1 state championship game. He was named the Division 4-6A Offensive Most Valuable Player, “The Sporting News” Second Team All-State, “Dave Campbell’s Texas Football” Best of the Best Honorable Mention and a MaxPreps All-Junior First Team. Boyd has been ranked a four-star composite recruit by recruiting outlets 247sports and Rivals. He has verbally committed to TCU.
RJ MICKENS SELECTED TO EAST-WEST SHRINE BBOWL
22 DRAGONS NAMED TO ALL-DISTRICT FOOTBALL TEAM
After a run to the 6A state championship team, 22 Carroll football players were named to the 4-6A alldistrict football team. Riley Wormley, Davis Penn, Brody Knowles, Jacob Bobrowski, Tristan Dare, Luke Wilson, Carey Clayton and Trent Wilson were all named to the district first-team on offense. Jake Lucky, Austin Davidge, Zac Hays, Robbie Ladd, Gavin Strange and Ethan Fisher were named to the district first-team on defense. Luc Jacquemard, Nathan Domeraki and Zac Hays were named second-team all-district on offense, and Marcus Brouse, Austin Bussmann, Parker Harris, Luke Bussmann and Jackson Oakley were named second-team all-district on defense.
KINSLEY YOUNG NAMED TO 6A ALL-STATE VOLLEYBALL TEAM
Carroll’s Kinsley Young was selected to the Texas Sports Writers Association Class 6A All-State volleyball team following a standout season for the Lady Dragons. Young, a junior, was named second-team middle blocker along with Montserrat Talavera of Eastwood and Kimanni Rugley of Pearland. Eight players were named to the state second team. “The Dallas Morning News" also named Young the 2024 Blocker of the Year.
Former Carroll standout and current Clemson defensive back R.J. Mickens played in the 100th East-West Shrine Bowl Jan. 30 at AT&T Stadium. The Shrine Bowl has been played for more than 90 years, doubling not only as a college football all-star game but also as a beneficiary of Shriners Children, a healthcare system that provides free medical care to children with a range of conditions. Mickens, a Clemson captain, officially declared for the 2024 NFL Draft in December after playing in 60 games for the Tigers from 2020-2024. He recorded 229 tackles, seven interceptions, 15 pass breakups and a fumble recovery in 2,174 career snaps.
JACK THRAILKILL RECEIVES CHARLIE STALCUP AWARD
Carroll senior Jack Thrailkill has been announced as the 2024-25 Charlie Stalcup Heart of a Dragon award winner, given annually by the Kiwanis Club of Southlake to a Carroll football player along with a $1,500 scholarship. Thrailkill joins a long list of players who have exemplified the values of beloved football coach Charlie Stalcup, a 2014 Dragon Athletics Hall of Fame inductee whom the award has honored since 2004. Thrailkill, who also wrestled for Carroll, played on the 2024-25 Dragon football team that made it to the 2025 state championship game.
The Southlake Carroll Dragon Cheer squad placed 12th at the University Interscholastic League 6A Division 1 state championships, held Jan 16-18 in Fort Worth. The Dragons finished with a score of 85.37. Carroll scored 44.03 points in crowd-leading chants and 41.33 in its performance of the band chant and fight song. Later in the month, the Dragons placed third at the NCA High School championships and were also awarded the Vocal Excellence Award.
CARROLL IN SECOND PLACE AFTER FIRST UIL LONE STAR CUP UPDATE
The University Interscholastic League has released its first 2024-25 6A Lone Star Cup points update, and Southlake Carroll High School currently sits in second place behind only Austin Vandegrift. Vandegrift has 57 points to Carroll's 45. The Class 6A Division 2 state championship football game directly resulted in an eight-point swing in the Lone Star Cup standings. Vandegrift, of course, defeated Carroll in the title game and received 18 Lone Star Cup points in the "football" category. Carroll received 14 points in the category from its runner-up finish. Carroll also received 10 points for boys cross country, eight points each from volleyball and team tennis, four points for marching band and one point for spirit. Vandegrift scored higher than Carroll in marching band and volleyball (12 points each), but Carroll scored higher in team tennis and boys cross country. Carroll is seeking its tenth UIL Lone Star Cup after winning most recently in 2023-24.
ACCOLADES ROLL IN FOR DRAGONS FOLLOWING STELLAR GRIDIRON SEASON
Several Dragon football stars received superlatives as part of the 4-6A all-district football team. Quarterback Angelo Renda was named District MVP, and sophomore wide receiver Blake Gunter was named District Newcomer of the Year. Lineman Jack Van Dorselaer was named 4-6A Defensive Lineman of the Year, WIlliams Chen was named 4-6A Defensive Player of the Year, Gavin Strange was named 4-6A Kicker of the Year and the Carroll coaching staff was named District 4-6A Coaching Staff of the Year.
ARI TUMMA REACHES 1,000 CAREER POINTS
Truman State University commit Ari Tumma officially reached the 1,000 career point mark in December as a member of the Carroll Dragon varsity basketball team. Tumma has been on an offensive tear this season, with several games of scoring over 30 points – as well as a game against LD Bell in December where he scored 41, followed up by a contest versus Boswell where he hit eight three-pointers. Tumma announced his commitment to Truman State on National Signing Day in November.
CADEN LEONARD REPEATS AS GATORADE TEXAS PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Caden Leonard was once again named the 2024-25 Gatorade Texas Boys Gatorade Player of the Year in cross country. Leonard, a junior, won the award last year and continued his dominant ways, clocking a 14:50.1 at the state meet, good for his second consecutive first place finish. His performance also led the Dragons to their sixth consecutive 6A state championship. A two-time Nike All-American, Leonard took third at this year’s national championships in Portland, Oregon.
LADY DRAGONS SWIM TEAM SETS MULTIPLE CARROLL RECORDS
The Lady Dragon Swim team set a new Carroll ISD Aquatic Center high school pool record and a Carroll High School record in the 200 meter freestyle relay at a Jan. 16 meet. The team of Emma Bibza, Olivia Colombo, Lauren Boswell and Marin Clem finished the relay in 1:33.79, breaking the Aquatic Center record of 1:35.48 and the Carroll team record of 1:34.38. The squad of Colombo, Bibza, Clem and Sydney Klopfenstein also set an Aquatic Center record in the 400 meter freestyle relay at the same competition, finishing with a time of 3:25.35. The previous Aquatic Center record was 3:27.33.
Owner | Darla Stapleton
Dr. Michael Nguyen is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon who completed a fellowship in sports medicine and arthroscopic surgery of the shoulder, knee and hip. He specializes in the care of all levels of athletes from elite competitors to weekend warriors. During these unprecedented times we are working hard to keep you covered even when times are tough.
S ETTING the STANDARD
Ca rroll soccer is still having a moment. For the past six years, the Lady Dragons soccer team has set a new standard of excellence under longtime head coach Matt Colvin. The girls won 6A state championships in 2019 and 2022 and then made it to the state finals and semi-finals in 2023 and 2024 respectively. If the core of these recent teams had not opted to play at the next levels, or if some plays had gone the other way, it is arguable the Carroll girls could have won the last three consecutive state titles.
BY
TIM GLAZE
PHOTO BY BLUDOOR STUDIOS
ACTION PHOTOS BY STEWART JOHNSON
Kamdyn Fuller
cer. They, like the 2025 Carroll boys team, have been highly ranked this season by other outlets, including the “Dallas Morning News” who have consistently ranked both teams in the top-2 in the area all season long.
In his fourth season as the boys head coach, Chris Padilla is now coaching seniors on this year’s team that were freshmen when he took charge during the 2021-22 season. And with a deep squad led by those seniors, the Dragons are ready to make noise of their own.
Thanks to rosters full of experience and talent, both teams are excelling in the early months of the season, eyeing potentially deep playoff runs. January was an especially dominant month for both teams, and February looks good so far, too: as of press time, in 14 matches since the start of 2025, the Lady Dragons have outscored their opponents 50-14; the Dragons have scored 32 goals and allowed only eight.
DRAGONS ARE DEEP, EXPERIENCED
The boys have an impressive complement of 22 seniors driving what Padilla says has been the key to the team’s fast start: a strong sense of veteran leadership amongst a squad that has gigantic expectations.
“[The seniors] have been a driving force in everything we do,” Padilla says. “They’ve bought in, and the effects on our culture have been contagious.”
One such player who’s reaped the most from the team’s veteran leadership is John Skiermont. The sophomore forward currently leads the way for the Dragons in points with four goals and three assists. Senior Townes Hargrove has three goals, senior Chris Parsons has two and seniors Fife Adeyemo and
“We’re a really close team,” Parsons says. “There aren’t really any cliques – we just all hang out together, and you can see that closeness translating to the field.”
The Dragon’s depth has been apparent to start the season, as 35 different players have played in at least two games – including freshman Grayson Lowe (two caps), sophomores Tyson Lipp (seven caps), Grayson Williams (two caps) and Nick Cornell (three caps), all underclassmen.
“It’s hard to pick one, or even a few players that have stood out since we’ve had so many performing really well,” Padilla says. “[I’d mention] Townes and his delivery on free kicks and creativity in the midfield, John Skiermont for his efficiency in creating and finishing chances, Chris Parsons and Ayden Vidal for their command of the midfield, and Zac Nystrom for leading the defense.”
The comfort Padilla has with his current squad has allowed him to arrange multiple defensive lineups this season, with each contributing to the Dragon’s lock-down mentality.
“We’ve played several players in our back four this season so far, and they’ve all kept their composure in possession,” Padilla says. “We’ve been extremely organized and committed to stopping the opponent’s attack. We take defending personally, and that makes a really big difference.”
“Even when different guys have been out, we’ve still been really solid on defense,” Parsons added.
Padilla specifically mentioned his team’s 3-0 win over Euless Trinity on the road – no easy task for any team. He noted the team’s energy in the match, which he said was “through the roof.”
Fife Adeyemo
Townes Hargrove
Peyton Hayes
“From the eleven players on the field to the play ers on the sideline, every player on the roster con tributed to the success of our team that night,” Pa dilla says.
LADY DRAGONS EXCELLING DESPITE MISSING WOULD-BE STARTERS
Adding to the Lady Dragon’s impressive start is the fact that, technically, the team is missing six starting players who left the program early to pur sue professional opportunities or enroll in college –though one is now back in the fold.
Kennedy Fuller and Zoe Matthews, both USWYNT standouts, are currently on National Women’s Soccer League rosters – Fuller on Angel City FC and Mat thews on the Houston Dash. Olivia Geller, Hannah Jordan and Abby Mills all enrolled in college early, opting to begin their NCAA soccer journey. Geller is currently playing for TCU, Jordan is at Penn State and Mills is at Notre Dame. All five girls would have been seniors on this year’s Lady Dragons squad.
Underclassman Kamdyn Fuller, technically a ju nior, had left Carroll early to play soccer profession ally while earning her high school diploma. But after a stint with USL Super League squad Trinity FC and appearances with the USWNT Youth Team, Fuller re turned to Carroll for her senior year and is now on the pitch for the Lady Dragons as they march to wards the playoffs.
Even with the younger Fuller’s return, missing five starting seniors would be understandably tough on any team. Colvin takes it in stride, as he must: the high school soccer season comes hard and fast in Dallas-Fort Worth and District 4-6A, where the talent level is on a national scale. The games start quickly, and for squads that have deep playoff aspirations like the Lady Dragons, a season that begins with fall conditioning can last into April when state playoffs begin.
“We felt like we were still in control of the game even when we were defending,” Colvin says. “I thought we did a solid job of staying calm and keeping the ball. Our transition to attack [from defense] was fast and precise.”
The Lady Dragons are not as senior-laden as the boys team – only six players are in their final year of high school. But that certainly hasn’t stopped the girls from dominating their opponents.
“Our job is to manage player load and try to make sure players are as close to 100 percent each game, both physically and mentally,” Colvin says. “As we’ve moved into district play, games luckily have become more spread out. We try to find details in the game that will give our players and team the best chance at being successful.”
Factoring in the offense Fuller will provide – as a Lady Dragon sophomore, she scored 41 goals and had 24 assists – the current squad is also filling up the stat sheet. Junior defender Olivia Holcombe has burst out of the gate this year, scoring six goals and taking 20 shots even as a back-line player. Her twin sister, junior forward Caroline, has five goals and three assists. Peyton Hayes, a junior midfielder, has six goals, including two games with two tallies. Presley Wilkerson, a sophomore, has six wins and one draw in goal for the Lady Dragons, and fellow sophomore Audrey Anderson has four goals, six assists and taken 28 shots.
Colvin said he was especially proud of the girls’ opening district game – a 3-0 win over Byron Nelson, a match that saw the Lady Dragons in total control
“The goal is to stay on top of the district and get to state,” Olivia Holcombe says. “Every practice, every game, that’s our mindset.”
Even with so many scorers, defense has become the Lady Dragon’s calling card. A clean sheet is always the intent, according to Colvin.
“Our goal each game is to keep the other team from having the ball as much as possible,” Colvin says. “We are hard to score on when all the players maintain their discipline. When we do lose the ball we want to press high up the field and win the ball back as fast as possible.”
The challenge will always be there for the Carroll soccer teams; there’s too much history, too much starpower, and a very high overall winning percentage to swallow when the green, white and black jerseys take the field. And so, one factor remains consistent for both the boys and girls squads: opposing teams raise their level of play when they take the pitch against Southlake.
“Teams get up to play us,” Padilla says. “So, our challenge has been don’t react to that energy from your opponent, but make them react to your energy. Dictate the pace and temperature of the game.”
Audrey Anderson
senior TRIBUTES
CLASS OF 2025 CLASS OF 2025
CONGRATS TO ALL CARROLL CROSS COUNTRY SENIORS! Your dedication, work ethic and character set you apart.
Congrats Class of ,25 ,25
We are so proud of you and can't wait to see all that your future holds!
Love, Mom, Dad, Cole & Jacob 2025
Way to go, Bo! We are beyond proud of you and can't wait for this next chapter! Love, Mom, Dad, Ella and Avery 2025
Checking In With The Lady Dragon-Turned-Pro
Kennedy Fuller won a soccer state championship with Carroll as a freshman in 2022. After her sophomore season she was named by Gatorade as the nation’s top soccer player. Now, in what would be her senior year of high school, Kennedy has already completed her first professional season with Angel City FC of the National Women’s Soccer League. On June 19, 2024, while her classmates enjoyed the summer break, she scored her first professional goal, and in August scored the winning goal in a shootout. The local phenom was also nominated for the 2024 Young Female Player of the Year Award in her role as a captain of the US Youth National Team. Kennedy, who turns 18 in March, is part of the NWSL’s new generation of young stars, but as her parents taught her, age doesn’t matter if you belong on the field.
I HAVE BEEN EXTREMELY BLESSED… to have played in the top leagues my entire young career whether it be at Carroll, Solar or the US Youth National team. However, being able to play in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) has been such an honor. I have been able to play against and with some of the best players in the world. The biggest difference I have experienced in the NWSL has been the speed of play and the level of competition you face every single match. As a result, it has required relentless focus and preparation - physically, mentally and psychologically.
MY PARENTS HAVE ALWAYS… embedded in our family that no matter your age, experience level or size, you can still perform at the highest level. Naturally, you will always have your doubts and fears, but as long as you find the courage and tenacity to face those fears, you will persevere. It hasn’t always been easy, but if it were easy, everyone would do it.
SCORING MY FIRST NWSL GOAL WAS… a surreal feeling. Being able to score at home, in LA, where you can feel the community and fans behind you in every moment was an experience of a lifetime. The atmosphere after the goal along with being able to celebrate with my teammates, family and friends was an experience I will never forget.
REGARDLESS OF IF I START OR COME OFF THE BENCH… I have always believed that you have to prepare for a game in the same way whether you are a starter or a game changer. I started 15 of my 24 matches played. For me, coming off the bench was equally as important as starting. You have to be prepared and ready for when your number is
called, and that starts with pregame preparations, to warm up, to game analysis.
PLAYING FOR BOTH THE NWSL AND THE NATIONAL TEAM…. has been a dream come true. Both of the training levels are extremely high; the difference is in the learning environment. With the youth national team, you are learning, developing and improving constantly, but with Angel City you are playing with older players so you are expected to know how to analyze the game with a deeper understanding.
I STILL KEEP IN TOUCH WITH… a lot of the girls from our state championship team. The connections that were made on the Lady Dragon soccer team are so special to us. There are a handful of players that are going to be life-long friends.
PROFESSIONAL SOCCER PLAYERS I ADMIRE ARE… Phil Foden, Kevin De Bruyne, Lindsey Horan and Jaedyn Shaw. They all demonstrate an attacking mindset and can accelerate and manipulate the ball in a multitude of ways.
AS THE CALENDAR TURNS TO 2025… my schedule is pretty packed. We report for the NWSL preseason and officially start playing games in March, which runs through November. During the FIFA windows, the US National team will hold camps and friendlies. Being a part of the National team is an honor that can’t be taken for granted. Wearing the crest is something you have to earn each and every camp. With that being said, I hope that I will be able to participate in the next cycle with the U-20s, U-23s and the United States Women’s National Team. Photo by Angel City FC
FIVE MINUTES with ...
KENNEDY FULLER
REPRESENTED
signing day
DRAGON ATHLETES SIGN LETTERS OF INTENT ON FALL SIGNING DAY
During Carroll ISD’s National Signing Day ceremony, 28 student-athletes signed letters of intent. On Nov. 13, 2024, newly-minted Athletic Director Riley Dodge led the event as students and families gathered at Carroll Senior High School’s auditorium to recognize those Dragons committing to play their sport in college. Head baseball coach Larry Vucan’s team includes eight signees, followed by coach Rainey Hodgson’s girls lacrosse with four signees and coach Justin Leonard’s boys cross country team with three signees.
Congratulations to these scholar-athletes who will go on to represent their respective universities in the following sports
Ryanne Beall - ACRO GYMNASTICS AND TUMBLING
- University of Mary Hardin Baylor
Jordan Stewart – SOFTBALL – University of Southern Illinois
Scarlette Kuhn – SOFTBALL – University of Minnesota
Sammy Petkus – LACROSSE – U.S. Military Academy, West Point
Brooke Sganga – LACROSSE – Eastern Michigan University
Lauren Tillotson – LACROSSE – Rockhurst University
Gabbi Forry – LACROSSE – Barton College
Rex Duggan – LACROSSE – Florida Tech
Sydney Rubin – WATER POLO – University California Davis
Blue Anderson – VOLLEYBALL – Dallas Baptist University
Griffin Cords – CROSS COUNTRY/TRACK – Cornell University
Alex Severson – CROSS COUNTRY/TRACK – University of Miami
Blake Bullard – TRIATHALON – USA Triathalon/Arizona State
Bo Fleming – TRACK & FIELD – University of Texas at Austin
Ari Tumma – BASKETBALL – Truman State University
Hannah Jordan – SOCCER – Penn State University
Parker Wilkerson – SOCCER – University of Denver
Evan Robson – BASEBALL – New York University
Ethan Baiotto – BASEBALL – University of Tennessee
Benjamin Pailes – BASEBALL – University of Colorado, Co. Springs
Truett Claffey – BASEBALL – Texas Wesleyan University
Ashton Ybarra – BASEBALL – Ouachita Baptist University
Jake Shannon – BASEBALL – Amarillo College
Tanner Carson – BASEBALL – McLennan Community College
Davis Perkins – BASEBALL – McLennan Community College
Jackson Hernandez – SWIMMING – Boston College
Marin Clem – SWIMMING - Georgia
Melina Michaelides – DIVING – University of Alabama
Ava Hoefert – ROWING – Villanova
SHOTS ON GOAL
Lighthearted action at our recent cover shoot
parting SHOT
BY BLUDOOR STUDIOS
PHOTO
Agents (left to right): Chris Asaff, Shannon Rice, Shawn Teegardin, Tina Paneri, Teri Gray, Shelly Hammond, Lisa Lawler, Donna Lella, Margaret Dallao, Melissa Barnard, Pam Taeckens, Araceli Wilson, Donna Patterson, Karen Morgan and Billy Bishop.
