Willis' Tori Van Schuyver
After all, the entertainment-factor would be drastically altered without the band, cheerleaders and of course the drill team fulfilling their integral roles.
That’s where the captain of the historically-renowned Willis Sweethearts, Tori Van Schuyver, comes in.
“Personally, I think it’s really important because without the drill team dancing on the field, it would just be the band and cheerleaders,” she said. “That’s nothing against them, of course, but there are a bunch of little girls who look up to the Sweethearts.
“It’s important to showcase that on the field, since we’re the school’s spirit squad and we’re there to get the crowd hyped up.”
The 2024 Willis SweetheartsBradley C. Collier (VYPE)
So, where did it all begin for Van Schuyver?
“I’ve been in dance since my third or fourth-grade year,” she said. “My older sister, Jessica, was a dancer and she was a really big mentor for me. Wanting to follow in her footsteps has kind of kept the passion lit inside of me for this long.”
Although dancing is something she could potentially see herself continuing for the coming years, Van Schuyver predominantly wants to follow another passion of hers.
“I actually pursue culinary arts,” she said. “So, I’m looking into nutrition and dietetics in order to become a nutritionist and a consultant for teams one day.”
Given that this will be her last year at Willis High, the senior Sweetheart has had time to consider what exactly sparked her to become such a determined by-product of the community she’s been brought up in.
“I’ve been a Wildkat through-and-through since first grade,” Van Schuyver said. “The environment I’ve been raised in has been very supportive. Anything I’d want to pursue, everyone around me – and not just my family– would encourage me to go for it.
“Because of that, I’ve felt like I could do anything. My director, coach (Kaylee)Trotter, has been one of those figures who helped to push me in a supportive way to be the person I’ve become.”
Despite the inevitable bitter-sweet moment coming at the conclusion of her career as a Sweetheart, the impact Van Schuyver has had on the team will surely have her well-prepared for the subsequent stages of her life.
For now, she’s here to hype up the crowds for one last time.
Rudder's Paris Mitchell
“I like getting myself out there,” she said. “I like to get involved in little programs and meet people. It gets me out of my shell. I like being uncomfortable.”
The 5-foot-10 hooper has big energy on the court and can score inside and out. She has a great shooting touch and likes to defend, aggressively.
“Basketball is more than just a game for me,” she said.“I love competing and it’s been a great motivator for me over the years, on and off the court. My older sister played, so that sparked my interest but it’s really about the small gains you can make every day. When I see improvement, I just want more. I have that kind of grit.”
Alex Hinson (VYPE)
That’s music to coach Karla Calhoun’s ears as the Rangers try and compete for a playoff spot this winter.
“We had some bumps in the road last year,” she said. “We had some really tough injuries, but I think those adversities will push us even more this season. We will be putting up a big fight in district play with the goal of making the postseason.”
When she’s not honing her game on the hardwood, Mitchell taps into her artsy side.
“I love to paint and do puzzles,” she said. “That’s how I wind down. I look for inspirational pictures or just jot down my feelings and paint from there.”
When she hangs up her high tops, the 4.3 GPA-student has a plan for her future.
“I love to help people and just get to know people I might not run into every day,” she said. “That’s why I want to pursue nursing. It will be a challenge, but I’m up for it.”
No surprise there.
Willis' Amy Garcia
For Willis super-student Amy Garcia, it was the Willis Wildkat band.
“I moved from Pasadena, Texas before my freshman year,” she said. “It was a tough move because I was not going to be able to experience high school with my childhood friends.
“I was kind of lost and didn’t want to join the band here, but the directors really influenced my decision. It’s a story that can shared with others. I found a family in the band and it really helped me find my place at Willis. They were so kind to me, and it was really easy to make friends.”
Since then, Garcia has flourished and now finds herself as a Drum Major entering her senior year.
The 2024 Willis Wildkat Band Drum MajorsBradley C. Collier (VYPE)
“I just love playing music with my friends,” she said. “I started in the fifth grade when my elementary music teacher put a flute in my hands and look at me now. I’ve learned to play the alto sax, bari sax and piccolo, but more importantly, I learned to work and lead people. It’s a great life skill.”
While she is locked in to perfecting the Wildkat band performances throughout the fall, Garcia winds down by hanging with her family and listening to music.
“I love to listen to hard rock,” she laughed. “I know that may seem weird, but I really want to learn to play the drums. I love to spend time with my friends and family... they are my happy place. They just soothe me.”
Garcia excels in the arts, but she also dominates in the classroom, where she is in the Top 10 percent of her class.
“I won’t be pursuing music as a career, but I believe it has helped me so much as a student,” she said. “I’m wanting to pursue aerospace engineering at Texas A&M or an Ivy League school.”
That’s a long way from being a scared freshman, entering the halls of Willis High School just three short years ago.
GAMES
Join the #VYPETEAM
Get up to date news from all over the country!
