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Mason 5-Sport Athlete Keller Lives & Breathes Sports With Family

Thomas Bingham
Jul 22, 2020

Mason High School is home to two sets of teams. The boys programs are called the Punchers and the girls squads are named the Cowgirls. One of its athletes, five-sport female Tristin Keller, has found a way to be a part of both groups.

"I love to compete," said Keller. "I have played nine different sports growing up: gymnastics, soccer, baseball, softball, football, tennis, track, cross country and basketball. When I entered high school, I wanted to continue to compete in as many sports as I could."

Keller ultimately condensed her athletic involvement to basketball, football, softball, tennis and track. At first glance, two things immediately stand out: the five sports she still plays and being a female member of the football program. But, both are results of her sports-crazed family.

"I [have] followed my parents and older brother to football games since I was two months old," said Keller. "JV games on Thursday nights, varsity on Friday nights and youth games on Saturdays. [And] my entire family is part of the Mason Puncher football program: my brother, Tyson Keller, is a 2018 UIL 2A Division I state champ, my dad, John Keller, is an assistant coach, and my mom, Sherry Keller, is a cheer coach."


"I was a competitive gymnast, but I told my mom I was going to quit so I could play football," she continued. "Just following in the footsteps of my brother I guess. As a kid, I played football with the boys on the elementary playground, so it was natural to sign up, [while] not realizing 'girls don't play'. My first season was in third grade, so this will be my ninth season to play."

Both of Tristin's parents continue to be involved in her athletic and academic career. Sherry has coached her in baseball and basketball and John influenced her football and track success. In school, they've served as her math and history teachers.

"Sports and school are very much a family affair in our household," said Tristin. "We get frustrated with each other at times, as I'm sure all teenagers do. Yet, I have a valuable resource with my parents' knowledge and experience, not only in sports, but the classroom [as well]."

As much as they're active in their children's lives, John and Sherry go out of their way to separate their work and home lives.

"On the field, I am just another player and he is just my coach," Tristin said of her father. "At times, it feels like he holds me to a higher standard than the other players, but I'm sure that is the case for most coaches' kids. At home, he never talks with me about sports, unless I bring it up first. In that environment, he is much more patient in explaining things to me and listening to my point of view."

Tristin understands the unique position that she's in and embraces everything about football. That includes the bond that players share.

"It's special for me because I'm a girl, so I have to go the extra mile to earn a position and respect," said Tristin. "The camaraderie with the boys is different than the girls, as well as the intensity from the coaching staff and my teammates."

Another thing that Tristin doesn't take for granted is the opportunity to play home games at the iconic Texas high school football venue known officially as R. Clinton Schulze Stadium and by its more common moniker, PuncherDome.

"Traditions run deep in Mason [and] one is playing on a renovated horse track," she said. "The overwhelming town support in the PuncherDome is unique and intensifies the environment. With the covered home section, the band and fans echo and make it louder than other stadiums. There is a lot of value in the stadium without throwing billions of dollars into it."

While Tristin keeps pushing for a full-time roster spot on Mason's varsity football team, she knows there's more of a future in a different sport.

"Who wouldn't want to be the first female NFL player," she said. "But, that's not in the cards for me. Basketball is what I plan to do in college because it is my favorite and that is the sport I feel I can be the most successful. If I get the chance to go to the WNBA, I'm in."

This summer alone, Tristin received offers from Angelo State and Abilene Christian. That's a great start for the daughter of Mason's head boys basketball coach.

"I have been playing basketball since first grade," she said. "The offers have been extremely humbling. I never expected to get offers after my sophomore season. I am excited that my dream of playing college basketball is coming true."

The 2022 recruit is still two years away from signing her letter of intent, but wants to impress college programs with other achievements.

"I hope to graduate as the 2022 Mason High School valedictorian, win a state championship in basketball and team tennis, medal in the pole vault at the state track meet and individual tennis state tournament, and earn a position on the varsity Puncher football team," said Keller. "In shooting for all these, I hope it leads me to a college basketball scholarship."

For more sports coverage, follow Thomas (@Texan8thGen) and VYPE (@VYPEATX) on Twitter.

Looking to get more involved? Check out ShopVYPE for fresh gear that supports local schools and the VYPE U Ambassador Program. To sign up for the VYPE U Program, apply at VYPEU.com.

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#WHATASNAP: Behind the Scenes at the 2020 VYPE ATX Soccer Photoshoot

VYPE
02 Feb, 2021

Let's kick it…

The Austin, Texas area is full of soccer talent. Soccer stars across the Austin area got to experience the bright lights at the recent VYPE ATX Soccer Photoshoot presented by Whataburger. Check out the behind the scenes video below!

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INSTANT REACTION: Westlake Too Much for Carroll to Claim No. 3

Stephen Peters
17 Jan, 2021

ARLINGTON - In a matchup with so many storylines, the main theme of the 6A Division I State Championship was Westlake's ability to score at will and hold a dynamic Southlake offense in check in the second half.

Southlake touted the 5-star, No. 1 quarterback in the nation in Quinn Ewers, but Westlake's Cade Klubnik stole the show with his pinpoint accuracy, poise in the pocket and his pure athleticism when he carried the ball.

Klubnik took home offensive MVP with three total touchdowns, including two on the ground.

The game completely turned when Westlake got the game's first stop and subsequently took the lead. Southlake responded late in the second quarter to tie the game at 21, but Westlake went on a methodical, 5-minute drive to go up 28-21.

A hurried Ewers threw an interception on Carroll's ensuing possession. To start the second half, Westlake scored to open up a two-score game - a perfect bookend around the half - as that was a start of a big run by Westlake, highlighted by a big, one-handed interception by Michael Taaffe - his second of the night.

Taaffe's two INTs was enough to name him defensive MVP for the second straight year.


💥TOUCHDOWN CHAPARRALS💥

After an INCREDIBLE one handed interception @CadeKlubnikQB bounces out and scores again for Westlake. They now lead Southlake Carroll 42-21 with 6:48 left in the third quarter. @tommy_yarrish | @VypeATX | @VYPEDFW | #UILState pic.twitter.com/nBMK6OkRxG
— vypehouston (@vypehouston) January 17, 2021

At that moment, the game was essentially over and Westlake would coast to a 52-34 win and its second straight state title.


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VYPE U Photo Gallery: Westlake Football Punches a Ticket to State

Olivia Raymond
13 Jan, 2021

Westlake Football coach is the centerpiece in the middle of a team huddle after Westlake won the semi-final match against North Shore.

Olivia Raymond

The Austin Westlake Chaps advance to the State Final match by a final, nail-biting, score of 24-21 against North Shore. The Chaps will play against Southlake Caroll in the State Final match on January 16, 2020. Here is a look into the action brought by the Chaps!

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austin high school sports austin texas high school sports football north shore north shore football texas high school football westlake westlake football westlake high school westlake high school football austin westlake
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