VYPE Coaches Corner: Stephen F. Austin High School Baseball Coach Alejandro Arellanes
VYPE caught up with Stephen F. Austin High School Baseball Coach Alejandro Arellanes recently, discussing the season and more.
Check out the interview below!
VYPE caught up with Stephen F. Austin High School Baseball Coach Alejandro Arellanes recently, discussing the season and more.
Check out the interview below!
A new era begins at Cedar Park as John Henze takes over the reins of a program that captured the Class 5A State Championship in 2025 after finishing with an outstanding 39-12 record.
While there is a new head coach on the sidelines, the expectations haven't changed.
The Timberwolves return a strong nucleus featuring Anna Kurz, Blake Gilkey, Riis Britt and Harper Bohnen. Henze is also excited about the impact newcomers Taylor Walters, along with Britt and Bohnen in expanded roles, can make this season.
According to Henze, the keys to another championship run are continuing the daily grind and remembering what it takes to compete at the highest level.
"Same standard. Different level," Henze said.
With a championship culture already in place, experienced returners and a new leader guiding the program, Cedar Park will once again be one of the teams to beat in Class 5A.
The Maroons are back
After an outstanding 41-7 campaign and a trip to the State Championship match, Austin enters the 2026 season with high expectations despite graduating a talented senior class.
Coach Kiley Woods has built this year's team around one simple theme: Unity.
The Maroons will lean on a strong returning core featuring outside hitter Wesley McGinnis, libero Laven Blumoff and setter Nora Bettis. Together, they'll provide the leadership and experience needed as Austin looks to make another deep postseason run.
One player to keep an eye on is Kendall Anding. The powerful hitter has all the tools to emerge as one of the team's breakout stars this fall.
According to Woods, the keys to the season are playing together and lifting one another up.
"We graduated a lot, but we can be strong when we work as one team," Woods said. "We made it to the state championship last year and know what it feels like to play together and go far."
Woods added, "We want to focus on controlling what we can control and work as a team every time we step on the court.”
With championship experience, a united mindset and several talented playmakers returning, don't expect Austin to be far from the title conversation once again in 2026.
A new era at Lake Travis
A new era begins at Lake Travis as Rachel Anglin takes over the Cavaliers' volleyball program following a 34-12 season in 2025.
While there's a new leader on the sidelines, the expectations remain the same for one of Central Texas' premier programs.
Leading the way for the Cavaliers are returning standouts Maggie Wheeler, Gentry Barker, Xyanna Stephens and Kayla Reece, who will provide the experience and leadership needed to keep Lake Travis among the state's elite.
One player to watch is Hannah Sawtelle, who has the potential to emerge as one of the team's breakout performers this season.
The Cavaliers' mantra for 2026 is "Outwork. Outplay. Outlast."
According to Anglin, the keys to success this season will be building strong court connections, maintaining discipline and persevering through every challenge.
"We are so excited for this year," Anglin said. "This team is driven and ready to compete every time they step on the court. The standard remains high, and these girls are ready to go beyond every expectation set for them. Go Cavs!"
With a talented returning core, a new voice leading the program and a championship mindset, Lake Travis has all the ingredients to make another deep postseason run in 2026.
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