• Home
  • Texas
  • Kansas
  • Louisiana
  • Alabama
  • Arkansas
  • Mississippi
  • New England
  • Communities
  • Log in
Subscribe to Magazine

VYPE Insider

LOG INSIGN UP

Welcome Back

Sign in to comment to your favorite stories, participate in your community and interact with your friends.

Your password needs to be at least 8 characters and one number.

No account? Create one
Houston Methodist
Markets:
  • Texas
    • Houston
    • DFW
    • Austin
    • San Antonio
    • West TX
    • Panhandle
    • The Valley
    • SETX
    • Deep East
    • Central TX
    • Private Schools
  • Alabama
  • Arkansas
  • Kansas
  • Louisiana
    • Public Schools
    • Private Schools
  • Mississippi
  • Oklahoma
  • Varsity Hype
  • VYPE Media
  • VYPE Live
  • VYPE U
  • Video
  • Magazine
  • Recruiting
  • Photos
  • Polls
  • Shop
  • Events
  • Scores
  • VYPE Campus
  • Home
  • State
  • City
  • Type

KRISTI'S KREW: Amarantos' reflect on cancer journey as football season begins

Joshua Koch
Aug 25, 2021

HOUSTON - Through an open door at the end of a hallway, Kristi Amarantos started her what would be an 11-step walk. Midway through she placed her hands together in front of her and then came to a stop. Reaching out with her right hand she grabbed the white braided rope attached to the bell and gave it one ring.

That moment was the signal that her 7-week and 33 radiation treatment sessions to fight the NUT carcinoma (NMC) cancer discovered in her neck in early June were complete.

As the resonating sound of the bell echoed, she dropped her face into her open palms, turned around and embraced her husband of 25 years, Spiro, with her sons Carter and Cooper and mother clapping as they surrounded her.

"When I went over to ring the bell, I was already losing it before I got to the bell," Kristi said. "As soon as I rang the bell, I distinctly remember Spiro rubbing my back. When I turned to him, he was already crying and then it just made me break down."

While doing all of this, Kristi was wearing, what she now deems her lucky hat -- a black Galena Park Yellowjackets ball cap. The school where her - Class of 1990 and Colonel of the Drill Team - and Spiro - Class of 1990 and Football Captain - met, fell in love over 30 years ago and now where he is the head football coach.

"When I put on a cap, it's a GP cap," Kristi, who confirmed she was indeed wearing the hat during our phone interview, said with a laugh. "So many people noticed that was the cap I was wearing that day. It was so fitting. I wouldn't have worn any other hat that day. I think when you have cancer, you become superstitious. You hold on to everything that could give you hope.

"That was just my lucky hat. I wear it all the time."

Spiro added: "It was gratifying and emotional for her and us. It was super emotional. She's a tough bird. She's a Yellowjacket at heart. Growing up on the Eastside, she's got a little Eastside toughness in her. It was something special."

A week later, Kristi was back at the bell, ringing to signal the end of her chemotherapy treatment. As we talked on August 20, iut was a week from that day she was starting to feel more herself, following months that included an emergency surgery and aggressive cancer treatment.

"Today is the first day I can tell that I'm turning the corner and feeling better," Kristi said.

Keep reading...Show less
carter amarantoscooper amarantosfootballgalena park footballgalena park isdgalena park isd athleticshouston high school footballhouston high school sportskrisit amarantosspiro amarantostexas high school footballtxhsfbvype houston high school sportscancernut carcinomakristi's krew

BETTER TOGETHER: Stratford's Cook Reflects on Team Bond Following Historic 2024 State Run

Matthew Ogle
15 Jul, 2025

Stratford Sr. Setter Audrey Cook

Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)

When Audrey Cook stepped onto the court last fall as Stratford's starting setter, few expected the season to end on the biggest stage in Texas high school volleyball.

Cook and the Spartans defied those odds. Behind a resilient group led by Cook and fellow standout Gwen Koss, the team reached the UIL 6A-Division II State Final, marking the program’s first appearance in the title match since 2002.

Read More...Read Less
grand canyon universitygrand canyon university volleyballgwen kosshouston high school sportshouston high school volleyballjenny adcockspring branch isdstratfordstratford high schoolstratford high school volleyballstratford spartansstratford volleyballtexas high school volleyballuil volleyballvype houston high school sportsvype volleyball previewaudrey cooktxhsvbspring branch isd athletics

LISTEN UP: Volleyball stars becoming household names; Fifth Avenue targets

Matt Malatesta
15 Jul, 2025

We are in a Renaissance of women’s sports like we have never seen.

Social media, television, live streaming, marketing, big personalities, and the elevated level of play have all collided in a perfect storm—and women are riding the wave with style and swagger.

Read More...Read Less
houston high school volleyballtexas high school sportstexas high schoool volleyballgrand oaks volleyballcaitlyn clarkangel reeselivvy dunnehalle thompsonvype volleyball previewuil volleyballvolleyballdaspit law firmwhataburgerlovbtxhsvbtexas vbihouston high school sports

SETTING THE TONE: Prihoda, College Park Aim to Silence Doubters in 2025

Matthew Ogle
15 Jul, 2025

College Park Sr. Setter Caroline Prihoda

Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)

History isn't made by accident -- and incoming senior Caroline Prihoda knows that better than most.

As the setter for College Park, Prihoda was a driving force behind one of the program’s most memorable seasons, helping lift the team to its first-ever UIL State Tournament appearance last fall. But she isn’t finished yet.

Read More...Read Less
caroline prihodacollege parkcollege park cavalierscollege park high schoolcollege park high school volleyballcollege park volleyballconroe isdhouston high school sportshouston high school volleyballkentucky volleyballtexas high school volleyballuil volleyballvype houston high school sportsvype volleyball previewtxhsvbconroe isd athletics
TRENDING
VYPE SATX 2025 Preseason Volleyball Libero/DS Player Of The Year Fan Poll

VYPE SATX 2025 Preseason Volleyball Libero/DS Player Of The Year Fan Poll

VYPE SATX 2025 Preseason Volleyball Setter Of The Year Fan Poll

VYPE SATX 2025 Preseason Volleyball Setter Of The Year Fan Poll

VYPE HOU 2025 Preseason Volleyball Outside Hitter Of The Year Fan Poll

VYPE HOU 2025 Preseason Volleyball Outside Hitter Of The Year Fan Poll

VYPE DFW 2025 Preseason Volleyball Outside Hitter Of The Year Fan Poll

VYPE DFW 2025 Preseason Volleyball Outside Hitter Of The Year Fan Poll

THE UNDEFINED: Thompson's Unique Blend of Skill and Modesty Fuels Grand Oaks' Pursuit of Legacy

THE UNDEFINED: Thompson's Unique Blend of Skill and Modesty Fuels Grand Oaks' Pursuit of Legacy

GAMES

1-on-1 at the 7-on-7: The HS football junkie's guide to the summer-verse

1-on-1 at the 7-on-7: The HS football junkie's guide to the summer-verse

Men: AFHC Royals vs. Corpus Christi FC

Men: AFHC Royals vs. GFI

Men: AFHC Royals vs. GFI

Men: AFHC Royals vs. Lonestar SC

Men: AFHC Royals vs. Lonestar SC

Women: AFHC Royals vs. Lonestar SC

Women: AFHC Royals vs. Lonestar SC

VYPE Live Lineup - Saturday 5/31/25

VYPE Live Lineup - Saturday 5/31/25

Women: AFHC Royals vs. Lonestar San Antonio

Women: AFHC Royals vs. Lonestar San Antonio

Men: AFHC Royals vs. AC Houston Sur

Men: AFHC Royals vs. AC Houston Sur

7PM | NFHS - 5A D2 BB State Semifinal G1 & G2: Liberty Hill vs. Kingwood Park

7PM | NFHS - 5A D2 BB State Semifinal G1 & G2: Liberty Hill vs. Kingwood Park

4:30PM & 7:30PM | NFHS - 2A D2 BB State Semifinal G1 & G2: Stamford vs. Collinsville

4:30PM & 7:30PM | NFHS - 2A D2 BB State Semifinal G1 & G2: Stamford vs. Collinsville

VYPE Live Lineup - Friday 5/30/25

VYPE Live Lineup - Friday 5/30/25

VYPE Live Lineup - Thursday 5/29/25

VYPE Live Lineup - Thursday 5/29/25

1PM | NFHS - 6A D2 BB State Semifinal G3: Dripping Springs vs. Kingwood

1PM | NFHS - 6A D2 BB State Semifinal G3: Dripping Springs vs. Kingwood

VYPE Live Lineup - Wednesday 5/28/25

VYPE Live Lineup - Wednesday 5/28/25

3PM | NFHS - 3A D2 BB State Semifinal G3: Thrall vs. Orange Grove

3PM | NFHS - 3A D2 BB State Semifinal G3: Thrall vs. Orange Grove

Women: AFHC Royals vs. Athenians SC

Women: AFHC Royals vs. Athenians SC

VYPE Live Lineup - Saturday 5/24/25

VYPE Live Lineup - Saturday 5/24/25

Men: AFHC Royals vs. Houston FC

Men: AFHC Royals vs. Houston FC

KNIGHT MOVES: Regents School of Austin Football plans for 2026 coaching change

KNIGHT MOVES: Regents School of Austin Football plans for 2026 coaching change

VYPE Live Lineup - Friday 5/23/25

VYPE Live Lineup - Friday 5/23/25

Join the #VYPETEAM

Get up to date news from all over the country! 

FROM THE WEB
VYPE DFW 2022 Preseason Public School Softball Player of the Year Fan Poll presented Sun & Ski Sports

VYPE DFW 2022 Preseason Public School Softball Player of the Year Fan Poll presented Sun & Ski Sports

VYPE DFW Private School Marching Band of the Year Fan Poll presented by Academy Sports + Outdoors

VYPE DFW Private School Marching Band of the Year Fan Poll presented by Academy Sports + Outdoors

VYPEU: Photo Gallery Creek win vs Spring Woods

VYPEU: Photo Gallery Creek win vs Spring Woods

WELCOME TO VYPE INSIDER

WELCOME TO VYPE INSIDER

VYPE Houston Friday Night Lights Scoreboard (9.3.21): Atascocita ends Allen's 122-game home winning streak, Full Scoreboard

VYPE Houston Friday Night Lights Scoreboard (9.3.21): Atascocita ends Allen's 122-game home winning streak, Full Scoreboard

CONNECT WITH US
Connect With Us
Copyright Ⓒ VYPE - All rights reserved.
Privacy Policy - Terms and Conditions - Board Directory