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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.

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LOVB SPOTLIGHT: Pasadena's Molina is special all-around talent committed to UTEP

Matt Malatesta
05 Sep, 2025

Pasadena’s Caryme Molina

By Doug Brown

Pasadena’s Caryme Molina has been a force on the court since she first suited up for the Eagles, and now as a senior, she takes center stage as our LOVB Spotlight Athlete.

A four-year varsity standout, Molina has put together one of the most impressive careers in Pasadena ISD volleyball history, surpassing 1,500 kills, 2,000 assists, and 1,500 digs.

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carmen martinezcaryme molinahouston high school sportshouston high school volleyballlovb spotlightlovb volleyballpasadena eaglespasadena high schoolpasadena high school volleyballpasadena isdpasadena volleyballtexas high school volleyballtxhsfbutep volleyballvolleyballvype houston high school sports

VYPE Coaches Corner | The Woodlands High School Football Coach Jim Rapp

VYPE
04 Sep, 2025

With the Fall season already underway, it is officially our busiest time of the year, especially due to the number of campus-coordinated media days on our schedule.

Recently, our team traveled to The Woodlands HS for their 2025 Football Media Day.

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texas high school footballtxhsfbthe woodlandsthe woodlands highlandersthe woodlands high school footballthe woodlands highlanders footballthe woodlands high school athleticstwhstwhs footballjackson dipasqualevype houston high school sportshouston high school sportsjim rapp

THE BOSS: Stallman takes over John Cooper School volleyball with an aggressive game plan

Matt Malatesta
04 Sep, 2025

The John Cooper School volleyball program is turning the page with the arrival of Rachel Stallman as its new head coach.

Stallman brings a wealth of experience from both the college and club ranks, where she built a reputation for player development, high-energy leadership, and a passion for the game. Now, she looks to channel that expertise into a Dragons program eager to take the next step.

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VYPE Live Lineup - Friday 9/5/25

VYPE Live Lineup - Friday 9/5/25

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7PM - Football: Lamar Consolidated vs. Kempner

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VYPE Central Texas Game of the Week Preview: Liberty Hill vs. Rouse

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