This past week the Foster Falcons volleyball team took on the Randle Lions in a tough district matchup.
VYPE caught the highlights of the game below!
This past week the Foster Falcons volleyball team took on the Randle Lions in a tough district matchup.
VYPE caught the highlights of the game below!
Kyle Coats keeps a Dallas Cowboys star tucked inside an envelope in his desk — a small reminder of a childhood dream that’s followed him everywhere. It’s been with him at the University of Texas at Austin, at DeSoto High School, and most recently at College Park High School.
For Coats, that symbol represents the long-term goal he’s chased since childhood: one day becoming head coach of the Cowboys. Atascocita is simply the next step in that journey.
“Yep, that star will always stay with me,” Coats laughed. “I might be 65 when I accomplish that goal, or I may never get there — but you have to keep pushing toward big goals.”
He leaves College Park better than he found it. The Cavaliers are coming off a district championship and a third-round playoff run — the deepest in program history.
“I love College Park — the players, the community, the people,” he said. “I don’t want those kids to think they did anything wrong. This is a decision for my family and my career. They’ve been incredible.
“I pick them to win district next year with what they have coming back. My message is simple: I never took a snap at College Park. Those guys believed in each other and won those games. I just had the honor of steering the ship.”
Now Coats steps into arguably the toughest district in Texas, featuring powers like North Shore Mustangs, Summer Creek Bulldogs, CE King Panthers, Humble Wildcats, Crosby Cougars, and Channelview Falcons.
“I love putting myself and the people around me in challenging situations,” he said. “Atascocita is a special place. We’re going to get boots on the ground quickly and start building. We’ll be visible in the community and engaged — just like we were at College Park.
“I love playing the big dogs every week and seeing if we can make a run. We want to be considered one of the best programs in the state every time we step on the field.
“When I was at Texas, winning a national championship was preached every day. At DeSoto, if you didn’t win or reach state, the season felt incomplete. That’s the mindset we’re bringing here. It’s high praise — but also high expectations. Pressure is a privilege.”
As Coats settles into his new office at Atascocita, there will be boxes to unpack and groundwork to lay. He’ll bring his trademark energy, confidence, and competitive edge.
And somewhere nearby — in an envelope that’s traveled his entire coaching journey — that star will still be there, quietly reminding him why he started.
The Kyle Coats era at Atascocita begins now.
Barbers Hill has State Expectations.
The Summer Creek Bulldogs are officially on defense — defending their 2025 State Championship, the first title in program history.
Coach Kiara Marshall has her crew of pesky, interchangeable players back in championship form, and they’ll enter Region III Class 6A Division I as the favorite.
But who’s coming for them?
Round 2 brings a heavyweight clash between Cypress Creek Cougars and Seven Lakes Spartans — two tradition-rich programs enjoying bounce-back seasons. Cy Creek leans on Alissa Bryant, Aubrey Hampton, Kaycie Hanks and Mariyah Dickson. The Cougars know the stage — Rori Harmon once carried them to a State Final appearance.
Seven Lakes counters with Houston commit Madison Carlton, pouring in 20 points per game, alongside Willtrace Ngoh. Carlton’s sister, Justice Carlton — a McDonald’s All-American — now stars for the Texas Longhorns women's basketball.
Waiting in the bottom half are the Dawson Eagles, sitting at 33-3 behind Kendall Ford, Journey Lovett and Faith Etienne. Consider this your warning: do not sleep on Dawson.
Summer Creek’s path out of Region III is anything but easy.
Klein Collins Tigers could be on a collision course with powerhouse Duncanville Panthers. Meanwhile, Cypress Lakes Spartans and Makennah Alexis square off with Conroe Tigers before a likely Dallas-area showdown.
Klein Collins remains Houston’s strongest bet to escape the region.
This bracket is a bloodbath.
Hightower Hurricanes are loaded and balanced, but the road is brutal. After knocking off Manvel Mavericks, they’re staring at CE King Panthers with Memorial Mustangs or Katy Jordan Warriors looming.
Lurking is Shadow Creek Sharks, powered by Courtland Cloud, Kurynn McNeill and Da’Niyah Lewis — a trio capable of taking over games. Katy Taylor Mustangs and Casey Scherperell could shake things up on the bottom half.
In Region II, Cypress Springs Panthers — led by freshman Makenzie Jackson alongside Tamiah Harrison and Deliyah El Amin — are back in the mix. The Grand Oaks Grizzlies are rolling at 25-5, fueled by Jordan Daigle, Hannah Reynolds and Avery Campbell.
But the region’s true measuring stick remains Lancaster Tigers. They are dangerous.
The Porter Spartans and La Porte Bulldogs carry the Greater Houston banner on the bottom side. The upstart Spring Woods Tigers sit at 24-4 behind Anjalena Salazar, one of the state’s elite scorers at 22 points per game. Don’t overlook Ball Tornadoes either — they could make noise.
Last year belonged to the Barbers Hill Eagles. They’re again 33-3 but face a dangerous Huntsville Hornets squad in the Area Round. Iowa Colony Pioneers also loom as contenders after battling through a tough district.
Stay tuned to all of VYPE's GBB coverage leading up to the State Tournament.
THE BRACKETS
The stars of 2025-26 Atascocita Eagles Softball
No. 6 -- Atascocita Eagles
Coach Ashley Boyd and the Eagles were inches away from a Final Four berth in the 6A Division I bracket a year ago. Though Atascocita ultimately fell in Game 3 of a truly epic series against Clear Springs, the team’s 30–8 record and four-round playoff run spoke volumes.
As is often the case, consistency and experience in high-pressure moments define a program’s staying power—both of which remain in abundant supply at AHS.
That foundation begins with District 23-6A Offensive Player of the Year and TGCA All-State selection Rhilynn McCoy, who returns at shortstop. The senior Louisiana Tech signee hit well over .500 last season, driving in 35 runs and adding five home runs to anchor the lineup. Just as imposing—if not more so—is Texas State–bound senior outfielder Kaitlyn Miller. Miller hit just under .450 while posting a monstrous 60 RBIs and 13 home runs, earning NFCA All-American, TGCA All-State, and first-team all-district honors.
District second-teamers Marigny Thomas (Sam Houston State), Cailynn Ruzick (Sr. 3B), and outfielder Ava Pittman (LeTourneau) also return, further reinforcing a lineup few opposing pitchers will approach lightly. In the circle, the Eagles will turn to right-hander Maya Hernandez (San Jac), who steps into the ace role following a junior outing in which she went 14–6 and earned a District 23-6A Rookie of the Year nomination.
Suffice it to say, all the pieces are in place for Atascocita to challenge for district supremacy—and perhaps evoke memories of the program’s lone UIL title run in 2018.
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