VYPE caught up with Pasadena HS Volleyball Coach Carmen Martinez recently discussing their season and more.
Check out the interview below!
WHERE: Birkelbach Field -- Georgetown, TX
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CLICK HERE TO STAY UPDATED ON ALL OF THE UIL BOYS SOCCER STATE FINALS
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KLEIN CAIN HURRICANES
Klein Cain has taken its trademark “REIGNCAIN” vernacular quite literally, as the defending state champions now sit just two halves away from going back-to-back on the biggest stage in Texas.
Following a decisive 2–0 victory over The Woodlands in the Region II Final, the Hurricanes’ conditioned pedigree shone through once again in the ensuing 6A Division 1 Semifinal. Despite a 0–0 draw at the end of regulation, head coach Jerson Carrasco watched his squad endure the pressure of penalty kicks, ultimately seizing control of their own fate with a 5–4 shootout victory over Allen last Friday.
Entering this decisive matchup with an 18–3–5 record, Cain has maintained the synchronized, technical efficiency that delivered its inaugural title a year ago. Senior forward Parker Glenn—last season’s State MVP—can alter the trajectory of any match in an instant and currently leads the Hurricanes with 22 goals in 2026.
In the engine room, senior midfielder Noah Ballard—team captain alongside Glenn—helps orchestrate the attack, while senior goalkeeper Donato Farina anchors the defensive end behind a formidable Klein Cain backline.
Some of the stars of 2025-26 Klein Cain SoccerMatt Powell (VYPE)
ATASCOCITA EAGLES
Emboldened by a fanbase as expansive as Klein Cain’s, Atascocita is in the midst of a playoff run of resounding proportions. Head coach Jed Garner and the Eagles not only made the program’s debut in the State Final Four a week ago, but followed it by routing Cibolo Steele 4–1 at Cy-Fair FCU Stadium to seal their place in the UIL title game. Now, all that remains for Atascocita (21–5–3) is to cap off the winter with a gold medal.
Despite being a sophomore, goalkeeper Lincoln Ramirez has already been named both a team captain and the starter—a testament to the faith Garner places in his poise between the posts. It also reflects well on the defense, anchored by captain Wyatt Bodily (Jr. CB), which hasn’t conceded more than one goal in a match since February.
On the attacking end, versatility has emerged as a defining trait for the Eagles, forcing opponents to pick their poison among the threats posed by Julian Sanchez (Jr. F), Miguel De La Cruz (Sr. F), Victor Garcia (Sr. MF), and Pedro Olvera (So. MF). 
Some of the stars of 2025-26 Atascocita SoccerBradley C. Collier (VYPE)
WHERE: Birkelbach Field -- Georgetown, TX
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CLICK HERE TO STAY UPDATED ON ALL OF THE UIL GIRLS SOCCER STATE FINALS
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LAKE CREEK LIONS
In just her third season at the helm, head coach Alyssa Maynard has guided Lake Creek to its first-ever UIL State Final appearance. That’s not to say the Lions haven’t come close—just a year ago, they advanced to the Region III Final.
This time, however, Lake Creek broke through, securing thrilling victories over Friendswood (4–2) and Pieper (4–3) last week. Now sitting at 17-6-2, the Lions are just 80 minutes away from championship glory—fully embodying their calling card: “Leave No Doubt.”
LC is propelled by a balanced mix of youth and veteran composure, most evident in its attack—featuring juniors Hallie Montgomery, Lainy Zabiegala, and Harper Montgomery, along with sophomore Kenley Housman.
Anchoring the group is senior goalkeeper Pyper Johnson, whose presence and voice will be crucial in organizing the defense and helping dictate the tempo of the match.
GRAPEVINE MUSTANGS
From a team making its title game debut to one well-versed on the stage, Grapevine advanced to the Final Four for the ninth time since 2015, further cementing its place among the state’s elite.
At that point, the Mustangs delivered a dose of poetic justice, flipping the script on Wakeland with a 1–0 victory—the same team that eliminated them in the 2025 Semifinals. The win pushed Grapevine to 18-5-6 and secured another trip to Birkelbach Field.
Riding that momentum, the Mustangs now have the opportunity to capture their second state championship, adding to the title they claimed in 2023.
While Lake Creek has thrived behind its imposing attack, Grapevine has stifled opponents with a suffocating defensive effort. The Mustangs have recorded a program-best 24 shutouts this season, a testament to the cohesion that has become increasingly evident under head coach Steve McBride.
The Mustangs star quarterback’s decision to commit came down to the relationships that the Houston staff built with him.
“Houston felt like home because of my relationships with the whole staff,” Baker said on committing to Houston. “The moment I told coach Shawn Bell i was committing was a dream come true and we were both pumped about it.”
Baker will get to play Power Four football close to home which also means a great deal to the local gunslinger.
“It is such a blessing that i get to compete at the power four level,” he said. “I get to play in big time football games while being less than an hour from home which is amazing.”
Baker is coming off a big junior seasons earning District 17-6A MVP after throwing for 2,806 yards with 32 passing touchdowns and also rushed 71 times for 235 yards with three rushing touchdowns.
With his commitment now out of the way, he’s looking forward to a big senior season and leading the Mustangs to another deer playoff run.
“Having my commitment out of the way means a lot, it has taken a lot of stress off my shoulders and feels good to finally have a decision,” he said. “My goals for my senior season are to make a state run with my team and to earn that district MVP.”
Watch out for Baker and the Mustangs next fall as they look to make a deep playoff run to Jerry's World.
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