There is so much fun to be had at a VYPE Media Days!
From team and individual pictures, social media shout-outs and video interviews, it is all there for the student-athletes to feel like a superstar. VYPE traveled out to Episcopal high school for their 2022 Winter Media Day.
Check out the video and photo gallery below!
Rosehill Christian's 2022-23 Volleyball
The Eagles dominated TAPPS District 5-3A, going undefeated at home. So, who else did they play in the Eagles’ Nest? The Class 5A State Champs Fort Bend Christian Academy – win. Traditional power Second Baptist School – win.
“We wanted to load up our preseason schedule with tough teams so we would be ready for the playoffs,” Mallory Jacks said. “We came into the season returning a bunch of juniors and seniors and they knew my expectations for them after last year.”
Jacks took over the program early last season when coach Jessica Gehrke was diagnosed with leukemia. Jacks led the team to the second TAPPS State Final Four in school history before losing to her alma mater Round Rock Christian Academy.“
These girls have a good time… and winning is having a good time,” she laughed. “But we won’t just be happy to be at the State Final Four this year. We know we belong there and want to win it .”
Savannah Jennings Bradley Collier (Vype)
The straws who stirred the drink for Rosehill Christian were senior captains Savannah Jennings and Brylee Kobza.
"Those are my girls,” she said. “ They were my coaches on the court. Savannah was our setter and Brylee has been a four-year starter at libero. We had the best hitter in the district in Kaleigh Frazier and Keely McNeill was one of the smartest setters I’ve ever had.”
Mercy Freeman
In the middle was superathlete Mercy Freeman. She is a five-time State gold track athlete and basketball starter.
Jacks, who played at the University of Louisville and Angelo State, connect with her team. As a young coach, she knows what she wants to teach her young women and how to treat them on and off the court.
“Look, we have practices that are short, focused, and fun,” she said. “Girls are dealing with a lot of stuff and volleyball can be their safe haven. We also needed to save their bodies as we went through the season. I hold them to a very high standard of character and ask for maximum effort. That’s it. The rest should be building great relationships inside our locker room and having fun.”
Having played for a small, private high school , Jacks also understands the challenges of multi-activity athletes.
“I love that our students are so well-rounded,” she said. “Yes, we may run into scheduling conflicts but that’s okay. I had a student at a State One-Act Play Competition during the day who rushed over to play a Regional playoff game at night. It’s good. Our kids like winning and are willing to work hard in school and in competition – whatever that might be. It’s built into the culture here.”
Concordia QB Tanner Huckfelt, on the sideline
Despite the fact that Concordia’s season didn’t end how they wanted to (4-6 record), sophomore QB Tanner Huckfelt is one of the bright spots who will lead the 'Saders next season. The young play-caller was selected to attend the US Army All-American Combine in Frisco, Texas last weekend.
The US Army “National Combine” offers underclassmen their first opportunity to exhibit their athleticism by competing against one another with college football’s top scouts, as well as the All-American Bowl Selection Committee. Being invited to the Combine is a privilege that very few are granted, as it can propel a player’s future career to the next level.
Huckfelt at the US Army All-American CombineImage provided by Tanner Huckfelt
“It was a very humbling experience,” said Huckfelt. “Some of the best coaches in the nation come to one spot to have their input. I was going head-to-head with some of the top athletes from across the nation, including one of the best QBs -- Colin Hurley (LSU-commit). It was just pure adrenaline and I couldn’t stop myself from smiling.”
After having an impressive season along with having family that has been in the Army, Navy and National Guard, Huckfelt was a prime candidate to compete in the Ford Center at the Star. However, his biggest takeaway from the combine was not entirely football-related.
“I think what I learned most wasn’t the football aspect,” Huckfelt said. “I mean, it was awesome learning from all the coaches. But it was getting to hear from the people that were/are in the Army and played football. Getting to hear their stories and what they did to accomplish their goals. Their advice and experience really gave me some perspective.”
Huckfelt, 16, attributes his success and determination to his supportive family, which includes two collegiate athletes in older brothers -- Brady (St. Edwards Baseball) and Carson (Southwestern Football) -- who are his inspiration.
“My parents are my role models,” said Huckfelt. “With how hard they’ve worked to get to where they are and how they’ve helped me get to where I am, it’s everything. My brothers inspire me, as well. To see what they’ve all done has really put an impact on my life and makes me want to be the best player and competitor – the best me that I can be.”
Image provided by Tanner Huckfelt
Considering that a multitude of seniors will be graduating, Huckfelt will look to lead Concordia Lutheran next season. He should be brimming with confidence after been deemed one of the “rising stars” in Texas following his trip to the US Army All-American Combine.
“As a team, we’ve really begun to gel and grow together,” Huckfelt said. “I hope with the leadership I have as the quarterback in the locker room, they can buy into what I believe. At Concordia Lutheran, we have three key principles -- Common Purpose, Mutual Dependence, and Shared Honor, which we live and die by. With our team’s bond, I think we can start something big together.”
From team and individual pictures, social media shout-outs and video interviews, it is all there for the student-athletes to feel like a superstar. VYPE traveled out to St. Pius X High School for their 2022 Winter Media Day.
Check out the video and photo gallery below!
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