Resilience and tenacity defined last season for Summer Creek, who stage one of the most remarkable comebacks in UIL history.
Down 39-21 with under three minutes left in the third quarter of the 6A-D1 State Championship, the Lady Bulldogs rallied to a 52-49 victory over Cedar Hill, with Kennedy Simpson serving as the catalyst for the turnaround.
Simpson’s 21-point performance in the title game earned her State MVP honors, complementing her District 23-6A MVP recognition. Now a senior, the guard officially announced her commitment to Tulane University in early September, and recently signed as she prepares to take her game to the next level.
The championship marked the culmination of a 29-11 season and the program’s first-ever state title. But what exactly makes Summer Creek such a consistent force in Texas?
“It starts with our work ethic and mindset,” Simpson said. “We don’t give up and that showed at last year’s championship. With all the work we put in and dedication to each other and this game – we weren’t gonna be denied. The same applies to this year. We put in too much to expect anything less.”
It was also a milestone debut for head coach Kiara Marshall, who guided Summer Creek to history in her first year at the helm.
“She (Coach Marshall) wanted it just as much as we did, if not more,” Simpson said. “Since there’s usually a lot of attention that comes with this team, she had something to prove too. So, there was definitely a level of trust and respect that we exchanged. But, at the end of the day, she lets us do what we do best.”
Simpson has also embraced her role with open arms.
“I’ve learned to find new ways to be a leader over the years,” she said. “Before, I was usually on the younger side. Now, I’m one of the oldest on the team – people look to me to stand up and be vocal in situations. It’s been an adjustment, but I know what I’m capable of and it’s still my turn to be a mentor for the younger girls.”
Her adaptability and composure have become staples of Summer Creek’s identity, especially during high-stakes moments like last year’s title run.
Looking ahead, the Lady Bulldogs aim to return to the State Tournament for the fifth time overall, and as many times dating back to 2019.
Before making the transition to New Orleans upon graduation, Simpson still has one more response to make with Summer Creek—a chance to build on last year’s historic triumph and solidify her standing among the school’s all-time elite.
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