Join our VYPE Live crew for this Texas High School Volleyball match-up on Friday, October 16:
Poth vs. Fredericksburg
6PM Poth Radio + Ellis Blake Hidalgo
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Join our VYPE Live crew for this Texas High School Volleyball match-up on Friday, October 16:
Poth vs. Fredericksburg
6PM Poth Radio + Ellis Blake Hidalgo
PROVIDING AN UNMISTAKABLE PRESENCE IN THE ATTACKING THIRD THAT CAN TILT A GAME IN AN INSTANT, MACARTHUR JUNIOR STRIKER SANTIAGO ARRIAZOLA HAS ALREADY ESTABLISHED HIMSELF AS THE TEAM’S MOST POTENT SCORING THREAT, EARNING DISTRICT 14-6A MVP HONORS LAST WINTER.
THAT SEASON SAW THE GENERALS FINISH 11-3-6 BEFORE NARROWLY FALLING TO THE WOODLANDS IN THE OPENING ROUND OF THE PLAYOFFS, BUT ARRIAZOLA’S PERFORMANCES LEFT NO DOUBT ABOUT HIS IMPACT.
“I’ve learned to trust my instincts more as I’ve developed in the attack,” he said. “My communication and positivity with teammates have also played a big role. As a striker, my finishing technique and ability to read space have definitely improved a lot over the past few years.”
Currently, Big Mac eyes its fourth consecutive district title while aiming for a more extended postseason run, hoping to match—or surpass—the three-round journey the team produced in 2023.
For Arriazola, success comes down to more than individual skill.
“Everyone needs to be at their best when we reach that point,” he said. “We need to be giving 110 percent—not just 100. This team knows how we play, how we operate, and I feel like we’re closer than ever. So, playing as a family will be vital toward accomplishing that.”
While Arriazola is primarily a striker, he also sees the game through a broader lens, sometimes slotting into center back. He draws inspiration from the world’s best, citing Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk as a model. “I aspire to be like him because of his demeanor and how physical his play-style is. He’s utilized in set pieces too, so I try to be as well-rounded as he is.”
Part of what drives Santiago is a healthy, competitive push from home, given that his older sister, Emily, is a standout striker for MacArthur’s girls program.
“We always push ourselves to the limits, so there’s definitely a competitive aspect between us,” he said with a smile. “But we’re still there to support and root for each other when we can.”
With his instincts sharpened, his finishing refined, and his team firing on all cylinders, Arriazola represents both the present and future of MacArthur soccer. As the Generals chase another district crown and set their sights on postseason glory, it’s clear their pivotal weapon will be leading the charge every step of the way.
FOR MOST HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETES, THE DREAM IS TO KEEP PLAYING AT THE NEXT LEVEL. FOR CLEMENTS PITCHER DANTE MARTINEZ, THE PERSPECTIVE IS A LITTLE DIFFERENT.
The senior knows this is his final ride in competitive baseball, and he plans to enjoy every second of it. Having played the game since he was five years old, Martinez isn’t taking a single inning for granted this season.
“I have no intention of playing in college, so I want to have the best time this season and see how far we can take it,” said the second-team, all-district selection. “I love the quote, ‘Live every moment like it’s your last.’ When you think about it, it holds a lot of value. That’s the plan this year — just let it rip.”
Clements got a taste of postseason baseball a year ago after finishing second in district play. Now, the Rangers want more.
“Getting a taste of the playoffs just makes us want it even more,” Martinez said. “We know we have it in us, so we’re looking to win district and try to take a few more steps in the playoffs.”
Martinez has always embraced the pressure that comes with the game. In fact, he welcomes it.
“I play with the mentality of wanting the ball to come to me at the most important time,” he said. “Some people shy away from that pressure, but I have a lot of confidence in my ability. I want the ball.”
That mentality mirrors the steady rhythm of baseball itself — something Martinez has always appreciated.
“There’s something about the consistency of baseball,” he said. “The routine, trying to improve every day at practice — that’s what I love. Baseball helps me take my mind off things and just allows me to play.”
While his future may include studying business or math in college rather than taking the mound, Martinez knows the lessons from the diamond will stay with him long after the final out.
“It’s really been my life for as long as I can remember,” he said. “I’m going to miss it, but I’ll take all the memories and hopefully finish on a good note.”
For Martinez, the scoreboard will eventually go dark — but the memories from the diamond will last forever.
Brashard Miles of Nimitz Track & Field
BRASHARD MILES HAS FOUND HIS LANE —LITERALLY.
“I didn’t really like sports when I was younger,” Miles said. “But I ran a little track in middle school. My coach just pushed me to get into it. I started to like it, but by ninth grade, I loved it. I just stuck with it.”
Now, he thrives on the big stage.
“I love track... everything about it. I love being in the big races. I want to be able to compete with anyone in the state of Texas.”
His drive comes from more than competition. Personal motivation runs deep.
“My pops passed away just before seventh grade, and he always told me to go after what I want in life,” Miles said. “That really hit me hard. He’s my motivation. I have a tattoo of him walking up the steps to heaven on my arm.”
Miles is versatile on the track, competing in the 100m, 200m, 400m, and relays. But right now, his focus is on speed.
“I’m really focused on my 100 time — I want to get down to a 10.5.”

He’s also a dual-sport athlete, starring as a running back for Nimitz High School football and rushing for over 1,000 yards this season. But his long-term focus remains track.
“I love to listen to nature noises before a race to calm down. It helps me lock in.”
Off the track, life is just as full. Miles dreams of welding school — following a family tradition — and embraces the simple joys of being a teenager.
“I love a smash burger. I love Beyoncé. I love cars. I love playing The Game,” he laughed.
Family is central too. He shares life with a twin brother, who’s more of a gamer and streamer.
“It’s exhausting having a twin,” he said. “When they cause trouble, you always have to help them get out. But he’s my brother... I love him.”
For Brashard Miles, whether on the track, the football field, or navigating life, it’s about speed, focus, and heart — and he’s just getting started.
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