GAMES
RANKINGS
Channelview's Davion Vanderbilt
KIN FOLK: With Speed, Talent, and a Famous Football Lineage, Davion Vanderbilt Is Ready for His Moment
“He’s obviously my favorite player,” Vanderbilt said. “But Jalen just proves to me that you can attain your dreams through hard work.”
That message has resonated with Vanderbilt as he’s matured.
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
“I used to play around and be immature, but I’ve grown to see all my family as examples, along with their successes.”
Vanderbilt has already picked up a few offers on the football field as a wide receiver and continues to build his brand on the track as well.
“For me, it’s about staying healthy,” the junior said. “My hamstring held me back a little bit last year, but I feel great now.
“Track helps me so much with my speed and endurance in football, while football gives me the toughness and strength to push through the 200-meter dash. I’m just working on finishing strong through the line and not letting up at the end.”
With the bloodline, the speed and the mindset, Vanderbilt is carving out his own path at Channelview. And if history is any indication, the Falcons may have another name ready to rise on the big stage.
Channelview's Nathalie Magallanes
HARD LESSONS: Channelview’s Nathalie Magallanes Turns Early Misconception into Softball Success
“I remember when the Little League came to my elementary school and I thought it would be fun to play,” she laughed. “I only tried out because I thought the ball was actually soft… like the name. I found out really quickly that it was not.”
She pushed through the early sting of a not-so-soft softball and has come out on the other side as one of the program’s rising stars.
“It became a family thing,” she said. “On Sundays, my family would play for fun and it just became my thing. It’s really helped me grow as a person.”
As many athletes learn, the life lessons of sports often extend far beyond the field.
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
“Softball is really mental,” she said. “When I got into high school, a lot of things would get to me. The game has taught me humility and how to overcome adversity. I try not to show a whole lot of emotion anymore as I’ve grown up.”
Speaking of growing up, Magallanes hopes to continue her softball career at the next level while pursuing her future off the field.
“Playing select ball has really shown me that playing in college could really happen for me,” she said. “So I’m going to keep working hard. I want to go to college to pursue construction management or crime scene investigation. That’s the plan. I’m just going to keep investing in myself through the sport and see where it takes me.”
For Magallanes, the journey that started with a simple misunderstanding has turned into a passion — and possibly a pathway to the next level.