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VYPE DFW 411 with Arlington Grace Prep's Bryce Prince
Practice has begun and athletes have been given the green light to start working out in pads marking the official start of the Texas high school football season. As teams continue preparing for their preseason schedule, many fans are taking to the VYPE DFW fan polls to vote for players they believe deserve preseason honors. Arlington Grace Prep inside linebacker and running back, Bryce Prince, recently won the VYPE DFW Preseason Private School Football Defensive Player of the Year Fan Poll. Following Prince's win, VYPE DFW caught up with the incoming sophomore in an exclusive interview.
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Offseason Focus leads to Success
For an athlete to be truly great at what they do, they must reman focused and sharpened throughout their offseason. For Prince, this includes working hard to get to where he wants to be. "I stay focused during the off season by training with a personal trainer and specialized coach to improve my skills," Prince told VYPE.
By working with people who help him become the best that he can be, Prince has been successful so far with Arlington Grace Prep. "The secret to my personal success [last season] was personal experience and teamwork," Prince opened up about his first year with Grace Prep. I have been playing football since the age of four, however, having a great team and great coaches helped me succeed last year."
Speaking of the team, Grace Prep put up an incredible season last fall. With a 10-1 overall record and a 91% win percentage, the Lions went undefeated in regular season play (7-0) as they plowed their way into playoffs. "In my opinion, the secret to the team's success was accountability and talent," Prince said. "We had a great, talented team- from the freshmen to the seniors."
Mindset and Goals
As the season gets rolling, there are many things to look forward to. For Prince it all boils down to getting to play. "I am most looking forward to starting on both the defensive and offensive sides of the ball. In the past I've played defense, but this year I will play on both sides of the ball-- running back and linebacker-- which is exciting to me," Prince started.
"My mind is set on winning a state championships," he continued. "My individual goals going into the season are to make 70+ tackles and surpass my total from last season. I want to perform better than I did last year and lead the team in tackles."
With the ability to keep a great mindset as he has played football, Prince has been extremely accomplished in his career so far. "My biggest accomplishment so far," Prince opened up, "was being the second leader on the team in tackles and third in rushing yards as only a freshman." During his success last season, Prince had one of his favorite memories with the Lions: "Making two significant plays during the game-- a sack and a rushing touchdown."
A Bright Future
Although there is still plenty of time to decide what the future has in store for him when he closes the chapter on his high school career, Prince has already started thinking about college and the potential for playing football in a college program. "I am looking for a program that provides a good education, environment, and a great football program," Prince said.
Prince is hoping to major in meteorology. "I've always been interested in the weather and I love science."
Fun Questions
Who is your favorite pro football team?
"Carolina Panthers."
As an athlete, who do you most look up to?
"I look up to Saquan Barkley because he is a versatile player-- which is what I aspire to be."
If you could have dinner with one person, dead or alive, who would it be? What would you hope to talk about?
"I would love to go to dinner with Saquan Barkley and talk about his plays and workout regime."
VYPE DFW Private School Preseason Female Basketball Player of the Year: Brooke Dial of Parish Episcopal presented by Academy Sports + Outdoors
With basketball season already underway, we have seen plenty of great athletes beginning to make their mark this season. One of those athletes has been Brooke Dial from Parish Episcopal who recently won the VYPE DFW Private School Preseason Girls Basketball Player of the Year Fan Poll presented by Academy Sports + Outdoors. VYPE DFW was able to catch up with Dial in regards to her time thus far with Parish and what her expectations are for the season and the rest of her future:
Eyes on the Prize
The junior small forward makes sure to keep her priorities in line all year long- to include during the off-season- in order to remain at the top of her game. "[During the offseason] I continue to workout, train, read, and motivate my teammates," Dial told VYPE in an exclusive interview. "I watch film from last year to see what I have to work on to improve." While staying on her game, Dial is sure to head into each new season with a great mindset. This season her mindset is to put her team first. "Do what I can and be there for my teammates and my team- to help out as much as possible."
With a mindset like that, it's not too difficult to be successful, but is there an overall secret to being successful in the TAPPS world of high school basketball? "Honestly, constantly being in the gym. Even when I'm not working out, I'm there watching games," she told VYPE. As far as an overall team success- the only secret is being cohesive as a team, says Dial. "Teamwork makes the dream work. It's about how close all of us are- we hang out outside of basketball and we have a respect for each others game. We also know our role."
Making memories while setting goals
With the season well underway, Dial has an idea of what she want the rest of it to look like. "[My goals this season are to] continue working to get better, improve my mid-range jumper, help with the overall success of the team, and hopefully get some offers," Dial said. With a team-first attitude and the ability to stay focused, Dial also has an idea of what the team would like to accomplish this season: "to get better together and win as many games as we can. Of course- win state."
As a junior, Dial has made many memories so far. One of her favorite memories comes from her very first year with the Panthers. "My favorite memory is making first-team All-District my first year at Parish Episcopal," Dial said before adding that another favorite memory she has with the team is "making it to the second round of playoffs."
A Bright Future
There's no doubt that Dial has a bright future ahead of her. Although she is currently not committed to a college program, she hasn't ruled out the possibility of playing basketball at the next level. "I am looking for a program to better develop as a player, where the team is like a family, everybody likes everybody, and I can feel comfortable as well as be myself."
Dial plans to major in kinesiology as she hopes to one day become a physical therapist.
Fun Questions
Who is your favorite professional sports team?
"Portland Trail Blazers."
Who do you look up to as an athlete?
"Damian Lillard."
If you could go to dinner with one person (dead or alive) who would it be?
"Steph Curry and family."
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