GAMES
RANKINGS
FBCA's Kyra Whitman
RUN IT BACK: Whitman Is The Future Of FBCA Soccer
After an impressive regular season, the Eagles advanced through the TAPPS postseason before narrowly falling 1-0 against San Antonio Christian in the Regional Finals.
Despite their season ending sooner than they would’ve hoped, the Eagles have plenty to look forward to.
Enter junior forward Kyra Whitman.
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
“I think this team has the potential to be district champs next season,” said Whitman. “It’s been quite some time since we’ve been able to accomplish that, however, there’s a lot of talent on our team. I hope we can make it all the way to State when that time comes.”
As a soon-to-be senior, Whitman will be one of the undisputed leaders on the field come next season. She will also have another summer of club soccer to hone her skills.
Given the fact that several of the other players compete on club teams as well, the aspect of chemistry works in the Eagles’ favor.
“Our team is very close,” she said. “We like to play with each other all the time and joke around. It’s great to have that fun atmosphere because it can help to calm our nerves. I think that kind of closeness can be one of our greatest strengths”
2022-23 FBCA Girls SoccerBradley C. Collier (VYPE)
The FBCA junior has verbally committed to the Merrimack College – a DI soccer school – where she will be living out her life-long dream of playing college soccer.
“My parents got me started in the sport since they played soccer, and I just fell in love with it,” Whitman said. “Every time I’m on the field, I feel more alive. So, I’ve wanted to play in college for a while now and I think I’m on the right path to do so. I probably want to study biology wherever I go, but if I have a chance to go pro, I will definitely take it.”
Don’t let the shy personality fool you, Whitman has a competitive fire just below the surface.
FBCA's Jaden Araiza
TONE SETTER: Araiza Thrived In Leadership Role For Eagles
No voice was stronger than Jaden Araiza’s.
“The culture this year was a lot different than in previous seasons,” said Araiza. “I would say the team had an overall closer bond with each other. Coming into the season, we had a much younger roster, so we had to communicate more. We hung out pretty often outside of practice and games, which really helped with the team chemistry. No matter what, we didn’t really take a day off. The environment prompted us to get better, which I really appreciated.”
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
While facing off against some fierce opposition, namely TWCA and Second Baptist School, FBCA was always on the precipice of the district title. The Eagles finished the regular season fourth in district and advanced to the Area Round of the TAPPS State Tournament.
Araiza certainly set the tone for the Eagles, having surpassed the 1,000-point career mark just before the playoffs. He was the district leader in points and assists en route to a first team, all-district and TAPPS State Honorable Mention selection.
Considering the team’s youth, Araiza was expected to take up a leadership role.
2022-23 FBCA BasketballBradley C. Collier (VYPE)
“I think we were the youngest team in our district, so I had to keep all the guys in check,” Araiza said. “I had a huge responsibility which I essentially took on for myself, because I knew I was able to do it. Luckily, Coach Scott trusted me to fulfill that leadership role. I just wanted to lead the guys and show people what I can do.”
As he will be graduating from FBCA in the coming months, what are Araiza’s plans for the future of his athletic career?
“Currently, I am uncommitted,” he said. “I am talking with some coaches and I’ve gotten some offers, but I haven’t really made a decision yet. I’m taking some time to think it over, but I’m just really excited to play basketball at the next level.”
Wherever he chooses to go, the future is bright for Jaden Araiza after being the lead bird of FBCA hoops.