GAMES
RANKINGS
Friendswood Sr. OH Nadi'ya Shelby
THE FINAL RUN: Friendswood Star Nadi’ya Shelby Reflects on Her Journey; Powered by LOVB
For the past three season, Nadi'ya Shelby has been the face of Friendswood Volleyball -- a dominant force on the court, a leader in the locker room, and a name that resonates across the Texas volleyball scene.
Now, as she enters her senior year, Shelby is filled with emotion.
“It’s bittersweet and exciting,” she said. “I’ve been dreaming of my senior year since I got into high school. But now that it’s here... it’s kind of sad. This is our last run. The last time we’ll all be together. We want to make it memorable.”
The Mustangs went undefeated in district play last season and made it all the way to the Regional Final, falling just short of the State Tournament. In 2025, they’re not settling for anything less than history.
“We have a lot more to accomplish,” Shelby said. “Of course winning State is the big goal, but for me, it’s also about continuing to build relationships along the way. That’s what really matters.”
The stars of 2025-26 Friendswood VolleyballBradley C. Collier (VYPE)
A University of Florida-commit, Shelby has already carved her name into Friendswood’s history books. Her legacy is secure—but she’s not done yet.
“I want to go out on top,” she said. “That would be the perfect ending.”
CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE THE 2025 VYPE HOUSTON VOLLEYBALL PREVIEW
...
VYPE Q&A WITH NADI’YA SHELBY
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
VYPE: Your brothers played college football and even reached the NFL. What did you learn from watching their journeys?
SHELBY: "I went on some of their official visits, and those experiences showed me what it’s like to be on a college campus out of state. Because of that, I knew I wouldn’t be intimidated about leaving home. I’m not afraid to step out of my comfort zone."
VYPE: Who’s been the most influential person in your life?
SHELBY: "Definitely my parents. They always told me to set goals and helped keep me on track. They’ve played such a huge role in everything I’ve accomplished."
VYPE: How do you think people see you outside of volleyball?
SHELBY: "I know people recognize me for volleyball, but I think I’m more than that. I’d say I’m a comfort person. I want to be someone people can come to for anything—on or off the court. I try to be a great teammate and friend, someone who lifts others up."
VYPE: What drew you to Florida?
SHELBY: "The Sunshine State is the best—come on! But really, campus life is amazing, and I feel like the athletes there are really supported both physically and mentally. I’m just super excited about the future."
VYPE: NIL is changing the game. What brands would you love to represent?
SHELBY: "I love Alo—their gear is amazing. And I’d definitely love to rep Main Squeeze Juice Co. That would be perfect."
VYPE: Any athletes you look up to?
SHELBY: "(Two-time Olympian) Jordan Thompson. I feel like our vibes are really similar. I follow her social media and love how she shows that there’s more to life than just your sport. She’s inspiring."
CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE THE 2025 VYPE HOUSTON VOLLEYBALL PREVIEW
CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE PHOTOS FROM THE 2025 CITYWIDE PHOTOSHOOT
...
Friendswood's Gisele Kehres
THE PLAYMAKERS: Just Flexing, powered by UTMB Health
The South Houston area is loaded with talented athletes who give it there all in their respective fields of play.
Welcome to the VYPE Playmakers powered by UTMB Health, where we’re highlighting five standouts from this past week who stole the headlines.
Here are the UTMB Athletes of the Week, as we enter the thick of District-play this Spring.
...
Easton Pyle -- Clear Springs Boys Soccer
Despite entering the postseason as the fourth seed in District 24-6A, Clear Springs has shown no signs of disadvantage.
The Chargers have defied expectations with dominant playoff performances, rolling past Humble (5-1) in the opener before pulling off a stunning 1-0 upset against Ridge Point in the area round.
Now sitting at 11-9-5, their record doesn’t fully reflect the threat they pose.
Under Coach Justin Heller, Clear Springs has made a habit of rising to the occasion, and no moment exemplified that more than sophomore midfielder Easton Pyle’s game-winning goal on Tuesday.
Locked in a defensive battle against Ridge Point, Pyle capitalized on a precise cross from junior Kaden Watson, delivering the decisive strike that sent the Chargers to the third round. His clutch performance proved vital in toppling a Ridge Point squad considered among the regional favorites.
While Watson stole the show in the opening-round win with a hat trick, Pyle’s heroics in the latest matchup cemented his importance to this playoff run.
As Clear Springs continues its postseason push, his ability to step up in crucial moments could make all the difference.
Gisele Kehres -- Friendswood Girls Soccer
Jamey Wright (VYPE)
Friendswood continues to solidify its reputation as one of the top 5A programs in Texas, boasting a stellar 21-2-1 record as they push toward a potential state tournament appearance—their first since 2021.
With four consecutive playoff runs reaching at least the third round, the Mustangs remain a formidable force under Coach Laura Peter.
A key factor in their success? Senior forward/midfielder Gisele Kehres, whose offensive firepower has been nothing short of exceptional.
Kehres has been the driving force behind Friendswood’s attack, racking up an impressive 37 goals and 16 assists this season. While she serves as the team’s primary scoring threat, she’s far from alone.
Freshman standout Ashley Baxter has provided additional firepower with 23 goals and 30 assists, while versatile sophomore Kate Pike has contributed 16 goals and six assists.
Meanwhile, sophomore goalkeeper Addison Kingsley has anchored the defense with 109 saves, ensuring balance on both ends of the field.
With a deep and talented roster, led by the prolific play of Kehres, Friendswood is poised to make another deep postseason run. If they continue at this pace, a long-awaited return to the state tournament could be well within reach.
Shiloh Grays -- Pearland Girls Track & Field
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
Who says athleticism should be limited to just one sport?
After playing a key role in Pearland’s girls basketball playoff run, sophomore Shiloh Grays has seamlessly transitioned to track and field—where she’s proving to be just as dominant.
Grays made a statement at the recent Clear Falls Knights Relays, capturing gold in the 100m hurdles with a blazing time of 14.92 seconds. She also secured first place in the high jump, clearing 5-6.00, and played a key role in Pearland’s relay team, which swept the event’s proceedings.
With elite talent surrounding her, Grays is poised for a deep run in the UIL track and field postseason. If her early performances are any indication, a trip to Austin could very well be on the horizon.
Richard Lee -- Dickinson Boys Track & Field
The Dickinson Gators have long been a staple of Houston’s track and field scene, and senior Richard Lee is proving why.
Lee showcased his speed at the prestigious Texas A&M Bluebonnet High School Invitational, earning silver medals in both the 100-meter and 200-meter races.
He then followed up that strong performance with a first-place finish in the 200-meter dash at the Port Arthur Relays, further solidifying his reputation as one of the region’s top sprinters.
His success isn’t a solo effort, as Lee continues to be supported by standout teammates William King, Omar Chavez, Jacob Richards, and Camryn Grimaldo.
With a talented squad around him and momentum on his side, Lee is poised for an exciting postseason as he looks to leave his mark on the UIL track and field circuit.
Zachary Tuxhorn -- Clear Lake Baseball
After a rocky start to the season, Clear Lake has hit its stride, surging to a perfect 5-0 record in District 24-6A.
The Falcons most recently edged out Dickinson 2-1, improving to 13-7-3 on the year and solidifying their status as district title favorites. However, with tough matchups against Deer Park and Clear Creek still ahead, the race is far from over.
Among the many weapons in Coach Josh Bromberg’s lineup, none have been more impactful than Zachary Tuxhorn.
The Blinn College-commit has been a force both behind the plate and at bat, proving why he was a first-team all-district selection in 2024. With his consistent production, he looks poised to repeat that honor—and possibly exceed it.
The first step for Clear Lake is securing the 24-6A title. From there, Tuxhorn and the Falcons have their sights set on a deep postseason run.