GAMES
RANKINGS
Baytown Sterling's Irad Mixon
LEVELING UP: Sterling's Mixon on an upwards trajectory in 2025
“I stepped on the track and just burned everyone,” Mixon said with a laugh. “Ever since then, I’ve loved the thrill of it all, since I tend to be a really competitive person. It’s an exhilarating feeling to test the true physicality of who you areas an athlete. It feels like home to me, so that’s where I stay.”
Now a senior at Baytown Sterling, Mixon has turned that early passion into proven success.
Last season, he captured gold in the 400mDash at the District Meet before placing third at the Area level, securing a spot at Regionals. He also helped Sterling’s 4x200 Relay team reach the Regional stage, further cementing his role as a leader on the squad.
But Mixon isn’t satisfied. He has even greater ambitions in his final campaign.
“I’ve become really focused on my goals since last year,” he said. “I know what I’m capable of. I don’t want to just finish in the Top-3 at the Area meet—I want to win it. More so than that, I want to do well enough at regionals to get my place at State.”
Mixon has spent all four years with the Rangers, and he credits the program for helping him develop into the competitor he is today.
“Being with this team has definitely boosted my confidence,” he said. “That’s not always an easy thing to do, especially when you compete against other talented opponents. But Sterling has helped me stay focused on what I can accomplish. As long as I stay on track, I know I can be comfortable with the results.”
While track is his primary focus, Mixon also has plans beyond the sport. He intends to pursue a degree in electrical engineering while hoping to continue his athletic career at the next level.
When he’s not training or competing, Mixon enjoys unwinding with his favorite shows—Game of Thrones, The 100, and Alice in Borderland.
However, his current attention is directed toward the last stretch of his high school career.
With a decorated resume already behind him, Mixon is determined to make his senior season his best yet—one that could end on the biggest stage in Texas high school track and field.
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Goose Creek Memorial's Kimora Douglas
PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS: Track has become one of multiple callings for GCM's Douglas
“Because I grew up during COVID, I was pretty antisocial as a child,” Douglas admitted with a laugh. “So, I decided to put myself in a bunch of sports to break out of my shell. I played volleyball, tennis, and a few others, but track ended up speaking to me the most.
“I was immediately placed in hurdles because of my long legs and height for my age at the time. I’ve stuck with it since, and now it’s my passion. I do a lot of training outside of school because you can’t be a true athlete unless you’re willing to put in the work when no one is watching.”
Some of the stars of 2024-25 GCM Girls Track & FieldJamey Wright (VYPE)
Hurdles have become Douglas’ specialty. The Goose Creek Memorial junior placed in the top five of both the100m and 300m hurdles at last year’s district meet.
But despite that strong showing, she has her sights set even higher this season.
“I’m hoping to set some PRs (personal records), especially in the hurdling events,” she said. “Endurance is something I’ve really been focusing on, and I’m finally seeing improvements in my times. I wasn’t too happy with how I finished last season, so this year is my comeback.”
While track has helped Douglas find confidence, it wasn’t her first passion.
“I’ve always loved medicine,” she shared. “My aunt is a director of nurses, and I’ve wanted to follow in her footsteps while focusing on radiology. Even though I’ve had my moments, I try to be a happy, energetic person because spreading positivity is important to me. My goal is to help others get better—both in life and, eventually, in the medical field.”
Jamey Wright (VYPE)
She has a mentor in her career aspirations, but what about in track?
“I love me some Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone,” Douglas said, referring to the world record holder in the 400m hurdles. “Since I started running, she’s been someone I look up to, not just for her role on Team USA but also for her incredible length and stride.”
She’s also inspired by 2024 Olympic gold medalist Masai Russell.
“I love her technique and the energy she brings,” Douglas said. “She doesn’t let anything rattle her, which is something I admire.”
As the season unfolds, Douglas hopes to make her own mark—both with her performances and the energy she brings to the track. With months of preparation behind her, she’s ready to make her presence felt at the district meet in April.