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CHEERFUL COMPETITOR: Houston Christian’s Childs is the life of the party
When seeing Houston Christian junior McKayla Childs in action, one can vividly understand what she’s all about.
Her fun-loving and exuberant demeanor makes her an excellent addition to the vast array of teammates she socializes with, while also emphasizing her drive to compete.
In the Fall, Childs was the top performer for the Mustangs’ cross country team, indicated by her fourth-place finish (5K-20:46.49) in the SPC-3A State Meet.
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
Several months prior, she placed within the top-10 in both the 800m and 1600m race at the 2023 SPC State Meet for the HCHS Track & Field team, while also helping to guide the girls tennis team to its first-ever SPC Title.
“I kind of like them all equally,” said Childs. “It’s a little more difficult to manage two sports simultaneously in the Spring, especially with the practices that you’re mandated to go to. During the Summer, Fall, and early Winter it’s easier to go and play tennis at night or during the weekends, and double up on my running in the Summer.”
“Of course, cross country workouts are a way longer than track which gives me less time for everything else. However, juggling all these sports has really helped me improve my time management skills.”
So, what exactly sparked her interest?
“I’ve been a ‘tennis child’ almost my entire life, dating back to when I was six years old,” she said. “When I was twelve, my Dad decided to put me in cross country because he was a runner, and he ran with some of the Masters groups, which are basically like ex-Olympians.”
“He figured it would be a great way to keep me in shape and trained up for tennis, and he was right. From there, I started running competitively since the end of middle school.”
Given the standard she sets for herself, it shouldn’t be difficult to see how Childs is nothing if not goal-oriented.
“So, my plan is to eventually run competitively in college, but not compete in tennis,” Childs said. “Only about 0.6% of high school tennis players get that opportunity, so I know my chances of running in college are definitely greater.”
“But, I really want to keep tennis as a life-long sport. I want to stay trained up for it, especially because I have such a long background in it. It’s really such a social sport for me – it’s really fun to do, and I love all of my teammates. Being a good teammate is what I want to be remembered for – someone who was competitive, but still had fun.”
The 2022-23 SPC Champs -- Houston Christian Girls Tennis
Where might this ambition take the junior Mustang?
“I’ve been looking at Texas A&M,” she said. “My Dad is an alum there, so it’s a really big part of his culture and what he really likes. I know it’s kind of the exact opposite, but I also like the University of Texas, as well as Rice, Vanderbilt – mostly schools in the South.”
“But, in terms of what I want to do career-wise, I hope to enter the Accounting and Electrical Engineering field. I’m thinking about doing a double major with that, but I don’t for sure just yet, it all just sounds fun to me.”
Childs certainly has a bright future ahead of her. However, she and Houston Christian Tennis first have an SPC crown to uphold this Spring.
READY FOR TAKEOFF: Elie-Stuart Signs to Air Force in final stretch with Houston Christian
As the seasons go by on the SPC scene, numerous athletes tend to have that one primary sport they compete in. Everyone has their niche.
But for Houston Christian’s Jordan Elie-Stuart, competing is a year-round gig.
Elie-Stuart begins the year suiting up for the gridiron, for which he has become a vital component on the Mustang defense, being a DB that aided in bringing the team to the furthest point in program history – the 2023 SPC-3A championship.
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
Shortly after, the Houston Christian senior already began training for the track & field season, which makes him one of the most versatile athletes to walk the halls.
“Competing in both football and track has benefitted each other in a lot of ways,” said Elie-Stuart. “For football, the physical strength that’s been developed in my legs and the rest of my body made me more prepared for the speed that’s required for track. That, in turn, translates onto the football field in the seasonal cycle.”
“I can’t thank each coaching staff enough for helping to develop my abilities. It’s been a blessing from the beginning.”
Advancing to the collegiate level for a sport is a rarity in itself. Yet, Elie-Stuart has transcended that mark by becoming a double-D1-commit for the Air Force Academy in both football and track.
While anyone would pounce at the opportunity to continue their athletic career in college, Elie-Stuart’s motivations came from a deeper place.
“I really liked the Air Force Academy and just the location itself,” he said. “When I took my official visit out there in Colorado Springs it was a beautiful area. It’s also nice to have the opportunity to play both sports, since they’re both a passion of mine.”
“But, My Dad is retired in the military from the Army, and my brother is already in the Air Force. I’ve been raised in that type of way with a strong family background. Having that military aspect along with competing athletically – I know it’s something that God has planned for me. I can’t do anything without Him and I’m ready for it.”
Before he graduates, however, this HCHS competitor still has one more season to leave with.
Houston Christian Track & Field placed third overall in the SPC state meet a year ago, with Elie-Start, in particular, winning the 400m dash, while also claiming silver and bronze in the 200m and 100m respectively, earning him an All-SPC nod.
After breaking three school records in 2023, the soon-to-be AF Falcon is more than ready to surpass that effort, as he looks to cap off his high school career in style.
“I’ve thought about it (graduating) multiple times,” he said. “But, I’m still just trying to remain focused on this final track season. I’m trying to break some more records, bring up my times, and hopefully improve my craft to help the team win a title.”
Given his preceding results, not to mention the tenacity he embodies, more record-breaking performances shouldn’t be a stretch for Elie-Stuart on the final SPC stage.