GAMES
RANKINGS
MacArthur's Daniel Reyna
STUDENT OF THE GAME: MacArthur's Reyna ready to take his talents to the next stage
His journey began early, laying the foundation for the competitor he is today.
“I started playing baseball when I was three years old, and I’ve always had a love for the game,” Reyna said. “I grew up playing against older kids, so I got used to facing adversity. But at the end of the day, it’s a childhood game we’re all lucky to play—and there’s nothing better than leaving school early to play baseball.”
That passion has fueled his growth throughout high school. From early struggles at the plate to becoming a reliable offensive threat, Reyna has embraced every challenge.
Jamey Wright (VYPE)
“I think the biggest improvement I’ve made is definitely with my hitting,” he said. “My first couple of years were rough. I’d find myself behind in the count a lot. But after my sophomore season, I put in work over the summer and fall, had a solid junior year, and now I feel confident stepping up in big moments.”
A big part of his evolution comes from MacArthur’s coaching staff, who have helped shape his game—and mindset.
“The coaches push us every day to be our best,” Reyna said. “They know nobody’s perfect, but they help us focus on the little things that make a big difference. They’ve helped me understand what I need to work on and how to keep improving.”
The stars of 2024-25 MacArthur BaseballJamey Wright (VYPE)
As his high school career winds down, Reyna has his eyes on the next chapter—continuing to play at the collegiate level and staying close to the sport he loves.
“I’m hoping to play baseball at the next level, wherever that may be,” he said. “There are a few colleges I’m looking at, and it’s exciting—for me and my family. I also want to study Sports Medicine or something similar. One day, I’d love to come back and coach at Aldine ISD. I’ve coached before, and helping kids grow their game is something I’m passionate about. That’s the ultimate goal.”
With his determination, leadership, and genuine love for the game, Reyna has already made a lasting impact at MacArthur. And as he prepares for what’s next, there’s no doubt he’ll keep making an impact—on and off the field.
MacArthur's Madisson Duran
IN THE GENES: Soccer comes naturally to MacArthur's Duran
“It all began with my parents’ support,” she said. “My whole family played, and they’ve always been there for me as I try to carry on the tradition. I feel like soccer makes me who I am. Anytime I haven’t been playing, it’s almost like I’ve lost a part of myself. Since I’m the middle child, I also try to set a good example for my younger siblings, so they can feel the same way.”
Of course, it took some time for her to develop a knack for the sport.
“When I first started playing, when I was about six or seven, I didn’t know what I was doing,” laughed Duran. “I was just on the field with no idea how to play for my team at the time. But they needed a goalkeeper, and they chose me – the tiniest girl on the field.
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
“After that, I just ran with it. At this point, though, I can play any position on the field if needed. But I’ve been a goalie since the beginning, so that’s where I normally am.”
Duran isn’t the “tiny girl” she once was. She’s made quite a name for herself between the posts, evidenced by her exceptional performance last year that earned her District 14-6A Goalkeeper of the Year honors – the third consecutive year she received such an award.
But for Duran, it’s not all about the accolades.
“One of the best memories I have with this team is easily from my freshman year when we went to Six Flags,” she said. “We went on all the rides, and we convinced one of my teammates, who was afraid of heights, to sit in the front seat of a roller coaster with us.
“She literally passed out, and we all thought it was so funny. To this day, I’ll remind her of it, and we’ll both laugh. It’s those types of little experiences that mean the most, and they’re the ones you remember the longest.”
As a team, MacArthur has finished atop the district standings each of the last five years, most recently going 14-0 last winter, which extended their district win streak to 34 games.
2024-25 MacArthur High School Girls SoccerBradley C. Collier (VYPE)
However, they’ve faced challenges in making deep playoff runs, often due to a tough opening-round opponent from Conroe ISD – most recently, College Park, where the Lady Generals narrowly fell 2-1.
So, what will it take for them to break that early-exit stigma?
“We need to be stronger, both physically and mentally,” said Duran. “Once we get to the playoffs, our minds and bodies need to be more stable – especially in that first round. That comes with the belief we have in each other and in ourselves. We’re right there in a lot of these games, so we can’t put our heads down at that point.”
With Duran in goal, and a talented squad taking the field this year, another district title is likely in the cards for MacArthur.
But they’ll have even greater aspirations in the weeks to come.