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Pearland Pitcher Jake Mader-Cooper
TRUSTING THE PROCESS: Pearland’s Mader-Cooper a piece to winning puzzle
The playoffs are on the horizon and the Oilers are standing atop their district with an undefeated 7-0 record (20-5-1 overall) and have their sights set on a deep playoff run.
Several of the usual suspects for Pearland -- LHP Caden Ferraro (Texas A&M-signee), LF Brett Smajstrla (Sam Houston) and SS Anthony Avalos (Houston) -- have been enjoying stellar seasons.
However, one name that’s flown under the radar is junior RHP/MIF Jake Mader-Cooper, who has relished the opportunity to play for Pearland.
Photo by Lloyd Hendricks of Hendricks Rockography
“I’m honored to be a part of such a great group of players and the community surrounding us,” said Mader-Cooper. “Everyone puts in the work every day and lifts each other up. Our group is very hungry and it helps that we have so much talent on the team.”
Mader-Cooper is one of the many standouts residing in the Oilers bullpen, which has been a key contributor to Pearland’s success thus far.
“We have put a lot of trust in our coaching staff and have just been having fun,” he said. “We are such a close group that can have fun while we put the work in. As a whole, we’re playing unselfish baseball and we’re manufacturing runs with key people making big plays. Whether it be through bunts, stealing bases or just getting a hit, we’re doing everything we can to help the team reach our goal of a State Title.”
Photo by Lloyd Hendricks of Hendricks Rockography
Mader-Cooper’s baseball journey was initiated by the influence of his family during his childhood, which has driven the Pearland junior the whole way.
“I have been playing from a young age and just fell in love with the game,” Mader-Cooper said. “My parents were both Division 1 athletes and put me in the position to be the best that I can be. I think the most important aspect is loving me and trusting the process. You just need to enjoy the journey and trust that your hard work will pay off.”
It seems that the process has been working, considering Mader-Cooper committed to play for Rice once he graduates a year from now.
“I committed to Rice my sophomore year since I really liked the coaching staff,” he said. “Coach [José] Cruz [Jr.] is a great influence and I’m looking forward to playing for him. Rice is also a great school, academically, and the current players there have said good things.”
Photo by Lloyd Hendricks of Hendricks Rockography
And what future does the Rice-commit see for himself?
“I hope to be in the minor or major leagues one day, or perhaps in medical school,” said Mader-Cooper. “God has a plan for me and I’m just here to follow his lead and give 100-percent in everything I do.”
Anticipate an exceptional regular season finish for Mader-Cooper and Pearland Baseball, as that will only be the beginning.
Pearland Soccer huddles prior to a bigtime matchup
WILL-POWER: Pearland players celebrate Ramadan amid Regionals
Following their recent 2-1 victory over Kingwood in the Area Round, the Oilers are preparing to face off against Dobie in the Regional Quarterfinals in order to proceed to the Semis, which would be the furthest that Pearland has ever advanced in the State Tournament.
Pearland Soccer followinf their Area Round Championship
The Oilers have enjoyed an impressive 14-3-10 (W-L-T) season and an even greater postseason, which can be attributed to their star athletes and experienced coaching.
However, what is uncommonly astounding about this team is the fact that four of their athletes are currently honoring their Islamic heritage through Ramadan, which entails an entire month of fasting, prayer, reflection and community.
Photo by Loyd Hendricks (Pearland)
This year’s Ramadan is taking place during the heat of UIL postseason soccer (March 22-April 10), which means that these players cannot eat or drink from dusk to dawn, which could significantly impact the energy that one has.
However, these remarkable young players, including Pearland’s star forward Yousef Elnokali (2022 District 23-6A OPOY), who scored a hat trick in the Bi-District round, have shown their mettle in the face of adversity.
Pearland's Yousef ElnokaliPhoto by Loyd Hendricks (Pearland)
“What’s amazing to me is that they [Pearland’s Muslim players] kind of train their bodies to endure,” said coach Scott Macneish. “Despite not having any food or water throughout the day they still manage to stand out. Along with Yousef [Elnokali], one of my starting defenders, Ashraf Adi (Sr.), runs more than anybody since he’s kind of a wingback. They do such an amazing job, and I don’t know how they do it.”
In addition, Macneish has communicated with the coaches of opposing teams ahead of games to see if they would be willing to stop play for a moment to allow the Muslim players to eat and drink water when they’re finally permitted to at 7:35 pm.
Pearland's Ashraf AdiPhoto by Loyd Hendricks (Pearland)
Despite the competitive nature of the postseason, Macneish acknowledged how supportive the coaches were of this request.
“The other teams’ coaches, [Daniel] Edinburgh at Dickinson, [Bryan] Jennings at Kingwood and [Justo] Manrique at Dobie haven’t even blinked when I asked this of them,” he said. “The coolest thing was when Ramadan broke when we played Dickinson, and as soon as 7:35 came around, everybody was giving our four Muslim players drinks while they ate, and everyone applauded for them. It was just incredible.”
Soccer is one of the most diverse sports in the world, which is being put on full display by Pearland.
Photo by Loyd Hendricks
“What’s cool is that we do have a team that’s diverse,” Macneish said. “We have a guy from Trinidad Tobago, we have some Asian players, as well as some Hispanic, White and African American players. Somehow, we’re able to kind of mesh it up into a melting pot and make this stellar team. Everybody sort of gets a lesson on different cultures, which is what makes this team and this game so special.”
This is an impressive team on multiple fronts. Stay tuned for more with Pearland soccer.