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Angleton's Lily Calderon
THE PLAYMAKERS: Loading the Artillery, 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 and beyond this Spring.
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Walker Hurst -- Pearland Baseball
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
Pearland remains a powerhouse in District 22-6A, boasting a solid 17-6 record (9-2 in district) as they sit comfortably in second place.
While senior shortstop and Texas A&M-commit Nico Partida has earned much of the attention, the Oilers’ success is far from a one-man show. Senior outfielder Walker Hurst has emerged as a key contributor, consistently delivering with both bat and glove.
An All-Tournament selection at last year’s State competition, Hurst continues to shine in his final season with Pearland. With a .254 batting average, 12 RBIs, 2 home runs, and 16 runs scored, he has been one of the team’s most dynamic offensive players.
His ability to deliver clutch hits and provide a steady presence in the lineup has been crucial to Pearland’s continued success.
As the Oilers pursue another deep playoff run, Hurst’s performance could be pivotal in their quest to return to the State Tournament. Pearland’s combination of experienced leadership and emerging talent like Hurst makes them a team to watch as the season progresses.
Lily Calderon -- Angleton Softball
Doug Brown (VYPE)
Angleton has already established itself as one of Texas' premier softball teams, currently ranked No. 25 by MaxPreps with a 12-2 record heading into the second half of the season.
Under the leadership of Coach Cindy Rubio, the Wildcats are on track to secure their third district championship in four years—and senior first baseman/outfielder Lily Calderon has been the driving force behind their impressive run.
Calderon is putting together a standout season, hitting an impressive .429 at the plate while leading the team with 18 RBIs, 2 home runs, and 9 runs scored. Her offensive production has been vital to the Wildcats’ success, and she continues to be a key contributor in both clutch situations and everyday play.
While she remains uncommitted, Calderon’s performance on the field is certainly catching the attention of collegiate scouts. More than just her individual achievements, Calderon is determined to help Angleton overcome past playoff setbacks and make a deep postseason run this year.
With her leadership and powerful bat, Calderon is poised to help the Wildcats achieve even greater success as they chase another district title and look toward the playoffs.
Chris Lopez -- Dobie Boys Track & Field
Dobie’s Chris Lopez had an exceptional performance at the District 22-6A Track Meet throughout this past week, securing two gold medals in impressive fashion.
Lopez took first place in the 1600-meter race with a remarkable time of 4:36.53, and followed it up with another victory in the 3200-meter event, finishing with a time of 9:51.39. His dominance in both long-distance races highlights his stamina and determination as he continues to lead the charge for Dobie’s track and field team.
With these victories, Lopez is now gearing up for the Area Meet, scheduled for next Friday at Hall Stadium in Missouri City, TX.
Given his outstanding performance at the District meet, expectations are sky-high for the senior as he heads into the next stage of competition. Lopez’s focus and determination make him a strong contender for even more success as the postseason progresses.
Karsyn Carrier -- Manvel Softball
Jamey Wright (VYPE)
Despite navigating a tough District 22-6A, the Mavericks have remained competitive, with a solid 11-9 record and a three-way tie for fourth place alongside Dawson and Shadow Creek.
A key reason for their success this season is the stellar play of sophomore outfielder Karsyn Carrier, whose standout performance has been instrumental in keeping Manvel in playoff contention.
Carrier has been a dominant force at the plate, currently batting .439 and leading the team with 24 RBIs and 4 home runs. Her offensive production has provided a significant spark for Manvel, and she continues to be a key contributor in their pursuit of a postseason berth.
Alongside fellow standouts like Kaylah Hopkins, Skylar Frederick, Jaylie Miller, and Chloe Ramirez, Carrier has helped the Mavericks remain firmly in the playoff conversation as the season progresses.
With more contributions from this talented group, Manvel should remain in the hunt as they look to secure a spot in the playoffs by the end of April.
McKenzi Roberson -- Shadow Creek Girls Track & Field
With the departure of last year’s standout Mackenzie Collins (University of Texas) —who earned multiple medals at the UIL State Meet—Shadow Creek High School's track program has a new face.
Sophomore McKenzi Roberson has quickly established herself as a dominant force, signaling a bright future for the Lady Sharks.
Roberson made an immediate impact at the District 22-6A Meet this week, capturing gold in both the 100-meter dash (12.05 seconds) and 200-meter dash (24.33 seconds). Her victories not only showcase her individual talent but also hint at the potential for even greater achievements as the season progresses.
While Collins’ legacy looms large with her success in the 300m hurdles and relays at the state level, Roberson is already proving she has the speed and determination to carve out her own path. As a sophomore, her rise to the top is only just beginning.
With such an impressive performance early in the season, Roberson is poised to make a splash at the UIL State Meet in Austin in the coming weeks. The future is bright for Shadow Creek’s track and field program, and McKenzi Roberson is leading the way.
Shadow Creek's Mackenzie Collins
RETURN OF THE MACK: Shadow Creek's Collins back to elevate revitalized program
It is rare to find a volleyball player who excels in not one, but two sports, to the degree that Shadow Creek’s Mackenzie Collins has.
This Fall will mark Collins’ second debut with the Sharks, following her transfer from Episcopal midway through the previous school year.
After garnering All-SPC recognition in volleyball, the Texas A&M volleyball-commit proceeded to take gold in the 300m Hurdles event at the UIL Track & Field State Championships, in addition to being a staple for the Shadow Creek relay team.
Did we mention that she is a twin? Michael Collins is the star of the Shark boys’ basketball team and also a college level recruit.
Iron sharpens iron inside the Collins’ household, which bodes well for volleyball team. With a bona fide star racking up kills, Shadow Creek has that go-to athlete to propel them beyond the first-round of the postseason, where the Sharks were halted in 2023.
Volleyball is a team game, but with Collins in the lineup, look for the Sharks to be on attack in 2024.
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VYPE: What’s the transition been like after moving back to Shadow Creek from Episcopal during last school year?
COLLINS: “The transition has been really seamless. I have been at Shadow Creek since my freshman year. Everyone was very welcoming and happy to see me back. Shadow Creek has always been so supportive and Episcopal was great to me as well. I enjoyed my time there.”
VYPE: If you could meet one person, dead or alive, who would that be and why?
COLLINS: “I would choose Sydney McLaughlin. She’s not only a phenomenal athlete, but she also seems to be a great human being, and a God-fearing competitor. She has accomplished so much for USA Track & Field, being one of the fastest women in the 400m, 200m and 400m Hurdles, as well as helping her team in the 4x400 relay. She motivates me not to limit myself.”
VYPE: You are now both a volleyball and track star for Shadow Creek. How do you balance both sports, which require tireless dedication?
COLLINS: “I’ve been doing track since I was 5-years-old, so that comes second nature to me. Volleyball has become a sport that I truly have fun playing. I just have to make sure that I am giving my body enough time to recover in between meets and games, even if that means altering my workout schedule. I also try my best to make sure that I am fueling my body with healthy food.”
VYPE: What was it about Texas A&M that made you ultimately decide to commit?
COLLINS: “It was the coaching staff, culture and I felt like I could be myself there. From the moment I stepped campus, I knew that’s where I wanted to be. Everything about the experience was so positive.”
VYPE: What are your favorite movies or TV shows.
COLLINS: “Shawshank Redemption is my favorite, and I also really enjoy Love and Basketball and Wonder. In terms of shows, I’ve got to go with Ginny and Georgia and All American.”