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Whataburger Team of the Week: Kingwood Girls Soccer stays perfect as district race tightens
Kingwood has firmly asserted itself as one of the hottest teams in Texas as the season moves beyond its midway point. Under head coach Adam Bell, the Lady Mustangs have surged to an unbeaten 14-0-1 start, stacking quality results against heavyweights like Stratford and district rival Atascocita in their first meeting of the winter. The consistency of that run has placed Kingwood squarely among the state’s most reliable contenders.
A recent 1-1 draw with Summer Creek (10-3-4) offered a reminder of the volatility that explains District 23-6A, where margins are thin and results rarely come easy. Still, Kingwood’s defensive profile continues to separate it from the field. Through the early portion of 2026, KHS has allowed just four goals, a telling indicator as they position themselves in the district title race.
That defensive identity begins along the back line, anchored by 2025 Team MVP Kate Kristiansen and Addie Abdmoulaie. Both first-team all-district selections a year ago, the senior duo provides stability and composure. They’re complemented by Camryn Hicks, a second-team honoree, along with the SFA-bound Elizabeth Quinn and Helen Shamaly, forming a unit defined by cohesion.
Offensively, Texas Woman’s University signee Concepcion Maya supplies the primary scoring threat. A first-team all-district selection, Maya’s versatility allows her to influence the game as a forward or from an attacking midfield role. Behind her, senior holding midfielder Harper Mills plays an integral role in coordinating the attack, dictating tempo, and linking lines.
The second half of district play rarely offers comfort, only clarity. Kingwood has responded with control, pairing discipline at the back with purpose going forward. After a three-round postseason run a year ago, the Lady Mustangs aren’t navigating new territory—they’re reinforcing what has already been established.

Alief Taylor's Emily Chavez (Sr. GK)
RISING TO THE OCCASION: Chavez maintains composure in a revitalized ATHS program
As Alief Taylor embraces a culture shift under new head coach Siham El-Bjeirmi -- a former Lady Lion herself -- one player stands ready to provide stability between the posts.
Senior goalkeeper Emily Chavez is among the returning veterans El-Bjeirmi will rely on as a pillar for the younger generation of players and help the soccer program recapture its footing.
Being a keeper naturally comes with intense pressure and responsibility, and Chavez has shown a steady aptitude for both.
When speaking with her, Chavez discusses how she approaches her role and maintains focus through the changes that Taylor hopes to bring about on the field – giving a glimpse into the mindset that has made her such a dependable figure for ATHS.

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VYPE: When did you first start playing soccer? Who or what got you involved, and what motivates you to compete?
CHAVEZ: “I was six years old when I initially got into soccer. It wasn’t long after that when I began to really understand that it was the game for me. From there, I became the goalie and I’ve just loved being in that spot since.”
VYPE: That’s a tough spot to be in, right? I say that from experience.
CHAVEZ: “Definitely. There’s plenty of pressure on a keeper during games. But, you learn how to respond to those situations and find ways to love those moments, then it gets easier.”
VYPE: What goes through your mind when you’re faced with that kind of challenge?
CHAVEZ: “I focus on the end – the way we can eventually win or what we can accomplish in the next game. You’ve got to stay positive and look on the bright side at times.”
VYPE: How has it been for you and the team to start working with a new coach? What’s been the impression so far?
CHAVEZ: “Meeting Coach (El-Bjeirmi) for the first time, I think we could all see that she brought a good vibe. We have more confidence going into the season, and there’s a better sense of how we can match up against teams in the district and go farther.”


































