TRENDING
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Dany Molina (Sr. CB) of Alief Elsik Soccer
Jamey Wright (VYPE)
UNFINISHED BUSINESS: Elsik's Molina anchors the renowned soccer program's next chapter
If not for a last-minute strike from Klein Cain’s Parker Glenn that broke a scoreless deadlock in extra time, the Rams might have had another shot at the trophy. But even in defeat, Elsik reinforced its status as a brand — one defined by intensity, pride, and an enduring hunger for more.
The stars of 2025-26 Alief Elsik SoccerJamey Wright (VYPE)
That hunger begins in the back line, where senior center back Dany Molina returns to anchor the Rams’ defense and set the tone for another run.
“We know that there are going to be some who doubt us, and it’s something that we were faced with last season,” Molina said. “That’s out of our control. So, all we can do is continue to work as hard as we can, as much as possible, and find out what we’re capable of, together.”
For Molina, though, the team’s story is still unfolding.
“What’s yet to come, you know,” he said with a grin. “Our story — or mine — isn’t over just yet, so it’s going to be what we make it.”
That sense of perspective captures both his composure and ambition. His understanding of the game — shaped by years of dedication — keeps him grounded in both mindset and execution.
Jamey Wright (VYPE)
“I’ve always been passionate about this sport,” he said. “From the time that I first started to walk to now, it’s just been a big factor in my life. The technique and mentality that I associate with it — that’s something I’ve come to appreciate, and it makes all the work worth it.”
When asked what makes Elsik’s soccer culture so distinct, Molina doesn’t hesitate.
“It’s our mentality and how we came up,” he said. “We use that to fuel us and our ambition.”
As the Rams prepare for another campaign, that mentality endures — steady, unflinching, and certain of one thing: the story isn’t finished yet.
CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE COMPLETE 2025-26 ALIEF ISD WINTER MAGAZINE
THE PINNACLE: 2025 UIL Volleyball State Finals Preview -- Dawson vs. Byron Nelson (6A-D1)
WHERE: Curtis Culwell Center -- Garland, TX
CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE UIL VOLLEYBALL STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS BRACKETS/RESULTS
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The Dawson Eagles moments after their 3-0 victory over Seven Lakes in the Region III Final (11/11/2025)Matthew Ogle (VYPE)
Not much more can be said about Dawson and the unprecedented trail blazed by coach Lauren Leth’s squad. In their first appearance on the UIL Final Four stage last Saturday, the Eagles left everything on the floor at HISD’s Delmar Fieldhouse, battling point for point before ultimately outlasting San Antonio powerhouse O’Connor in a five-set masterpiece.
Improving to 42–4 on the year, Dawson has already etched its name into the history books by reaching the State Final. But the job isn’t finished yet.
The Eagles have been emboldened by several factors throughout the fall, none more prominent than their rallying anthem, “#WaitForIt.” Borrowed from the song of the same name in the musical Hamilton, the phrase has served as a unifying mantra dating back to the early days of training, according to senior libero Jenna Thedford.
Speaking of Thedford, on a roster brimming with alphas, she continues to stand out as the team’s catalyst, motivator, and on-court extension of the coach. The Texas A&M-signee is on pace to eclipse 700 digs this season, though she has already cemented her status as a Dawson legend.
Meanwhile, senior pin hitter Avery Koonsen (SFA-signee) has kept her foot on the gas, providing an extra spark for the Eagles with 529 kills and 328 digs. The attack is further bolstered by seniors MH Keaton Points (San Francisco) and OH Sloane Ranney (Grand Canyon University), who have combined for nearly 500 additional kills.
At the helm of the offense is Sloane’s sister, Taylor Ranney, also GCU-bound, delivering 750 assists from the setter spot, alongside freshman phenom Alexa Koonsen, who has added 460 assists of her own.
Gold is the goal — but Dawson’s toughest challenge yet still looms.
The Byron Nelson Bobcats following their 2024 UIL 6A-D2 State Championship acquisition at the Culwell Center (11/23/2024)Matthew Ogle (VYPE)
Byron Nelson (41–0), the No. 1-ranked team in Texas (MaxPreps) — and in the nation — has certainly lived up to the distinction. That comes as little surprise, considering the Trophy Club tyrants retained the entirety of last year’s 6A-D2 State Championship roster. Following their sweep of Cypress Ranch last weekend, the Bobcats advance to the Final riding an astonishing 77-game winning streak that stretches back to August 2024.
Head coach Brianne Groth’s all-star cast features not one, but two punishing forces on the pins in seniors Ashlyn “AJ” Seay (Rice signee) and Kylie Kleckner (Washington). The momentum this dynamic duo generates has proven virtually unstoppable, with both Seay and Kleckner amassing over 500 kills and 350 digs apiece this fall.
Orchestrating the attack is junior Sophee Peterson, a Texas A&M commit, who has excelled from the setter position with a staggering 1,459 assists. Add junior DS Savannah Sterna, who leads the team with 409 digs, and you have one of the most well-rounded units in the state.
Byron Nelson now sits just three set victories away from capturing the program’s third UIL title.
This matchup promises a true Clash of the Titans, as Dawson, with its grit and resilience, takes on the defending champions Byron Nelson, whose dominance and depth have defined 6A-D1 volleyball this season. Saturday’s showdown at the Culwell Center is set to be a battle worthy of the stakes and the hype, with history and glory hanging in the balance.
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CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE UIL VOLLEYBALL STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS BRACKETS/RESULTS
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