GAMES
RANKINGS
ONE OF THE BOYS: Mentado-Perez living up to family name
WHY IS CHELSEA MENTADO-PEREZ SO GOOD AT SOCCER?
Well, she has a theory.
The junior mid-fielder is the only girl in a family of four siblings, who all played soccer.
“Growing up with three brothers can be frustrating, but makes you tough,” she laughed. “They are always messing with me, but they have made me a better soccer player. I never wanted to sit and watch them play as their sister, so I grew up playing soccer on boys teams. I’ve been like that since I was little. I always wanted to play.”
She, like her older brothers, have played varsity since her freshman year. Her little brother is a freshman and also plays varsity soccer.
With a high soccer IQ, it’s no surprise that she is the quarterback on the field.
“I love to move the ball around the field and get my teammates involved as a mid- fielder,” she said. “I just see the field really well and love to attack the defense by setting my attackers up for success.”
Her play as a sophomore was paramount in the team’s success as they made the postseason for the first time since moving up to the Class 6A classification. The ‘Kats won a playoff game against Aldine to advance to the Area Round.
This season, Mentado-Perez is the team’s leading scorer as they chase a playoff spot.
“I love this team and playing with all my friends,” she said. “Our chemistry is so good, and we just treat each other with respect. Everyone says it, but we are really a family.”
Off the pitch, she loves to go on walks with her animals, watching car movies and listening to anything that “relaxes” her.
“I’m a very hyper, outdoorsy person,” she laughed. “I love to listen to chill music to call me down sometimes.”
Again, she’s just one of the boys.
SHE'S COOKING: Chapman dealing on mound; selling baked goods
WILLIS SOFTBALL STAR KYNLEI CHAPMAN COOKS ON THE MOUND AND BAKES IN THE KITCHEN.
Huh?
The senior ace of the Wildkat softball team is one the most feared pitchers in the city of Houston when she toes the rubber. With her red hair flowing and her windmill motion, the ball explodes out of her hand.
“You know red heads are a little angry,” she laughed. “Over the years, I’ve had to improve on my anger management, honestly. Just keeping composed on the mound and getting in my zone. I just go out there and concentrate on hitting my spots.”
The right-handed senior has signed to play her college ball at McLennan Community College next season after putting in years of honing her craft.
“I love how close-knit the girls are and how they worship God even though it’s not a Christian school,” she said. “That was something I was looking for. Also, 90-percent of the girls sign with DI college programs after they graduate.”
When she’s not mowing down batters for Willis, “Chappy” can bake with the best of them. She has started a small business – “Cakes by Kynlei” – where she sells her masterpieces.
“Making cheesecakes, pies and cakes is just my thing,” she said. “My top seller is my pecan pie cheesecake. I can only make two a day, but they go so fast.
“I’m kind of an entrepreneur. I get it from my Dad, who co-owns a snow cone stand at Gene Campbell Sports Park, where I work in the summers. I also knit blankets to sell also.”
Softball is her “now” but business is her “future”.
“I’m going to take softball as far it takes me, but I want to be a Realtor and build my baking business after college,” she said. “That’s my plan.”
And she’s sticking to it like an Ooey Gooey Butter Cake.