GAMES
RANKINGS
WRITING HISTORY: Crawford’s Maya Hanks is a Nightmare at the Plate
WITH EVERY AT-BAT, EVERY GAME, MAYA HANKS IS CARVING HER NAME INTO THE RECORD BOOKS AT CRAWFORD HIGH SCHOOL.
Hanks is the program’s all-time leader in nearly every major offensive category, wielding a mighty bat that has become the stuff of district nightmares. But she’s more than just a hitter — she’s the quarterback on the diamond, commanding the defense from behind the plate as a catcher.
“At the plate, I have the mindset of ‘yes, yes, yes… no,’” the junior said. “I’m going up there ready to swing. It’s my thing. Swinging the bat.”
That confidence is built on countless hours of work. Inside her garage sits a hitting tee and net — a quiet training ground where she’s sharpened her craft.
“My dad was behind that,” she laughed. “My parents have been supportive over the years, doing anything to help me realize my dreams. I’ve been on this journey since I was eight years old and I’ve always had a passion for the game. It’s my friend group too.”
Her journey will take her to Prairie View A&M University in 2027, where she’ll continue her career at an HBCU — a choice that means more than just softball.
“I love the environment there,” she said. “Playing at an HBCU was important to me. It’s going to be a great place for me to grow as a player and a person.”
And her ambitions stretch beyond the diamond. Prairie View’s animal science program aligns perfectly with her future goals.
“They have a great animal science program, and that’s what I want to do when I get older.”
Her love for animals starts at home with her chihuahua, Carly.
“I’m obsessed with animals,” she said. “I have such a love for them that I want to help them when they’re sick or hurt.”
Soft-hearted off the field. Fearless on it.
“People might not know that I love horror movies,” she laughed. “I can watch them in the middle of the day or at three in the morning. Scream is my all-time favorite. I just love the adrenaline.”
Adrenaline is something pitchers know well when she steps into the batter’s box.
Because while she may love horror films — Maya Hanks is the real nightmare at the plate.
FULL OF RANGE, GRIT, SURPRISES: Davis’ Chatham Beats to Her Own Drum
ASHTIAN CHATHAM BALANCES TWO WORLDS — AND THRIVES IN BOTH.
A student at Aldine Blanson CTE High School, where she’s pursuing computer programming, Chatham heads across the district to compete for Davis High School track and field — and she’s rewriting the record books when she gets there.
“I’m a very competitive person,” she said. “When I first started, I wasn’t that good — but I wanted to get better. It stuck. My improvement was gradual.”
That steady climb turned into history. Chatham now holds the school records in the 400 and 800 meters, with bigger goals still ahead.
“My goals this year are to also break the school record for the mile.”
Middle-distance racing is as mental as it is physical — something she embraces.
“The 400 and 800 are really about who wants it more at the end,” she said. “It’s about grit.”
What she loves most about track is its simplicity — and its honesty.
“If I do good, it’s because of me. If I do bad, it’s on me too,” she said. “You don’t have to depend on anyone else.”
Make no mistake — she wants to win.
“I like to win. That’s just how I’m built. But I’m not mean competitive.”
Her future includes college track, but her ambitions stretch beyond the oval. At Blanson CTE, she’s immersed in computer programming and sees herself one day becoming a data analyst.
“I’m into computer programming. I see myself being a data analyst,” she said.
The balance isn’t always easy. She’s enrolled in AP and dual-credit classes — a workload that demands discipline.
“It’s very stressful to be in AP classes and dual-credit classes,” she admitted. “But I wouldn’t have it any other way. I like to challenge myself. In the classroom, I try my best.”
Track provides a contrast.
“Blanson is where I go for academics. I come to Davis to do sports. Davis is a breath of fresh air. It’s cool to meet all sorts of different people.”
Off the track, she keeps things light. She plays volleyball with friends, enjoys cooking — and especially eating — and is currently catching up on the anime One Piece.
“I love the fantasy aspect of the genre,” she said. “I love Zoro — he’s always getting lost. I can relate to that.”
Lost? Maybe sometimes. Driven? Always.
Whether she’s chasing a school record, debugging code or grinding through the final stretch of an 800, Ashtian Chatham is proof that competitiveness and curiosity can coexist — and that the finish line is only the beginning.