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ON MY WHISTLE: Katy softball finishes job; wins State with power surge
The Katy Tigers are once again the queens of Texas softball.
Katy captured the Class 6A Division II State Championship with a convincing 7-2 victory over Forney, bringing the title back to one of the state's premier programs.
The Tigers' powerful lineup — dubbed "Death Valley" — was virtually unstoppable all season. The trio of EK Smith, an Oklahoma signee, Evie Willemssen, an Auburn commit, and Maddie Smith, an NC State signee, combined for an astounding 64 home runs and provided one of the most feared offenses in Texas.
In the circle, freshman sensation Haley Schmitt was dominant from start to finish, posting a remarkable 0.59 ERA and emerging as one of the state's brightest young stars.
While it's been seven years since Katy last hoisted a state championship trophy, the wait proved well worth it as the Tigers reclaimed their place atop Texas high school softball.
VYPE's Matt Malatesta caught up with the players and head coach Meghan VanEtta after the final out and championship celebration.
Watch here.
MANY HATS: Haack pushing all right buttons for Memorial baseball while juggling football; family
Brooks Haack wears a lot of hats at Memorial.
Just a year ago, Haack took over the Memorial Mustangs football program while also serving as the campus athletic coordinator for the red and white. Then, early in baseball season, he stepped in to lead the baseball program as well.
Fast forward a few months, and the Mustangs are headed to their first-ever State Semifinal appearance, where they’ll face Dripping Springs beginning Thursday.
Memorial has been playing loose, confident baseball behind tremendous senior leadership and a team that continues to believe in the moment.
And if that wasn’t enough on Haack’s plate, he’s also balancing life at home with a toddler — and another baby due later this summer.
VYPE’s Matt Malatesta caught up with “Mr. Memorial” on the eve of the Mustangs’ State Semifinal appearance.