Photo acquired via Twitter: @CarmenHarless
It is becoming increasingly evident how talented Concordia Lutheran Volleyball will be this Fall.
The transfer portal has been kind to ‘Sader Nation, as they have brought several high-level competitors into their ranks over the course of the offseason.
Senior DS Carmen Harless is familiar with the process, after having joined the CLHS program, last Fall, when she transferred from Bridgeland.
Justin Hartojo (VYPE)
“I was at Bridgeland for my freshman and sophomore year,” she said. “But, when I got put on JV for my junior year I decided that that was not the best place for me if I wanted to stay competitive and get the best quality of reps.”
“So, I started looking at different schools before landing at Concordia. I think that was the best choice for me, now that my game has improved and we’ve got a pretty stacked group this year.”
Stacked is an understatement for the imminent volleyball roster that Concordia Lutheran possesses, which features numerous incoming transfers and college commits, including recent SHSU-commit Carleigh Schluter.
Harless is the most recent player on the team to discover a place she’ll call home, once she graduates in the ensuing year.
After the time she’s spent as a Crusader, as well as with the 18 Adidas club team of the TAV Houston league, Harless has ultimately decided to commit to Dallas Baptist University.
Photo acquired via Twitter: @CarmenHarless
“For me, finding a Christian community was a big part of my search and my recruiting process,” said Harless. “But, they [DBU] are very competitive and I love the coaching staff. Also, being in Dallas, there are endless opportunities when you’re in a big city. That played a factor in my decision, because I can get internships and make those connections for the future.”
The internships Harless spoke of relates to her career aspirations in the sports broadcasting and sports marketing industry.
However, she still has one more year on the court to cap off her high school career.
“I am so excited for this season,” Harless said. “I want to be a leader for the other girls, because we have a bunch of juniors and we’re a very talented group. So, just giving them advice and hopefully leading by example will be my goal for the year.”
“Now that I’m committed, there are a couple of things I can pass on to the younger girls--like insider tips in the recruitment process. But, it’s going to be a fun year and we’ve got a new coach [Kim Odinga] who is back to direct the team after she stepped away for some time. It’ll be an interesting experience to say the least.”
The anticipation for the upcoming season will only continue to grow as the Crusaders prepare to make a run for the TAPPS State Title.
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Photo provided by Lloyd Banks
It’s no secret that Fort Bend Marshall Track & Field is one of the top-tier programs in the state, which was evidenced by their recent UIL championship, this past Spring.
2022-23 FB Marhsall Track & Field Justin Hartojo (VYPE)
With that logic, wouldn’t it make sense that the Buffs would have one of the best coaches around?
Coach Lloyd Banks was recently recognized by his peers in the Texas Track and Field Coaches Association (TTFCA) as the Class 5A Coach of the Year.
Despite getting the recognition, Banks remained modest in his response.
Photo provided by Lloyd Banks
“At the end of the day, we all have a hand in it,” said Banks. “I truly believe that I have one of the best coaching staffs in the nation, and I have a great group of kids to work with. So, I can’t take all of the credit. I put it all in their lap, because nothing moves without them.
“I’ll say it all the time, ‘I run my mouth, and they just run.’ When we’re successful, the guy who manages it gets the love, but I know better. We all have a hand in it, when it comes to developing our kids. Fortunately, I’ve been blessed with having so many successful athletes.”
Photo provided by Lloyd Banks
Given how competitive the atmosphere is in the world of Texas high school T&F, how has Banks been able to maximize the potential of his athletes to a championship-caliber team?
“You’ll never be able to bank on your talent level every year because we’re in Texas -- it’s going to be difficult because everybody is talented,” he said. “The one thing I hang my hat on is that I have a tough group of kids.
“They’re resilient and dependable. When the lights come on, I know they won’t fold because we emphasize toughness over talent. I tell them having that mental 'will to win' weighs more than talent when it comes to winning a championship. They’ve bought into that, and they’ve been able to separate themselves that way.”
Of course, practicing day in and day out can weigh on a young student-athlete, which is something that Banks recognizes as a coach and an influencer.
Photo provided by Lloyd Banks
“We keep it light -- we don’t take ourselves too seriously as far as practice goes,” Banks said. “We’ll be playing music, enjoying ourselves, laughing with each other. We have a good rapport with each other and that goes further than track.
“Coaching track is easy, but what’s important is that we develop better young men and women for the community and society. They lock in when they need to be, but I feel that joking, fun atmosphere is what helps to build relationships and make this program distinct.”
It’s no wonder that his athletes put so much faith in Banks. Expect that trend to continue as the Buffs gear up for another school year.
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Fort Bend Marshall has become a powerhouse in 5A Texas High School football, always in contention for a State Championship run and having athletes develop into college prospects.
With a new season approaching fast, there’s a new young Buff who’s looking to add his name on the list of FB Marshall greats.
Class of 2026 defensive back Isaiah Williams burst on the scene last Fall, playing snaps on varsity as a freshman. Though his snaps were limited, you could see the potential right away.
Williams journey in football started from playing the game when he was young.
“I started playing at a young age,” he said. “It just stuck with me ever since.”
Like most young athletes, Williams' dream was to play for a big-time program like Alabama and it didn’t take long for those programs to start taking notice of his talent.
After the end of his freshman season, Williams has become a rising recruit picking up offers from the likes of Texas, Texas A&M, Arkansas, Baylor, LSU, Nebraska, Oregon, Oklahoma and others.
So what’s the rise to becoming a top recruit been like?
“It’s been great, it’s been a lot,” Williams said. “It’s what I’ve worked for and all the work is paying off with all of these offers.”
Williams mentioned Oklahoma, Oregon, Texas A&M, and LSU have been in the contact the most early on in his recruitment.
The recruiting process has started early for the talented DB, which for many young players can be crazy and hectic, but Williams focuses more on the love of the game.
“You know it’s not all about offers,” Williams said. “If you love football, you just go out and play. The offers are great but you’ve got to just love the game and the rest will come.”
Who does the young star model his game after?
“I model my game after Derwin James. I like the way he’s the general out on the field for the defense and how he approaches the game mentally.”
Primed for a big sophomore year, Isaiah Williams is ready to become the general of the Buffs' defense and make an impact early.
“We’ve got a young team this year and I’m ready to come in on this secondary to help out do what I can as a player and as a leader,” he said.
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