Practice has begun and athletes have been given the green light to start working out in pads marking the official start of the Texas high school football season. As teams continue preparing for their preseason schedule, many fans are taking to the VYPE DFW fan polls to vote for players they believe deserve preseason honors. Arlington Grace Prep inside linebacker and running back, Bryce Prince, recently won the VYPE DFW Preseason Private School Football Defensive Player of the Year Fan Poll. Following Prince's win, VYPE DFW caught up with the incoming sophomore in an exclusive interview.
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Offseason Focus leads to Success
For an athlete to be truly great at what they do, they must reman focused and sharpened throughout their offseason. For Prince, this includes working hard to get to where he wants to be. "I stay focused during the off season by training with a personal trainer and specialized coach to improve my skills," Prince told VYPE.
By working with people who help him become the best that he can be, Prince has been successful so far with Arlington Grace Prep. "The secret to my personal success [last season] was personal experience and teamwork," Prince opened up about his first year with Grace Prep. I have been playing football since the age of four, however, having a great team and great coaches helped me succeed last year."
Speaking of the team, Grace Prep put up an incredible season last fall. With a 10-1 overall record and a 91% win percentage, the Lions went undefeated in regular season play (7-0) as they plowed their way into playoffs. "In my opinion, the secret to the team's success was accountability and talent," Prince said. "We had a great, talented team- from the freshmen to the seniors."
Mindset and Goals
As the season gets rolling, there are many things to look forward to. For Prince it all boils down to getting to play. "I am most looking forward to starting on both the defensive and offensive sides of the ball. In the past I've played defense, but this year I will play on both sides of the ball-- running back and linebacker-- which is exciting to me," Prince started.
"My mind is set on winning a state championships," he continued. "My individual goals going into the season are to make 70+ tackles and surpass my total from last season. I want to perform better than I did last year and lead the team in tackles."
With the ability to keep a great mindset as he has played football, Prince has been extremely accomplished in his career so far. "My biggest accomplishment so far," Prince opened up, "was being the second leader on the team in tackles and third in rushing yards as only a freshman." During his success last season, Prince had one of his favorite memories with the Lions: "Making two significant plays during the game-- a sack and a rushing touchdown."
A Bright Future
Although there is still plenty of time to decide what the future has in store for him when he closes the chapter on his high school career, Prince has already started thinking about college and the potential for playing football in a college program. "I am looking for a program that provides a good education, environment, and a great football program," Prince said.
Prince is hoping to major in meteorology. "I've always been interested in the weather and I love science."
Fun Questions
Who is your favorite pro football team?
"Carolina Panthers."
As an athlete, who do you most look up to?
"I look up to Saquan Barkley because he is a versatile player-- which is what I aspire to be."
If you could have dinner with one person, dead or alive, who would it be? What would you hope to talk about?
"I would love to go to dinner with Saquan Barkley and talk about his plays and workout regime."
The Woodlands, led by Terri Wade, has been to the Regional Tournament for 10-straight years. Yes, you read that right. For a solid decade, the standard at TWHS is reaching at least the fourth round of the playoffs.
In 2021, the Highlanders reached the Regional Finals for the first time since 2017.
Now, can they take the next step and return to the State Tournament for the first time since 2017?
Leading the 41-8 Highlanders a year ago was Claire Dewine (Colgate- commit), who enters her senior season. She led the team with 432 kills, second in assists (687), third in digs (426) and chipped in 76 blocks.
Sophomore Ella Lewis had a nice debut, finishing third on the team with 403 kills. Marjorie Johnson returns after racking up a team-leading 129 blocks.
Olivia Chojnacki returns as the team leader in assists with 717 and chipped in 290 digs. University of Kentucky-commit Molly Tuozzo had 259 digs in 2021.
Layne Bulow, FBCA
Every single year, VYPE puts together a list of the best of the best around the Houston area. And 2022 is no different. It is time to introduce you to the 2022 Preseason All-VYPE Private School Volleyball Team.
PLAYERS OF THE YEAR
Preseason Player of the Year: Layne Bulow, FBCA
Preseason Hitter of the Year: Bayleigh Minor, FBCA
Preseason Setter of the Year: Lauren Wolford, John Cooper School
Preseason Utility Player of the Year: Kirra Musgrove, Lutheran South Academy
1st TEAM
Outside Hitter
Jordan Booth, TWCA
Alexis Bodunrin, Frassati Catholic
Piper Stephenson, St. Agnes Academy
Setter
Ariel Francis, St. Agnes Academy
Shea Stone, FBCA
Middle
Ava Harrington, Episcopal
DS/Libero
Taylor Crain, Lutheran South Academy
Utility
Katherine Nelson, Lutheran South Academy
2nd TEAM
Outside Hitter
Madi Hobbs, Second Baptist School
NiMya Maruska, St. Agnes Academy
Mykayla McMillian, Episcopal
Setter
Keely McNeil, Rosehill Christian
Katie Wise, TWCA
Middle
Grace Morton, St. Agnes Academy
DS/Libero
Utility
Margot Manning, St. John’s
GAMES
Join the #VYPETEAM
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