Liberty Hill Independent Monthly - February 2023

Owners Chad & Amanda Moore

ABOUT OUR COVER

Jamie Amezquita, owner of Indigo Salon in Liberty Hill, participates in what are known as High Performance Driving Events where she challenges herself on race tracks in her Porsche GT

LIBERTY

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After years of delays, River Ranch County Park set to open in 2023

BY RACHEL MADISON STAFF WRITER

River Ranch County Park is finally going to open. While an official date has not been set, county officials are confident that River Ranch County Park will open sometime this spring.

Park supervisor Robert Moss said the project was restarted in spring 2022 after several delays.

“The park is a couple of years behind as far as opening,” Moss said. “That was due to Covid starting out, and then after Covid we had issues with getting materials and getting contractors. After that, we started having some contractor issues. As we started looking at things closer, we found there were quite a few issues with the construction that had been done and we weren’t making the progress that we wanted.”

Moss said the county released the previous contractor about a year and a half ago because of this, and went through and redeveloped a new scope of work for what needed to be corrected and completed at the park. Chasco Constructors was hired to finish the park in spring 2022.

At the end of 2022, Moss said overall construction at the park was 50 percent complete, with the biggest hurdle being the drainage, due to mistakes the previous contractor had made.

“We have had a lot of issues with water running down the middle of streets, or too close to buildings and in buildings, so we’ve had to correct a lot of that,” he added. “A lot of the work to complete has also had to do with the buildings. They were about 90 percent done, but they weren’t completed. Now things are moving along good.”

Besides these major projects, Moss said the rest of what needs to be completed at the park are “punch list” items—projects that need some tweaking or still need to be completed.

“We will go through the park from front to back and mark everything that still needs some attention,” he said. “That can be the buildings, electrical, plumbing, road work—anything. Believe it or not, those small things can take a quite a bit of time to get done. We just want to make sure the park is complete and safe for everyone to come out and enjoy.”

The park spans 1,354 acres and includes

The park office (above) and the Interpretive Center (below) are near completion at River Ranch County Park, which is located on CR 279 just outside Liberty Hill. The 1,354acre park is expected to open to visitors this spring. PHOTOS BY ROBERT MOSS

Chamber of Commerce gains new leadership, sets big goals

BY RACHEL MADISON STAFF WRITER

Liberty Hill’s Chamber of Commerce is starting 2023 with a fresh board, new goals and innovative ideas to become an invaluable part of the community.

Jeffrey Mayes, newly-elected president of the Chamber of Commerce, said historically, the Chamber has hosted monthly networking luncheons, after-hours networking mixers and monthly breakfast meetings. It also has a very active Women in Business group, which caters specifically to women business owners in the community.

None of those events are going away, but in 2023, he wants to give the Chamber an even stronger presence in Liberty Hill.

“We need the public to know we exist, and we have the opportunity this year to drive attention to our members through the things we do,” Mayes said. “We are going to spend the next year working on being more visible at community events and city events.”

The Chamber is currently housed in the

Stubblefield building in downtown Liberty Hill. One role the Chamber has tried to fulfill in the past is serving as the hosts for that building, which also doubles as Liberty Hill’s visitors center.

“We really haven’t fulfilled that obligation yet,” Mayes said. “It’s beneficial for us in the long run to do so, so that is one of our big goals. Currently, the building displays some local art, but we also want to expand it to include literature from local businesses, demographics information, what’s going on around town, and information on the schools. We are moving in a positive direction to do all of this, but I don’t know what the finished product will look like yet.”

The Chamber used to be a board of nine, but for 2023, it grew to a board of 13. Mayes said part of the reason to increase the board size was so that more industries could be represented.

“When I was nominated for president, the board was made up of mostly white-collar professions, so it was a big push for me to bring in additional business owners who represent more industries,” he said. “That

knowledge is something I can’t provide, so we are striving to get people in those businesses to serve on the board.”

In the short term, the Chamber’s goal is to strengthen the relationship it has with the City Council, staff, Economic Development Corporation and the Liberty Hill Independent, Mayes said.

“These relationships don’t cost us a lot of money to foster, but they are invaluable in the end,” he added.

Another goal the board is set on is hosting its own event for the community, Mayes said.

“What that looks like is purely speculation right now, but what we want to do is bring business owners and the public together for a community event,” he added. “Events that are public facing are what really have the opportunity to drive business to our business owners in town.”

The Chamber currently hosts a quarterly event called the “On the Hill Series” that promotes the public to visit various businesses around town to earn prizes.

“We are tweaking that event to figure out

what works best for our members,” Mayes added. “As the Chamber, we can’t make customers go into stores and make purchases, but we can incentivize them to go into the various businesses and then leave the selling up to those who do it best.”

Currently, the Chamber has about 215 active members. That number continues to rise as the community grows, Mayes said, but he is hoping that this year his board can focus more on retention of those active members.

“Historically, a Chamber was an opportunity for business leaders to gather and network, but since Covid, a lot of people have found other options that have no cost associated with them where they feel they get the same benefits,” Mayes said. “However, I really want to foster the idea that we can promote the development of Liberty Hill’s business environment and improve the unity and economic well-being of our community. I think the Chamber can do that with different opportunities than they can get from a free Facebook group

The 2023 Liberty Hill Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors includes, from left, Brent Allen, Ginger Trevino, Jennifer Byrd, Debbie Warner and Bob Calvisi. In back, are Matthew Pool, Tim Craig, Jeffrey Mayes, Dave Gould and Michael Beitler. Not pictured are Mariella Norman, Jennifer Jensen and Steven Schiff. PHOTO BY STACY COALE

BIZ BRIEFS:

What’s New?

Latest business openings and what’s coming soon to Liberty Hill

business based out of Liberty Hill. The mobile business enhances events by providing cigars, a cigar concierge bar service, cigar accessories and other cigar services.

SERVICES

Water Baby Infant Aquatics

County Road 258, Liberty Hill

Water Baby Infant Aquatics Survival School, owned by Kristen Turk, is opening up lessons for the 2023 season beginning in April. Lessons will run through July. Registration is open now by emailing waterbabyinfantaquatics@gmail.com.

OTHER NOTABLE PROJECTS

• Pamper Ur Pet

Mobile, Liberty Hill

• On-Call Plumbing Mobile, Liberty Hill

• The Suites of Liberty Hill 201 St. Joseph Court, Liberty Hill

ON THE MOVE

of her practice, Renew Psychiatric Associates, which was housed inside Care First Walk-In Clinic.

Olive & Sage Boutique

201 St. Joseph Court

Olive & Sage Boutique has now added a consignment section to its store. Customers can bring in gently used, name brand items to the boutique for in-store shopping credit.

Dana’s Hair Salon

14745 Hwy. 29, Liberty Hill

Dana Clark, owner of Dana’s Hair Salon, recently closed her downtown Liberty Hill salon and moved into the existing Salon 29. Clark is still providing the same services at the new location.

FOOD & BEVERAGE

The Alley

14370 Hwy. 29, Liberty Hill

The Alley has leased 1,353 square feet at Live Oak Plaza. The Alley is a tea shop, specializing in a variety of bubble tea (tapioca pearl) beverages.

OTHER NOTABLE PROJECTS

• Michelle’s Patisserie

1908 Loop 332, Liberty Hill

• Prancing Pony Mobile Bar Mobile, Liberty Hill

Chamber

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 6 or something like that.”

RETAIL

Red’s Smoke Shop

Mobile, Liberty Hill

High Vibes Salon

14370 Hwy. 29, Liberty Hill

Leasing agency ResolutRE recently announced that High Vibes Salon has leased 1,241 square feet at Live Oak Plaza for a new salon.

Main Street Social

1651 Loop 332, Liberty Hill

Main Street Social is up for sale at a price of $5.8 million for the building as well as the nearly 4.5 acres it sits on.

Storage King

14774 Hwy. 29, Liberty Hill

An expansion project at Storage King will add an additional 10,884-squarefoot building matching the other buildings at the site.

Renew Psychiatric Associates

12701 Hwy. 29

Dr. Anastasia Corker recently announced the permanent closure

Mayes said the reality is that Covid hurt the Chamber, but now that it’s been a couple of years, he’s ready to leave that behind and start growing the group’s engagement again.

“The board kicked off this year with a fundraiser, which will put about $35,000 in the pockets of our members through the purchase of raffle prizes, and will also put between $25,000 and $30,000 into the coffers of the Chamber,” Mayes added. “This is going to help us develop a lot of new programs within the Chamber.”

One such program Mayes envisions is something called Leadership Liberty Hill, which he hopes to work alongside the City and school district to create.

“This program would feature a regional

perspective on business, and teach people about local nonprofits, county organizations, businesses and schools. It will help people get a feel for how all those industries work to make our city run.”

Mayes said the Chamber is a great place for residents of Liberty Hill who live outside the city limits to have more of a voice.

“I own a business in town and I live on property in town, but I don’t get to vote because I live outside city limits,” he said.

“The Chamber is an organization that someone can get involved in and hold the City and Council accountable to issues that may be of concern to business owners who also don’t have a vote.”

For more information on the Liberty Hill Chamber of Commerce or to access the list of members, visit libertyhillchamber.org.

The Chamber’s Women in Business committee held a Christmas luncheon in December. Attendees brought di erent soups and swapped cookies. (Courtesy Photo)

James Sims is the owner behind Red’s Smoke Shop, a mobile cigar rolling

The Alley

Water Baby Infant Aquatics

Red’s Smoke Shop

City wants to redefine ‘open for business’ message

BY RACHEL MADISON STAFF WRITER

The City of Liberty Hill doesn’t want to send the message that it’s not open for business, but it also doesn’t want the growth to continue the same way it has over the last several years.

“We are working on redefining and sending the message we are open for business, but it’s going to be done how we want it done,” said City Administrator Paul Brandenburg, adding that he and the City Council are working together to create a set of development guidelines that will serve as a set of principles the City will follow as development happens.

“The Council’s frustration is that they’ve inherited so much they’re locked into when it comes to development,” Brandenburg said. “Because of the development agreements already made, our most precious assets, like water, are mostly going outside the city limits.”

There is a proliferation of municipal utility districts (MUDs) going up and down Highway 29, Highway 183 and Ronald Reagan Boulevard, which are agreements the City is locked into, Brandenburg said. Currently, Liberty Hill has 14 MUDs, which span across Santa Rita Ranch, Stonewall Ranch, Summerlyn, Larkspur, Orchard Ridge and Morningstar/Omega Ranch.

“A recommendation that I have for Council is to look into each of these agreements and make sure they are legitimate,” Brandenburg added. “We are so taxed for resources that we don’t have the bandwidth to do this on staff, but I think it would be worth it to spend money on this type of project.”

MUDs are not as common in other areas of Texas as they are in Liberty Hill, especially in current times. Brandenburg said a lot of cities that surround Liberty Hill have said no to MUDs, which is why so many came to Liberty Hill in the first place.

“Out in no man’s land, in the extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ), these developers can pay a MUD tax and then have access to our services,” he said. “With these new guidelines, we’ll really be discouraging the creation of any more MUDs.”

Brandenburg added that the City is not going into a moratorium state, but is instead “downshifting from fourth gear to first gear.” Since the current council took office, most of them in May 2021, they have had to be reactive instead of proactive, he

said.

“At the rate we’re going, our growth is unsustainable, especially with the amount that has been reserved for future development,” he said. “We have to slow down and focus on doing business within the city limits.”

In addition to discouraging MUDs, the new set of growth guidelines will include things like supporting the recruitment and investment of commercial and retail developments within city limits, consideration of residential development only if in the city limits or developers are willing to annex into the city limits, and pursuing immediate water resources for commercial and retail development from regional partners.

Brandenburg added that other guidelines, like promoting xeriscaping, keeping the ratio of residential single-family homes to multi-family homes at 70 to 30 percent, and requiring a reservation fee to be paid for living unit equivalents (LUEs) as part of the development application, are also being considered.

“We will also be creating guidelines that encourage and incentivize commercial retail,” Brandenburg said. “Commercial retail brings in sales tax, property tax, job creation and no kids in the schools. Plus, commercial businesses typically aren’t heavy water users. If we brought in a 300unit subdivision, there’s still some property tax we can earn, but it puts more kids in the schools, more cars on the roads, we don’t get any sales tax and we’re using more water.”

Brandenburg thinks most of the residents in Liberty Hill will support these new guidelines, because they will help the City to grow smarter as the growth continues to flourish both within and outside of the city limits.

Additionally, as the City moves forward with the rewrite of its comprehensive plan, waster and wastewater master plans, downtown master plan, economic development strategic plan, and the parks and recreation master plan, the growth guidelines will be tied in, Brandenburg said.

“These plans are our foundation, and they all need to be done,” he added. “We have to build a strong foundation for the city.”

Those master plans are all in various stages of production, but should all be completed by early 2024. The growth guidelines for the city are not finalized yet but will be this month.

Proposed Guiding Development Principles:

1. Supporting the recruitment and investment in commercial and retail developments within the City limits.

2. Pursuing immediate water resources for commercial and retail development from regional partners.

3. Discouraging the creation of any outside City Limits or In-City Municipal Utility Districts (MUDS).

4. Consideration of residential development only if in the City limits or willing to annex into the City limits.

5. Supporting and maintaining a ratio of 70% single-family residential developments and 30% multi-family residential development within the City.

6. Discouraging the transport of future water outside of the City limits.

7. Discouraging the treatment of future wastewater generated outside the City limits.

8. Creation of a Transportation Impact Fee.

9. Any single-family or multi-family developments may be required to drill test wells and install on site water production systems, which may become part of the future City water system infrastructure in accordance with TCEQ Rules and Regulations as shown on a Public Water System Plan. The inclusion of the water wells should be 50x50 and at least 1,000 feet apart. If applicable, the City shall receive all water rights, and housing units would be required to be plumbed for future City water connections.

10. A reservation fee of 10% of total Living Unit Equivalents (LUE) may be paid with the development/building application, and a per LUE fee of $300 to be paid annually on each LUE required for residential development to reserve LUE capacity for residential development for either water or wastewater Fees paid will be credited to the total fee amounts as required by the Liberty Hill City Code and Fee Schedule. All LUE fees will be paid at the current rate at the time of building permit issuance.

11. Include landscaping elements of Xeriscaping by using drought-resistant plantings, foliage, and materials for residential and commercial developments, on at least 50% of the property.

12. Encouraging rainwater collection systems for residential development.

13. Creation and adoption of a Public Improvement District (PID) Policy.

14. Limitations on development approvals, as allowed by law, until the completion of the update to the City of Liberty Hill’s Comprehensive Plan and Water and Wastewater Masterplan.

15. Inclusion of an impact fee review and rate fee review for water and wastewater as part of the Water and Wastewater Masterplan.

16. Creation of an Application Review Fee to cover all legal and engineering costs incurred by the City for processing and reviewing projects and applications.

17. Develop a City Water Prospecting Program for future water wells and sites.

18. Creation of an LH2O Water Task Force to review and make recommendations to the City Council on water-related items and matters.

19. Implementation of a Waterwise Program.

20. Implementation of Smart Meters.

21. Installation of monitoring devices for in-city public and private wells.

22. Creation of a monthly tiered water usage charge tied to meter size, volumetric charge.

Seeking solace in speed

Local salon owner hits track in search of thrills

BY SCOTT AKANEWICH STAFF WRITER

Since she was a young girl, Jamie Amezquita has had a fascination with speed.

The daughter of a drag racer – who was also a mechanic – she quickly became immersed in a world of gears, pistons and cylinders.

In addition, she climbed into the saddle and became an accomplished mountain bike racer, specializing primarily in cross-country races across rugged terrain in various elements – think of it as a Spartan race on wheels.

For Amezquita, the need for speed has always been something she has been drawn to.

“I’ve always been one of those people,” she said. “Looking for an adrenaline rush, something that’s physical.”

Amezquita owns the Indigo Salon in downtown Liberty Hill, which she has been the proprietor of for the past five years after spending the previous 15 as a hair stylist in various other establishments.

She said she decided to finally strike out on her own in order to provide herself with the freedom to more fully pursue her highspeed interests.

“To me, the most important thing is time,” said Amezquita. “It’s the one thing you can’t buy more of and I wanted to be able to do what I wanted, when I wanted, have nobody to answer to and not have to abide by anybody else’s rules.”

Getting up to speed

These days, much of that newfound freedom is spent speeding around racetracks in her 2021 Porsche GT 4 Cayman 718 – most notably at Circuit of the Americas, the renowned track on the outskirts of Austin where world-class racing takes place, including the U.S. Grand Prix, which is part of the Formula One World Championship.

Amezquita participates in what are known as High Performance Driving Events – commonly referred to by enthusiasts simply as “Track Day” – a chance for gearheads of all varieties to take to the corners and straightaways and push their cars to the limits of both driver and vehicle.

On a given day, approximately 40 cars take on the challenging, 3.426-mile, 20-turn layout full of twists and elevation changes that provide even the world’s greatest drivers with fits as they attempt to negotiate the high-speed sections and hairpin turns.

According to Amezquita, despite the fact what she and her fellow drivers do is known as “tracking” – not racing, but simply doing laps without being timed – some decide to try to channel their inner racer regardless.

“I lot of people just want to think it’s a race,” said Amezquita, who has been tracking since 2020. “But, that can make it kind of dangerous.”

No limits

Amezquita will hit upwards of 150 milesper-hour down the infamous back straightaway of the track, but it’s not how fast you can go, but rather how fast you can slow down, she said.

“It’s not just about speed – that’s crazy,” said Amezquita. “It’s about the brakes when you come down that back straight right into a hairpin.”

Sessions are divided into different skill

levels – including blue (rookie), yellow (novice), red (intermediate) and white (expert) – with drivers advancing through the ranks based on evaluations from instructors that monitor their progress and determine when they are ready to hit the track with more experienced drivers.

Currently, Amezquita drives in the yellow class, meaning she can be behind the wheel without the presence of her instructor, which makes it a one-on-one battle between man – or in this case, woman – and road.

At that point, it’s a matter of driver and car becoming one with the track in order to maximize performance, with each lap providing additional insight as to how best attack it, said Amezquita.

“The more times you see the track, the further you can push yourself and the faster the car can go,” she said. “Every lap, you learn about the car.”

However, sometimes things can still go sideways – quite literally.

“When you end up going around a corner sideways, you tend to go a bit slower next time,” said Amezquita. “I just want to go out there and have fun.”

The first time Amezquita found herself on a racetrack, though, was for therapeutic reasons, she said.

“When I was 16, I broke up with my boyfriend,” said Amezquita. “So, my dad gave me the keys to his Suburban and I took it to the drag strip – it made me feel better.”

Living with pain

When Amezquita was still racing mountain bikes at age 13, she suffered a horrific setback in the form of a crash during a training run on a course near her San Antonio home.

“I was going down a culvert that curved around when I hit a big rock that had been recently exposed by rainfall,” she said. “My bike stopped and I kept going.”

Amezquita suffered a broken right arm and severe facial injuries.

“I was basically a bruise from my forehead all the way to my knees,” she said. “When I fell, I rolled over on my side.”

Little did she know at the time it would be 25 years until the injuries from the mishap stopped plaguing her with pain – a condition known as temporomandibular joint dysfunction – in which her jaw would simply stop working.

“It really started up when I was in my mid-20s,” said Amezquita. “I couldn’t open my mouth or talk.”

After physical therapy and various other healing methods failed to cure her ills over the years, the last resort was surgery in

Jamie Amezquita participates in what are known as High Performance Driving Events, during which the Indigo Salon owner challenges herself on race tracks in her Porsche GT 4.

PHOTO BY JESSIE ORNELAS

which her temporomandibular joints were replaced with titanium implants to restore proper working order.

Finally, Amezquita had relief.

“I had really good results and was able to open my mouth again pretty quickly,” she said. “But, I still have a lot of nerve damage.”

Feeling alive

Before acquiring her current ride, Amezquita had a Dodge Challenger Hellcat, but the bulky muscle car proved to not be agile enough for her liking and husband Jason just happened to provide inspiration in the form of what he was already driving.

“Jason has a Porsche GT 3 rear-engine,” she said. “Once I drove that, I wanted one myself.”

However, it’s not as easy as just picking out the car you want when it comes to exotic sports cars, as actually getting your hands on the model you desire takes some serious effort, said Amezquita, who found her car in Florida.

One feature that was non-negotiable

during her vehicle search was a “PDK” automatic transmission, which provides all the responsiveness and aggression of a manual transmission without the need to shift with a stick and clutch.

“I just want to go out there and fly without having to worry about shifting gears or anything,” said Amezquita. “Be able to really enjoy it without thinking too much.”

When she’s not burning up the track, Amezquita drives her dream car on local roads with Jason in his for a more relaxed ride.

“My husband is my best friend – we’re both free spirits,” she said. “I just love going cruising in the Hill Country – it makes me feel alive.”

At the end of the day, her lifelong pursuit of speed and adrenaline is a product of a desire to not simply exist, but to live to the fullest.

“People should find something they love and do it – make it happen somehow,” said Amezquita. “Enjoy your time here because it’s finite.”

(Above) Liberty Hill business owner Jamie Amezquita hits speeds of nearly 150 miles-per-hour on straightaways, while needing to slow enough to successfully navigate tight corners. (Below) High Performance Driving Events are held at Circuit of the Americas on the outskirts of Austin, where the Formula One World Championship’s U.S. Grand Prix is held. PHOTOS BY PHOTOMOTION

Park

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5

73 campsites, 24 of which have water and electric hookups for RVs. It also has 20 miles of hiking and equestrian trails, a day-use area that has horseshoes, washers, picnic tables, a playground, grills and a large pavilion. River access is also available at the park for swimming and fishing.

Additionally, the park has a 4,800-square-foot interpretive center that will feature the flora, fauna and history of the area through interactive exhibits, as well as a rentable meeting space and library. It will be managed by the Friends of River Ranch County Park, a nonprofit organization that was created to support the park’s operations.

“This group’s specific charge is operating the interpretive center,” Moss said. “You

will find one or more of those folks there when the doors are open, and they will basically be the a endants at that facility. They’ll be providing some programming and educational opportunities to the community as well.”

Russell Fishbeck, director of Williamson County Parks and Recreation, said the Friends group has an agreement with the County to support the ongoing operations of the park through volunteering.

“Through our contractual relationship, we sit down and basically establish what our needs are and how they as a nonprofit organization can support us,” Fishbeck said. “That will translate into volunteer labor, operating our office and interpretive center, and they might help us with park maintenance projects.”

In addition to volunteering, Fishbeck said the Friends group also hosts fundraisers not only to operate

their own organization, but also to raise funds for projects at the park in the future.

“The group also advocates for the park itself, as well as its operations and marketing,” he added. “They really supplement our operation. We have needs that might not be met through funding, or we might not have enough staffing to do certain things. We can use the group to get projects done we couldn’t do on our own. We don’t yet know how busy the park will be, but I think with it being a seven-day-a-week operation, we will need that volunteer help.”

The Friends group currently has about 50 members, Fishbeck said, but he expects that number to rise once the park opens. Entry fees to the park will be $2 per person per day. Campsites with water and electric will run $24 per night, while the other sites will range from $12 to $16 per night. The park will be open from 7:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. For more information on the park, visit www.wilco.org/rrcp. For more information on the Friends group, visit www.friendsofriverranch.org.

(Above) The South San Gabriel River runs through the River Ranch County Park. (Below) An interpretive map of the park. PHOTO BY ROBERT MOSS

Robert Moss with Sarj the raccoon. Moss is the Park Supervisor. (Courtesy Photo)

‘A place for everyone’

BY SCOTT AKANEWICH STAFF WRITER

When a machine representing the Bionic Panthers of Liberty Hill rolls into the crucible of competition, the finished product is the result of an exhaustive, months-long process that requires the cohesion and chemistry of over two-dozen team members before coming to fruition in the form of a successful showing.

These days, one could argue that process dates all the way back to the beginnings of the robotics team at Liberty Hill High School in 2016, when engineering teacher Dan Paschal was tasked with forming the program.

However, the origins of what now exists is quite different from what did back then, said Paschal.

“We started as a club,” he said. “But, after the first year, I didn’t want us to be known as a club because that’s usually more of a social thing where kids get together after school and maybe they get some things done. I wanted us to be a team that works together in solving problems working toward a common goal.”

Call it semantics, if you like, but what the team members do is no different from athletics or any other extracurricular activities requiring a significant buy-in from students from a commitment and dedication standpoint.

According to Paschal, though, his squad doesn’t receive the same amount of recognition as other more established activities.

“Because robotics is still a relatively new team,” said Paschal. “I don’t think we’re as appreciated.”

The robotics season consists of separate fall and spring semester competitions –each with uniquely different qualities.

In the fall, the event is known as BEST – an acronym for “Boosting Engineering, Science and Technology” – in which the end goal is to build a robot capable of completing the prescribed tasks, but also an entire series of other aspects that must be successfully carried out.

In addition to the design and construction of the machine itself, the team is also judged on a marketing presentation, a team exhibit, spirit and sportsmanship, robot performance and an engineering notebook, which is the blueprint and recording of everything the team does during the development process from start to finish.

Brin Masiakowski is tasked with being the keeper of the notebook – a junior who aspires to a career in medicine – which might make her involvement in robotics seem a bit curious on the surface.

However, despite the fact she isn’t directly involved with the construction of the robot, her role as scribe opens up an entire world of possibilities that will enhance her career ambitions down the road, she said.

“Just being able to work with so many different people and be in charge of my team is what I like most,” said Masiakowski. “Also, if I can understand everything the team is doing, it helps me record it better.”

At the UIL Robotics State Championships in December, the Bionic Panthers finished 13th out of 72 teams, a result that provides a proper springboard to the next item of business on the radar.

In the spring semester, the objective is the FIRST competition – “For Inspiration in Robotics Science Technology” – a starkly different event from the one that takes place in the fall, said Paschal.

“FIRST is all about the robot,” he said. “There’s no marketing or anything else.”

Senior Ryan Levee is the electrical lead for the project, tasked with making sure all the wires and inner machinations properly conduct the power necessary to propel the robot.

Aspiring to a career as a computer electrical engineer, Levee has an appreciation for what makes a machine go, he said.

“It’s fun putting things together and seeing how they work,” said Levee. “Finding a design that will do what we want it to do.”

When it’s time to put their machine to the test, the arena consists of a 24x24-foot playing area in which the robots must perform certain tasks, such as picking up various objects and placing them back down within a time limit, then points are awarded in determining a winner.

Levee is also a driver on game day and said the atmosphere can be a bit unnerving for the competitors.

“You have to devise a strategy on how to get the most points,” said Levee. “There’s a little bit of pressure because you’re in a closed-in, loud environment and you’re worried something won’t go correctly.”

The Bionic Panthers have grown in number from only six team members at its inception seven years ago to the current 28, but there’s still plenty of room for more growth – and not just for the mechanical-

ly-inclined, said Paschal.

“People think everybody wants to design, build or drive the robot,” he said. “But, as

long as you’re willing to work and learn, there’s a place for everybody.”

(Above) Students Georgia Tice, Madelena Flores, Dylan Couch and Cole Lebay display the team exhibit, which they are scored on as part of the BEST competition. (Below) Liberty Hill’s Tres Andrews controls a robot during a competition. (Photos by Stephen Dufour)

Robotics team offers different avenues of interest, expertise

Wanda Parker was a role model for Liberty Hill youth

BY JAMES WEAR COLUMNIST

One of the first persons I met when I started visiting Liberty Hill on a regular basis nearly 40 years ago was Wanda Parker, who at the time was waiting tables at the Liberty Hill Café. She made an immediate impression with her quick wit and sometimes deadpan delivery that would be followed by her infectious laugh. I soon learned she was among those who served as a volunteer in the fire department, and was among the best responders when it came to medical emergencies. Not long after I met her, I learned of a wreck on US 183. Camera in hand, I drove to the scene and sure enough, there was Wanda, right in the middle of things as she assisted with treating those injured.

On Jan. 14, Paula and I joined former Liberty Hill fire chief James Pogue in making a trip to DeLeon, where we joined other friends and relatives in celebrating Wanda’s life. She was 73 when she passed.

Paula recalls Wanda being perhaps the second woman to join the local fire department (“I was first,” Paula says with pride) and we shared our memories of her during the nearly two-hour drive to DeLeon, where Wanda and other members of her family had moved several years ago.

James says Wanda was one of the best, and noted, “One thing about her, she said what was on her mind, and it didn’t matter whether you liked it or not.”

During the first several years of its existence, the LHVFD did not have a “Jaws of Life” to use when extricating persons pinned in their vehicles, but as Paula recalls, perhaps it wasn’t needed if Wanda was on the scene.

“She tore a windshield out with her bare hands one night.” Wanda witnessed a lot of pain and suffering during her years with the fire department, and perhaps the most unsettling call she ever made was back in early 1989, when first responders and the sheriffs department were called to a domestic disturbance at a mobile home on RR 1869 in Liberty Hill. Wanda was first on the scene, and horrified by what she found. A mother had attacked her 11-year-old daughter with a large rock. Wanda was the one who took the rock from the woman’s hands.

Several months later, the woman reached a plea agreement with the district attorney’s office, and was sentenced to 25 years. It wasn’t enough, claimed Wanda, who told The Independent she found the sentence “disgusting.” Wanda stepped down from the department in the late 1990s, but not before influencing many others, including Cheryl Guy, who herself and her sons were volunteer firefighters. “She was one of the main reasons my boys and I joined the fire department,” Cheryl noted on social media. “Truly one of the personalities that made Liberty Hill a welcoming place for my sons to grow up in…”

Kate Ludlow, a former staff writer for The Independent, also reflected upon learning of Wanda’s passing, posting on social media “…I always thought she was a danged action hero…definitely an inspiration for young girls growing up in LH at the time.”

And Nancy Hamilton, who volunteered with Liberty Hill and later worked for Williamson County as a paramedic, offered a fond observation. “Only woman who could pull off making a medical call in shorty pajamas and fluffy slippers…proud to serve beside her…she taught us all so much.”

WORSHIP GUIDE

Liberty Hill & Surrounding Communities

ANDICE BAPTIST CHURCH

6570 FM 970, Florence (254) 793-2557

www.andicebc.org

PASTORS

Derrick Norris, Senior Pastor

Matt Koehler, Associate Pastor of Students & Families

SERVICES

Sunday Bible Study 9:45am

Sunday Worship 11am

Wednesday AWANA 6:30pm

CROSS TRACKS CHURCH

101 Church St., Liberty Hill (512) 515-0070

www.crosstrackschurchumc.org

PASTOR Michele Lott SERVICES

Sunday School 9am

Sunday Worship 10am

Sun. Online Facebook.com/cross trackschurch/

CONNECT CHURCH

Meets at Santa Rita Elementary 532 Santa Rita Blvd, Liberty Hill (479) 926-5455

www.ghbc.org/connectchurch

PASTORS

Danny Forshee, Teaching Pastor

Leighton Forshee, Campus Pastor  SERVICES

Sunday Worship 5pm

FELLOWSHIP CHURCH

3600 RR 1869, Liberty Hill (512) 515-5579

fellowshiplh.com

PASTORS

Tim McIlhaney, Dan Riemer, Ed Billock & Angel Perez SERVICES

Sunday Worship 8:30 & 11am

Servicio española a las 11am

Sunday Bible Study

All ages 10-10:45am

Wednesday Bible Study

All ages 6pm

THE HILL CHURCH

111 Holmes Road, Liberty Hill www.thehillchurch.church

PASTORS

Daniel Jung, Pastor Kendall Ringler, Associate Pastor SERVICES

Sunday Worship 10:15am Sun. Online 10:15am facebook.com/ thehillchurch.church

HOLY ANNUNCIATION ORTHODOX CHURCH

5205 CR 236, Liberty Hill (512) 782-9940

www.annunciationtx.com

PASTOR Bp. Irineos Placek SERVICES

Vespers Sat. 6:30pm

Divine Liturgy Sun. 10am

LIFE SPRINGS

CHRISTIAN CHURCH

15611 W State Hwy 29, Liberty Hill (512) 633-6074

www.lifespringschristianchurch.org

PASTOR Dr. William Brannan SERVICES

Sunday Worship 10am

Online youtube.com/c/LifeSprings

MISSION LIBERTY HILL

LUTHERAN CHURCH  (LCMS Affiliated)

15725 W Hwy 29, #7, Liberty Hill (512) 778-9310

www.missionlibertyhill.com

PASTOR Rev. Mike Cofer SERVICES

Sunday Bible Study 9am

Sunday Church Worship 10am

Sunday Online 10am

missionlibertyhill.com/online worship/

ONE CHAPEL LIBERTY HILL

811 Loop 332, Liberty Hill (512) 729-6200

onechapel.com/liberty-hill

PASTOR Darren Shaw SERVICES

Sunday Service 10am

Online Service 10am online.onechapel.com

Wednesday Youth 7pm

(Above) Wanda Parker, who passed away recently, was among Liberty Hill’s most beloved citizens. (Below) Wanda Parker, third from left on second row, was among the first women to join the Liberty Hill Volunteer Fire Department. This group photo was taken in 1988. (Photos by James Wear)

Betty Johnson

Betty Olene Johnson reached the end of her journey and entered her eternal home in the early morning hours of Sunday, December 11, 2022, at her home in Liberty Hill. She was 78 years old.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 44 years, Clarence Ray Johnson, and by her parents, Alex Norris “Pap” Mears and Edith May DuBois Mears, and by her siblings, Alex Otis Mears, Dorothy LaNelle Anderson and Lora Dale Mears. She is survived by her children, Gregory C. Johnson of La Porte, TX; Garemy K. Johnson I of Marietta, PA; Darren K. Johnson, of Liberty Hill, and Sherry L. Johnson, of Liberty Hill, and by her sister, Leta Gibbs, of Georgetown, as well as her grandchildren, Rachel Renae Brooks of Mount Joy, PA, Nicole Katelynn Glaus of Elizabethtown, PA, Garemy Kevin Johnson II of Dudley, NC, Eric Gregory Johnson of La Porte, Austin Kendall Johnson of Arlington, TX and Kaylee Frances Johnson of Fort Worth, and by her great-grandchildren Caedyn Glaus, Lincoln Glaus, Lily Johnson and Walker Johnson.

Betty was first a committed Christian, and because of that, she was a loving, deeply respected and cherished wife, mother, grandmother and friend to everyone who ever knew her. She and her husband worked tirelessly in the Churches of Christ in Liberty Hill, Oatmeal, La Porte and Mexia, Texas; Spring Hill, Louisiana and in Exton and Marietta, Pennsylvania, from the beginning of their marriage on Novem-

Joshua Mason McGinty

ber 22, 1962, in Liberty Hill until Clarence’s death in September 2006, and she remained a faithful member of the body of Christ throughout her life. She enjoyed traveling, including a cross-country train trip from PA to the west coast, as well as a drive from Texas to just inside the Arctic Circle, as well as a cruise to Alaska. She also enjoyed gardening, jigsaw puzzles, late-night games of ‘42, arranging flowers (no one was better at it!), country drives, “Mamma Mia!” and any movie starring John Wayne. She was known for her wit, her frankness, her compassion, kindness and tolerance, as well as her excellent advice and flawless taste. She never had a wicked thought of anyone and never used bad language of any kind. She was the very definition of a dying breed: a true Southern lady.

She will be deeply missed by her family and friends and has left a void in our lives that can never be filled. Her passing was a sorrowful day for us all, but a wonderful day for her and we are comforted to know she is at rest.

Funeral Services were held on Friday, December 16th at the Gabriels Funeral Chapel with burial following at the Liberty Hill Cemetery.

Ann Carlene Bonnett

Ann Carlene Bonnett ,92, passed away December 28, 2022 in Sugar Land, Texas.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles Ross Bonnett, of Sugar Land, Texas and her parents, Carl and Annie Millard, of Liberty Hill, Texas.

Ann is survived by her two daughters, Melissa Bonnett and Debra Dansby, (husband Tim) and grandchildren, Clare Papadopoulos (husband Chris) and Tyler Dansby. She is also survived by one brother, George Millard (wife Peggy) of Pflugerville, Texas and one sister, Judy Millard of Conroe, Texas. There are several nephews and other family members and friends, including her little dog,

Paloma, whom she always called “my best friend.” Paloma’s greatest joy was being fed the table scrap tidbits that mom felt only fair to share with her.

Ann worked several years at Francis Elementary; first as a teacher’s aide, then as an ADA Clerk until she retired in 1993. Ann loved her family dearly and enjoyed gathering with them whenever possible, especially for meals at favorite Mexican restaurants.

Visitation was held Thursday, January 5, 2023 at the CookWalden Davis Funeral Home in Georgetown, Texas from 5:007:00 p.m. A graveside service was held on Friday, January 6, 2023 at

On Tuesday January 17, Joshua Mason McGinty, born in Georgetown, TX on October 12, 1972, a beloved son, soulmate, dad, and Da was called home to be with his Savior.

Blessed at birth to David Wayne McGinty and Karen Keith Goshen, Josh was a patient, tender-hearted, genuine, kind, compassionate, talented, brilliant, God-fearing man who made every person he met feel special.

He set eyes on the love of his life, Ellen, when he was 21. They enjoyed 28 years of bliss-filled marriage. He was joined in life by his brother, Charles McGinty, and his sister, Judith Allen Brown. His children are Mason McGinty and Cathryn Tucker (Trey). He has was blessed with two grandchildren by Cathryn and Trey: Castle and Cannon Tucker.

He is preceded in death by Letha McGinty, Arthur McGinty, Phillip Keith, Geneva Davis Keith, and Sherrill Lynn Keith.

Josh’s smile was infectious. He was a leader who was known and revered by many. Acting as a mentor for all that came to him, he always, full of unconditional love, offered optimism and a “How can I serve you?” attitude. High school was the height of his original education. However, he learned more in his lifetime of sales, Army National Guard service, and extensive world travel. Josh decided to further his education later in life online at Liberty University where he earned an induction into the

11:00 a.m. in the Liberty Hill Cemetery in Liberty Hill, Texas, followed by interment there. Family members Tim Dansby, Tyler Dansby, Chris Papadopoulos, Allan Millard, Mike Millard, Steve Seward, Brett Gideon, Craig Gideon and John Bonnett were pallbearers.

National Honors

Society of Online Students.

He was actively engaged in his family’s lives from his wife’s entrepreneurial spirits, his son’s automotive aspirations, and his daughter’s travel ambitions. Once moved to Burnet, Ellen and Josh enjoyed their mornings and evenings watching the sun rise and set on the beautiful Texas Hill Country.

The times Josh felt at home was in the presence of his “Amore”, engaged in God’s Word, and enjoying services and Life Groups at his home church: Celebration Church of Georgetown, TX. The best way he could describe these feelings was through poetry, which Ellen has accumulated a novel’s worth over their lifetime of love.

There was a service to celebrate his wonderful life on Tuesday, January 24 at 11 a.m. in the North Auditorium at the Annex at Celebration Church. Address is 601 Westinghouse Road Georgetown, TX 78626.

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FIELD STORAGE

Field storage. Close in Liberty Hill $1.25 per foot, 10-foot width, no fence, no security, no insurance, owner agent (512) 913-1132.

PUBLIC NOTICE

FREE TAX PREP Williamson County residents who generally earn $60,000 or less, persons with disabilities, and limited English-speakers may qualify

for assistance with tax preparation. Walk-ins will be assisted from Jan. 26 - April 13 on Thursdays from 11am to 4pm at Operation Liberty Hill, 1401 US 183 North, Leander 78641. For more information, visit wilcofreetaxprep.org.

FOR SALE

OFFICE FURNITURE

The Liberty Hill Independent has office furniture and equipment for sale. Call for an appointment, (512) 778-5577.

EDITORIAL

We aren’t going away

The LIBERTY HILL INDEPENDENT is not going out of business!

After 35 years, our hometown’s longest-serving newspaper, continues to be driven by our collective commitment to gathering facts and reporting the real news. It remains our highest calling and honored profession. It’s still the highest point on the hill for us.

Buying a local newspaper, establishing sound business practices, staving off the inevitable hounds of negativity, and finding a way to make a small business both profitable as well as a community asset is a labor of love and a story of commitment.

Some of our readers, neighbors, and advertisers may have noticed in recent weeks that our building is for sale. And thus the questions regarding the future of our business.

After the pandemic of 2020, every business was forced to reassess all aspects of everything from daily operations to

long-term forecasts. Your hometown paper was impacted along with every newspaper across the country.

When hard choices had to be made, we chose to reduce expenses by limiting our increased weekly printing and postage costs. We found a way to do that while expanding our reach, and our advertising partners supported the idea. We made sure everyone in our zip code had access to the newspaper at least once a month, and advertisers have seen the benefit in the form of new customers.

We also made the decision to keep investing in our staff so we could continue to bring you the news you’ve come to trust from our professional team of journalists.

While we enjoy visiting with our readers, who before COVID frequently stopped in to share information or talk more about the news of the day, we don’t see as many of them these days.

The truth is we don’t really use our

newsroom the same way we did years ago. We cover government, sports, events, and so much more, but we find ourselves filing stories and photographs in real time so that you can get the information on our website or social media pages faster. Our work is being done from wherever we are, and wherever the news is happening. For almost two years, our newsroom has been sparsely occupied on most work days.

The newspaper is a faithful rent partner with my husband’s real estate holdings company. In late 2019, just before COVID, we renovated, rejuvenated and brought the historic building, which was built in 1909, back to its original look and stateliness.

Now that we don’t need the same amount of space, the building can be sold, creating an opportunity for another dreamer to open a business downtown and be part of something unique in the life of our community.

We’ve been luckier than most. We don’t

have to sell. But the changing environment has made everyone involved think about wasted space, what is best for us, and what is ultimately best for the future of our community.

This has been a tough time for journalism, and newspapers in particular. But we remain committed to reporting your hometown news. Whether we’re working from home or meeting you where you are, that’s not changing. In fact, this move will bring us closer to the newsmakers in our community as our goal continues to be making sure you stay informed about the news that matters most.

~ Shelly Wilkison, Publisher News@LHIndependent.com

Michelle’s Patisserie moving headquarters to Liberty Hill after Food Network win

BY RACHEL MADISON STAFF WRITER

Michelle Doyon is having her cake and eating it, too, after winning $10,000 to move her dream forward of opening a bakery in Liberty Hill.

Doyon, who owns Michelle’s Patisserie in Austin, recently competed on the Food Network show “The Big Bake Holiday,” where she and two teammates had to bake a fivefoot-tall cake in five hours that was not only impressive in looks, but also in taste. Doyon and her team came out on top against two other teams on the show and won $10,000.

Doyon became a Liberty Hill resident about a year and a half ago, and since then, has wanted to open a bakery locally. Soon after moving to Liberty Hill, Doyon purchased a pink-colored house at 1908 Loop 332, just across from Tractor Supply, with the goal to convert it into a bakery. The building permit for the project was approved in December and construction will begin on the bakery soon, Doyon said.

“We just got our building permit to begin construction and winning the $10,000 prize will go a long way toward building our commercial kitchen,” she added. “The pink house will be our retail spot, and then we’ll build on a large, rectangular commercial kitchen behind that for production.”

The pink house’s storefront will offer customers cookies, cupcakes, cake balls and simple cakes. Custom cakes for weddings, birthdays and other occasions can also be ordered from the Liberty Hill shop.

“We also want to host fun events like tea parties at the pink house,” Doyon added. “We’ll also host cake tastings for weddings, and there will be a place for customers to sit and enjoy their treats.”

Doyon will keep her Austin location, but it will serve primarily as a production facility for cakes and other baked goods, as well as a location for brides in the Austin area to do cake tastings. Most of her cakes and other confections will come out of the Liberty Hill location once it’s up and running, she added.

“My best guess for when we’ll open is in about six months,” she said. “If it’s sooner great, but with the way things go with construction, I’m guessing we’ll open in summer of 2023.”

Doyon isn’t a stranger to competition. She competed on another Food Network show in June 2021 called “Big Time Bake,” but was sent home after the first round. Getting a second chance on another show allowed her to redeem herself, she said. Her team for “Big Bake Holiday” included current employee Stacey Benitez and former intern Natalia Colon. The show aired on the Food Network in December 2022.

“Our requirements were that we had to make a 5-foot-tall cake, it had to include two dynamic elements, like something had to turn or light up, and then we also had to impress the judges with our flavor and design,” she said.

The judges for the show included former NFL player-turned-chef Eddie Jackson, author and food personality Danni Rose, and world-renowned pastry chef Ron Ben-Israel. The theme for the episode was “Santa’s Ho, Ho, Ho Down,” which Doyon said worked out great for her team as they were from Texas, and the other teams were from New York and New Jersey.

“We already knew about this stuff,” she said. “We created a snowy mountain [on the North Pole] with a huge Christmas tree on it decked out with Texas-themed ornaments. We had three icebergs in front of the mountain where we had dancing animals, and those icebergs turned. We also had a Santa tracker sign that lit up and showed how long it would take Santa to come back to the North Pole to party at the ho down.”

The cake flavor was maple pecan tres leches, Doyon added, with buttercream frosting, fondant and modeling chocolate used for much of the décor.

“This competition was definitely one of the most stressful things I’ve ever done,” she said. “Not only was the pressure to get everything done on time really intense, but to also have one of our judges be Ron Ben-Israel was just crazy. He was standing

Michelle Doyon, owner of Michelle’s Patisserie, frosts a cake in the production area of her Austin store. Doyon is moving her bakery headquarters to Liberty Hill this year. PHOTO BY RACHEL MADISON

in front of me judging my cake and he is world famous.”

Doyon said moving forward with the Liberty Hill bakery is exciting, because she can’t imagine doing anything else for her career.

“I have been in business for 20 years as of December 2022,” she said. “I love baking

cakes that not only look pre y, but also taste fantastic. I have a lot of goals for the Liberty Hill location and I know it has to happen in stages, but I am very excited for this time of rebuilding.”

For more information on Michelle’s Patisserie, visit www.michellespatisserie.com.

Michelle Doyon, owner of Michelle’s Patisserie, is looking forward to moving into her new bakery in Liberty Hill to be located at 1908 Loop 332 just across from Tractor Supply. PHOTO BY RACHEL MADISON

Michelle Doyon (center), along with teammates Stacey Benitez and Natalia Colon, won $10,000 in a December 2022 episode of “The Big Bake Holiday” on the Food Network. Doyon plans to use the winnings to construct a commercial kitchen in her new Liberty Hill bakery. (Courtesy Photo)

Bringing the wheels

Freedom Bikes hopes to increase two-wheeled recreation

BY SCOTT AKANEWICH STAFF WRITER

Walk into Freedom Bikes on a weekday evening and one will find Steve Smith behind the counter with plenty of grease on his hands as he makes yet another repair on a bicycle.

However, Smith has more than one vocation these days.

“My full-time day job is HVAC,” he said. “Once I’m done with that, I’ll come in here on weeknights and weekends.”

Smith and wife Janelle moved to Texas from Northern California about a year ago is search of a brand-new lifestyle.

“Especially during Covid, things got so crazy out there,” said Smith. “Texas seems to be a Second Amendment kind of state.”

Upon their arrival in Central Texas, the Smiths initially ran a mobile business, using a trailer, but it soon came time to upgrade to a physical building and once the couple laid eyes on their current location, they knew that was where they needed to be, he said.

“Downtown Liberty Hill is really going to grow and I wanted to get in on the ground floor,” said Smith. “We wanted to be over here instead of out on Highway 29. People in Liberty Hill want to shop local. We had the Mayor in here when we opened and she was excited, so we’re ge ing ahead of the curve.”

At the moment, Freedom Bikes deals mostly with used bikes and repairs, with the plan to incorporate a line of new rides in the near future, although some new bikes are currently available, as well as a wide array of accessories including apparel and safety gear.

Freedom Bikes carries the Jamis line of new mountain bikes, with prices ranging from around $500 for beginner models to upwards of $10,000 for high-end bikes and just about everything in between.

For riders who want a bike that’s a happy medium, a quality ride can be had in the $2,000-$3,000 range.

Smith said one of his hopes in opening the shop is to reinvigorate what he believes is a somewhat stagnant modern-day youth.

“We want to get kids active and help keep them healthy,” he said. “Get them off their phones, away from the TV and be a positive part of the community.”

Janelle Smith is on duty running the shop during the day when Steve is away and shares the same passion as her husband in what they’re doing – constantly expanding her responsibilities, she said.

“We’ve always wanted something that was our own,” said Janelle, who handles the bookkeeping and other clerical tasks. “I’m learning to do other things – including repairs – and ge ing even more involved.” Choosing a name

Every business needs a name and when it came time to choose one for theirs, Steve said he wanted it to properly represent his values.

“Freedom is important to me,” he said. “I think a lot of people in Texas feel the same way.”

Janelle echoed her husband’s sentiments.

“We love our country and our flag,” she said. “So, I think it’s fi ing.”

Currently, Freedom Bikes is the only bicycle shop in Liberty Hill, which gives the Smiths the opportunity to establish themselves as a cornerstone.

“There’s nobody else here doing what we do,” said Steve. “It’s something brand new and we hope to build relationships with the community.”

Speaking of relationships, Janelle said one of her favorite aspects of their business is when the time-honored tradition of a child ge ing his or her first bicycle unfolds before her eyes.

“It’s just so warm and fuzzy,” she said. “You see that big smile on their faces.”

Ge ing wheels

According to Steve, choosing the right bike can be an exhaustive process – unless you have some professional advice.

“First of all, you need to figure out what type of riding you’re going to be doing,” said Steve. “Is it going to be on streets, dirt paths, or maybe more hardcore stuff like downhill.”

Once that’s determined, price range enters into the equation.

“A new bike will run around $600 to $700 for starters,” he said. “Sometimes, a used bike is the way to go – especially for kids who will outgrow a bike pre y quickly and need another one.”

Planning for the future

Steve said he and Janelle are already looking down the road as far as where their business can take them.

“We would like to double our square footage because we started as small as we could,” he said. “We also want to get an online store going.”

With mountain-biking meccas such as Spider Mountain and Reveille Peak Ranch –both located in Burnet – the area is ripe for the picking as far as increasing the number of riders, and the Smiths are poised to take

Steve and Janelle Smith are the owners of Freedom Bikes – Liberty Hill’s first bicycle shop, which o ers sales and service. PHOTO BY SCOTT AKANEWICH

Work it out

Find your fitness fit at one of Liberty Hill’s many gym options

BY RACHEL MADISON STAFF WRITER

Liberty Hill is home to a variety of workout options, from aerial yoga to obstacle course training, and every kind of boot camp you can think of in between.

I have had a passion for fitness for several years, and have always been surprised by the amount of options available to the community, with new ones being added all the time. That’s why I decided the best way to start the new year was to try out several of the local fitness options and share with the community what Liberty Hill truly has to offer. After a few weeks of gym hopping, it’s safe to say I do feel stronger and healthier— and a lot more sore.

There’s something for everyone when it comes to finding the right fitness fit in town. Here are my reviews.

Rebel Fitness

Get comfortable being uncomfortable. That’s the motto at Rebel Fitness, and while it is uncomfortable to hear it the first time you walk into the gym, owner Regina Watson does a good job of making you feel like you are her top priority in class. She’ll walk you through the exercises, show you how to modify if you need to, and keep you motivated when things get tough.

The gym offers kickboxing and bootcamp style workouts throughout the week, but maybe the most unique aspect of Rebel Fitness is the obstacle course training classes, which are designed to help you prepare for your next obstacle course-style race or competition.

Even if you don’t plan on doing one of those races, there is still something to be said about scaling an 8-foot wall or climbing a cargo net during one of Watson’s classes. It’s not easy—uncomfortable is the right word for it—but it’s pretty gratifying to accomplish any number of the obstacles she has set up in her gym.

Class prices range from $15 for drop-in passes to $99 for monthly memberships. First three classes are free.

126 Holmes Road, Unit 14-15, Liberty Hill (832) 877-4730 | rebelfitnesstx.com

Flock Fitness

The best thing about Flock Fitness is the wide variety of classes offered. If you’re in a

time crunch or aren’t sure where to begin, the Lift:30 class is the one to try, according to owner Nicole Rysdyke.

She’ll give you detailed instructions on how to execute every move during the 30-minute class, which incorporates dumbbells, med balls and body weight to get in an effective strength training workout.

Additionally, Flock Fitness offers body pump, Tabata, fit camps, step workouts, personal training and indoor cycling classes dubbed Ride Tribe. The indoor cycling studio is exclusive to Flock Fitness in Liberty Hill, and is actually, dare I say, a fun way to get in a workout? The instructors turn the lights low, play the music loud and challenge everyone on their individual bikes to do sprints and climb hills, all while adding resistance.

When Rysdyke teaches, make sure you’re listening, because she’ll drop some nuggets of inspiration, even on a bike that goes nowhere. In my class she told us, “You can’t travel uphill with downhill thoughts. You get to spend about 4 percent of your time on the bike. Make the best of your investment and reach the uncomfortable.”

Class prices range from $15 for drop-in passes to $100 for memberships. The first class is $5.

12780 Hwy. 29, Liberty Hill (512) 971-3017 | flockfitness.net

Worc Fitness

Worc Fitness owners LaToya Easter and Kristin Gunter have a lot of energy, and it’s contagious.

Workouts range from 30 minutes to an hour, and every workout is different. That’s because Easter and Gunter incorporate a lot of equipment into their workouts, including stationary bikes, treadmills and free weights, and it keeps things interesting. When you come in for a class, you never know what you’ll be doing that day.

I was lucky enough to experience a class where every attendee chose a specific body part they wanted to work on. In between the moves we did together as a class, we each had a specific exercise to do that catered to the body part we wanted to focus on. I chose arms, and by the end of the class, they felt like Jell-O (in the best way) thanks to doing dozens and dozens of pushups. Another class I joined focused heavily on doing sprints on the treadmill in between several high intensity interval training (HIIT) moves with weights. It felt completely different, which made it that much more fun. Sometimes it’s a good thing not knowing what to expect.

Class prices range from $5 for drop-in passes to $65 for monthly memberships. The first class for new customers is free, and free childcare is available.

13750 Hwy. 29, Liberty Hill (254) 279-5695 | worcwithus.com

Anytime Fitness

Anytime Fitness is a nationally-known brand, and for good reason. It’s one of the few gyms where you can work out literally any day, at any time if you’re a member.

Liberty Hill is home to one location, with a second location set to open later this year.

The current location doesn’t offer any classes or personal training, but it does offer members an app with a variety of workouts that can be done in the gym.

If you’re not into group exercise and prefer to do your own thing when you work out, then Anytime Fitness is a great place. It offers almost any piece of equipment you could want to get in your cardio, strength or functional training. You can stay for as little or as long as you want, and access the gym at any time of day—whether you are a late night runner or an early morning weight lifter.

The Liberty Hill location is clean and welcoming, the equipment is well maintained, and there are showers available for customers.

Membership rates range from $21.99 to $25.99 per month. New customers can get one week free.

14365 Hwy. 29, Liberty Hill

8250 Hwy. 29, Liberty Hill (coming soon) (512) 778-6844 / (903) 520-1557 anytimefitness.com/gyms/2953/liberty-hill-tx-78642

CrossFit Liberty Hill

Before I tried a CrossFit class, I was beyond intimidated. I had only ever heard

(Top left) Get comfortable being uncomfortable is the motto of Rebel Fitness. (Top right) Rattler CrossFit is Liberty Hill’s second CrossFit gym. (Above left) Om Sweet Om Yoga Ranch is the only local studio that focuses entirely on yoga. (Above right) Flock Fitness offers a wide variety of classes. PHOTOS BY RACHEL MADISON

about what happens in CrossFit classes— people much stronger than me lifting very heavy weights—but after trying a class in Liberty Hill, my perspective has changed.

Owners Brandon and Leslie Leath have been in Liberty Hill their whole lives, and over a decade ago, decided to open the first CrossFit gym in town. Since then, they’ve grown and moved a few times as their numbers have increased. It’s easy to see why. The energy and motivation they bring to their classes is infectious.

As a first time CrossFit attendee, they made sure that I understood each move before trying it out, and worked out alongside me to make sure I had proper form and could modify the exercises as needed. This made the class much more approachable for me, and made me want to go back again for another class with far less anxiety.

Drop-in rates for classes are $15, while unlimited monthly memberships are $135. The first class for new customers is free and a children’s play area is available. Also, every Saturday, a free community workout is held at 10 a.m.

907 Jase Reid Lane, Liberty Hill (512) 698-1980 | crossfitlibertyhill.com

Rattler CrossFit

Liberty Hill’s second CrossFit gym opened in February 2022. Owned by Jared and Kasey Halbert, it caters to the growing population on the east side of town.

Again, I felt intimidated before I ever walked into a class, but I was immediately put at ease by Kasey, who worked alongside me much of the class to make sure I understood the various required moves. Another thing that helped a lot was that before ever even picking up a bar, everyone is shown

how to do the moves with a simple PVC pipe. This ensures everyone has proper form before they ever pick up a heavy bar or load it with weights.

The Halberts have a passion for fitness that shows throughout their gym, which is well equipped, clean and offers showers and a play area for children. Outside of the standard classes, the gym also offers cardio sessions and open gym sessions.

Monthly memberships range in price from $85 to $175. The first class for new customers is free. Also, every Saturday, a free community workout is held at 9 a.m.

19 Holmes Road, Unit C-D, Liberty Hill kas6912@gmail.com | rattlercrossfit.com

Warrior Wellness

Holly Johnson considers herself a wellness professional over a personal trainer, which comes through immediately upon meeting her. In my session, I learned more about the science behind wellness than I have in any other gym setting.

Her individualized plans vary for each client, but in our first session, we focused a lot on myofascial release, correct posture and proper breathing techniques. These are all facets she wants her clients to understand before they ever start doing traditional exercises like squats. Her studio, which is attached to her home, is a cozy place to chat and talk about goals—and get in another unique form of exercise: aerial yoga.

Using colorful, stretchy silks suspended from the ceiling of her studio, clients learn how to use them to their advantage to increase mobility for stretching. If you’re lucky, you’ll get to flip upside down in the silks, which Johnson said has advantages all on its own—she’ll explain to you the sci-

ence behind it all—while also helping you move into a variety of other positions.

Johnson also offers corrective exercise, post-natal exercise, meal prep coaching and life coaching.

Fees vary depending on the type and length of training requested.

606 Rolling Hills Road, Liberty Hill (808) 640-6477 | warriorwellnessbyholly. com

Om Sweet Om Yoga Ranch

Om Sweet Om is the only studio in Liberty Hill that focuses completely on yoga.

Owned by Tambra Prince, who has nearly 30 years of experience as a yogi, I knew I was in good hands as soon as I walked into the studio. Om Sweet Om has everything you might want in a yoga studio, from calming music to the smell of essential oils, as well as an onsite yoga cat (a stray named Pretty Boy who visits every class) and large open windows that let in tons of natural sunlight.

Prince teaches both yoga flow and yoga strength classes. Though the workouts are low impact, that doesn’t mean they are completely easy. Prince walks you through several poses, making sure you have correct form through each of them. Each class is about 90 minutes, but ends with a relaxing cool down and a homemade blend of essential oils rubbed on your neck by Prince.

Drop-in rates for classes are $10, and classes are held on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday mornings.

675 RR 1869, Liberty Hill (512) 970-9067 | facebook.com/Omsweetomranch

More Local Gyms & Fitness Options:

JOHN’S GYM hosts a martial arts program that specializes in teaching Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. It offers a family-friendly atmosphere that helps both beginners and seasoned pros better their Jiu Jitsu skills as well as learn self-defense skills. 101 Jonathan Drive, Liberty Hill 512-710-9290 | johnsgymlibertyhill. com

SIMPLYFITBYDORIN is managed by personal trainer Dorin Horsfall. Her goal is to train women individually to help them live lifestyles that naturally incorporate fitness. She works with each client to establish a balanced relationship between nutrition and exercise to create lifelong changes for the better. simplyfitbydorin@gmail.com simplyfitbydorin.com

F45 is opening in the Vista at 29 Center this month. The name of the gym tells clients what they need to know about how it works. The F stands for functional training, which includes circuit and high intensity interval training workouts, and 45 minutes is the amount of time of each workout.

9101 W. Hwy. 29, Liberty Hill (512) 900-7988 | f45training.com/ leandereast

HOTWORX opened at Bar W Marketplace in early January and offers members unlimited, 24-hour access to a variety of virtually instructed, infrared sauna workouts, including yoga, barre and pilates. Every class uses heat and infrared energy to increase effectivity. Classes range from 15 to 30 minutes in length.

19368 Ronald Reagan Blvd., Leander (512) 704-3164 | hotworx.net/studio/ leander-hwy29-ronaldreagan

CAMP GLADIATOR classes, which are 60-minute full body strength and cardio classes, are held in two different outdoor locations in Liberty Hill. The classes can also be taken online both live and on demand. It is recommended that attendees bring their own fitness mats and weights.

16500 Hwy. 29, Liberty Hill (M, W, F –5 a.m.)

705 Via De Sienna Blvd., Georgetown (M, W – 6:45 a.m.) (512) 601-8111 | campgladiator.com/

(Above left) Workouts at WORC Fitness range from 30 minutes to an hour and every workout is different. (Above center) CrossFit Liberty Hill owner Brandon Leath teaches a class recently. (Right) Holly Johnson and Warrior Wellness offer aerial yoga among other physical training options. PHOTOS BY RACHEL MADISON

‘Epitome of a Panther’

Forward-turned-point guard thrives in selfless new role

BY SCOTT AKANEWICH SPORTS EDITOR

Not long after the conclusion of his junior season last year, former Liberty Hill head coach Barry Boren approached Gunter Daniels and broke some pretty significant news to the 6-foot-6 forward

After a successful campaign that saw Daniels average 15 points per game at his customary position, he was going to be the Panthers’ point guard for his senior season. While many players might’ve hesitated at the prospect of sacrificing points for assists, Daniels’ reaction was quite the opposite.

“I was excited,” said Daniels. “Because it’s much more of a leadership role and would allow me to improve my ball-handling, which I knew would help the team.”

Current Panthers head coach Blake Boren said that kind of mentality was music to his ears.

“I didn’t have to sell Gunter a vision of what this team could be,” he said. “I could’ve asked him to play any role and he would’ve done it.”

However, at the outset of this season, Daniels struggled a bit as a backcourt distributor, by his own admission.

“Turnovers were a problem and I had a hard time finding open people,” said Daniels. “Back during fall league, it was really tough at first, knowing when I should go to the basket and when I should pass.”

But, it wasn’t just at the offensive end of the floor where he had to make massive

the inbounds in our defense,” said Daniels. “Now, I have to be around the middle guarding against sideline outlet passes.”

What allowed him to progress up the

“As a player, I’m a lot more confident now than when I first came up to varsity and much better at handling mistakes and taking criticism,” he said. “Now I would say I’m about 95 percent comfortable with playing

Daniels has successfully combined the skills he brought from his former position on the court with those required at his new

“Usually, you consider a point guard as a ‘3-and-D’ guy and he can do those things,” he said. “But, Gunter can still score at the basket, so those attributes together make him that much more valuable.”

On top of his new court responsibilities, Daniels was also the only returning starter from last season’s district-championship-winning squad, which piled more

“I wouldn’t really say it’s pressure – I enjoy it,” he said. “It’s more pressure to just be a role model and encourage the other guys.”

Daniels has committed to play next season at the University of Colorado-Colorado Springs – an NCAA Division II program, where he will major in business sports management, which will allow him to pursue a passion regardless of where the road

“I just love sports – especially basketball,” said Daniels. “So, that will allow me a couple different paths – getting into the business side or coaching.”

Daniels said the latter possible profession has been inspired by his experience as a member of the Panthers’ program since moving to Liberty Hill in seventh grade from Austin.

“I love both Borens and all the assistants,” he said. “Being a head coach is the most stressful job, but it would be great to be able to get a team to work together.”

Boren said Daniels will only continue to grow as a player as he transitions to the college level.

“Gunter is the most highly-recruited player we’ve had here in awhile,” he said. “But, it’s not just his skill – he’s so smart and as a person has high character.”

Boren has had the opportunity to see Daniels’ progression as a player over all four years of high school from a unique perspective, he said.

“When Gunter was a freshman, I was his head coach on the JV,” said Boren. “Now, I am again on the varsity, which is pretty cool because that’s unusual.”

Boren then provided perhaps the highest praise for his point guard.

“For years to come, Gunter will be the example we will use for what we want players to become and emulate,” he said. “He’s the epitome of a Panther.”

Liberty Hill senior Gunter Daniels (#22) had adjusted splendidly to his new role this season as the Panthers’ point guard and excelled after switching over from forward after last year.

PHOTO BY ALEX RUBIO

Swimmer looks to make splash in CSI

LHHS sophomore plans to pursue career in law enforcement

BY SCOTT AKANEWICH SPORTS EDITOR

Every stroke Corinna Carstens takes in a swimming pool causes her pain due to chronic shoulder problems the Liberty Hill sophomore suffers through.

But, that pain is nothing compared to the solace she experiences each time she takes the plunge as a member of the Panthers swim team.

“I’ve always loved being in the water,” said Carstens, who competes in the 50 and 100-yard freestyle and 200-yard medley and freestyle relays. “It’s kind of like a second home – if I have a problem, I can always go there.”

Carstens is relatively new to Liberty Hill, having moved from Northern California before the current school year, but said she fit in right away upon her arrival.

“When I tell people I’m from California, they automatically think I’m a liberal,” she said. “But, that’s what I like most about Texas – it’s a lot more conservative.”

Three times per month, Carstens makes the short trip east on Highway 29 to be a part of the Georgetown Police Department’s Explorers – a youth program for those interested in pursuing a career in law enforcement.

It’s here where she learns all manner of things related to police work – not the least of which is crime scene investigation, which is the avenue she desires to take for a career.

“It sounds kind of creepy,” said Carstens. “But, I want to be able to understand why people feel the need to kill and the methods they use.”

Carstens said the experience helps her gain useful knowledge she will someday

Back to the future

Former player returns to alma mater as coach, teacher

BY SCOTT AKANEWICH SPORTS EDITOR

Bethany McLeod once sat in Room 107 at Liberty Hill High School as a student. Now, she stands at the front of that same room on the opposite end of the educational spectrum as a math teacher.

If somebody had told her back then the juxtaposition she now finds herself in would someday be a reality, McLeod would have questioned their sanity, she said.

“I would think they’re crazy,” said McLeod. “But, now I get to create meaningful relationships with students so they know I care.”

However, it’s not just in the classroom where McLeod is in a surreal situation, as she now sits on the girls’ basketball team’s bench as an assistant to head coach Chris Lange after playing for him during her high school career.

McLeod enjoyed a decorated playing career with the Purple-and-Gold, featuring on a team that advanced to the Class 4A state tournament three years in a row before graduating with the Class of 2018.

But, her days on the court certainly weren’t over, as she played at the University of Mary Hardin- Baylor – an NCAA Division III program – for the next four years before

walking off the hardwood for the last time as a player.

As it turns out, though, despite the fact she had made her last pass and taken her final dribble, McLeod was destined to return to her roots, as this fall she began her teaching and coaching career in the same place that helped shape her young life.

But, early on, she never imagined classrooms and gyms to be her workplace.

“First, I wanted to be a veterinarian, then when I got to high school, I was going to be a nurse,” said McLeod. “But, then I decided I wanted to be able to make a difference in people’s lives just like people did for me.”

For Lange, adding McLeod to his coaching staff has been a revelation.

“I’ve known Bethany since she was in third grade and was a little, tiny thing,” he said. “So, having her back now is like adding a family member – she loves Liberty Hill basketball.”

The fact McLeod isn’t that far removed from her own playing days is helpful in building bonds with today’s players – as long as it’s used properly, said Lange.

“She can relate a little better,” he said. “But, it can be difficult because there’s a fine line – you still have to be able to be a coach when you need to be.”

McLeod said seeing the process of mat-

Corinna Carstens, center, has successfully integrated as a member of Liberty Hill’s swim team after moving to Texas from California last summer. (Courtesy Photo)

need in her desired line of work.

“They teach you how to safely fire tasers and guns,” she said. “Also, how to clear a room or a building if you need to – it’s a lot of self-awareness.”

For now, though, her focus is primarily on the pool, where she has successfully integrated into the Panthers’ team, said head

coach Dimitra Becker.

“I think Liberty Hill athletics is something different from what she was used to before,” she said. “But, I call Corinna our racehorse because she doesn’t like to see anybody in front of her.”

In fact, the passion for finishing first was

CONTINUED ON PAGE 35

uration take place and being an integral part of it is one of the most rewarding aspects of her profession.

“I really enjoy creating those relationships with the kids and watching them grow into bright, young ladies,” she said. “I think I can provide a different perspective for them, especially after playing in college – it makes me more relatable to them and they can open up easier.”

Sitting on the sidelines now provides a different kind of personal expectation compared to when she would cross those lines in uniform, she said.

“I think now I don’t get as frustrated as when I was a player,” said McLeod. “Back then, I could always look back as far as what I could’ve done different. But, as coaches our job is to give the players everything they need to be successful and then it’s up to them.”

McLeod added to see the Lady Panthers in their current state compared to the nottoo-distant past is something to take great satisfaction in.

“It’s really cool because we’re growing so much,” she said. “I can speak of the pride in this program – where it’s going and where it’s been.”

Bethany McLeod – who played under Lady Panthers head coach Chris Lange –has returned to Liberty Hill as a teacher and coach. (Photo by Lora Ortiz)

Midfield duo helps Panthers on field, off

the roster, said Glenn.

BY SCOTT AKANEWICH SPORTS EDITOR

When Caden Glenn and Marcelo Bravo step onto a soccer field together, it’s an occurrence that has happened hundreds of times before.

The Liberty Hill midfielders have been teammates since middle school when Bravo moved to Texas from California and the duo quickly forged a bond – one that has lasted for years and continues to yield dividends.

On the field, Glenn and Bravo work together on the left side of the field in giving opposing defenses fits with the former on the wing and the latter in a central midfield role, which is when having been teammates for so long comes in handy most.

“I don’t know how we do it,” said Glenn. “But, all we have to do is look at each other and we know what the other is going to do.”

For example, Liberty Hill’s 4-0 victory over Veterans Memorial last month in which Glenn scored a pair of goals and Bravo picked up a pair assists.

Along with junior striker Dhar Ramsingh, Glenn and Bravo form the Panthers’ captaincy, a role the trio certainly don’t take lightly – especially with the makeup of

“We have a lot of younger players this year and only three seniors,” he said. “So, we try to set the example for them.”

According to Bravo, the primary challenge coming into the current campaign was to successfully integrate new players into the program.

“We lost a lot of players from last year,” said Bravo, of the mass exodus that was lost to graduation. “It was a big change.”

Liberty Hill head coach Felix Esparza has been much more at ease this year as it’s his second season in charge and now has an entire season of credibility built up with his players – which in turn, has made it easier to implement his grand plan for the team, he said.

“I think it took an entire year to gain the trust of the players – I had to earn it,” said Esparza. “As a result, we have more kids that are bought in this year.”

Esparza added the relationships he now has with his players is a two-way street. “I hold them accountable as players,” he said. “But, also now they can hold me accountable as a coach.”

Last season marked Esparza’s first as a head coach and he said he leaned on a former colleague for guidance to help him

Panther of the Month is working her way back

BY SCOTT AKANEWICH SPORTS EDITOR

Reagan Robbins has already been through quite a bit in her relatively short life.

“I had to grow up at a young age,” said Robbins. “My parents were divorced, which gave me a look at the real world faster.”

However, Robbins found a respite in the form of animation, she said.

“I would watch cartoons because they made me feel happy,” said Robbins, a freshman on the Lady Panthers basketball team. “‘Peter Pan’ was my favorite.”

Following the breakup, three-and-a-half years passed before Robbins would meet her new family and another year-and-a-half later, her mother remarried and Robbins was whole once again.

“I have an amazing stepdad and stepsister,” she said. “It took me a long time to

open up to my new family, but once I did it made life a lot easier.”

One thing Robbins had to provide her solace was basketball, which she began playing in fourth grade and is now an integral part of the Lady Panthers’ youth movement as she begins her high school career.

Although she also participated in volleyball, swimming and track, Robbins decided the best path for her was to focus on hoops.

“With an opportunity to be a freshman on the varsity,” said Robbins. “I had to put a lot more commitment into basketball.”

According to head coach Chris Lange, Robbins has already settled into the squad.

“Reagan has a high basketball IQ and she’s handled the ball well for us,” said Lange. “We saw her at the junior high level and knew she was ready to score.”

Something else Robbins takes onto the court with her is her faith – a factor she credits with helping her get through the

dark times until she could once again walk in the light.

“I’m a very big Christian and that’s my number-one priority,” she said. “No matter what, I know Jesus is leading me and staying close to Him is most important.”

Robbins is a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and also a student ambassador that helps new students assimilate to their surroundings – all of which helps her provide help for those who might need some support, she said.

“I feel like a lot of people could be going through things,” said Robbins. “So, I just try to be a really nice person, be happy and be the light for everyone.”

In addition, Robbins credits a close group of friends she now has after what was a previous bad experience.

Robbins said a common bond they all share is colored purple and gold.

“We all have a love, desire and passion for

navigate the growing pains of being a bench boss.

“I relied a lot on (former Liberty Hill head girls’ coach Darren) Bauer,” said Esparza. “He helped me a lot with the things you don’t have to do as an assistant coach.”

In addition, Esparza gained much knowledge simply through trial and error.

“I’ve gotten better at in-game adjustments,” he said. “Also, I know how to better structure practices, so all those things make me more confident.”

District play is where the Panthers will truly make their money in a quest to qualify for the playoffs after missing out on the postseason party last year.

But, in order to do that, they must avoid some of the pitfalls that befell them back then, said Esparza.

“Last year, we were playing meaningful games at the end of the season,” he said. “Now, we have to win those games.”

At the end of the day, though, despite the fact the results on the scoreboard will dictate whether or not the Panthers accomplish their goals, Esparza said as long as his players execute properly and give all they have, that’s all that really matters.

“I can’t stand losing games by making mistakes,” he said. “But, if we play our best every game – every shot, pass, save – I can live with that.”

this school,” she said. “We’re all there for each other and want to make Liberty Hill a better high school.”

Liberty Hill’s Caden Glenn (#3) is a dominant force down the flanks for the Panthers from his midfield position. PHOTO BY SHANNON HOFMANN

Chemistry grows from years of playing together

Reagan Robbins relies of faith, family and friends in helping guide her to be the best person she can be.

PHOTO BY SCOTT AKANEWICH

New season, new challenges for Lady Panthers

BY SCOTT AKANEWICH SPORTS EDITOR

Last month, the Lady Panthers of Liberty Hill stepped onto the field for the first time under new head coach Landon Maddux at the Highlander Invitational Elite tournament hosted by The Woodlands High School in suburban Houston.

Usually, that alone would have been the headline story with a new bench boss on the sidelines for the Purple-and-Gold for the first time in a decade, with Maddux replacing Darren Bauer, the only head coach the program had ever known since its origins in 2014.

However, on this day, it was the opponent that stole the spotlight.

“We were playing Rockwall – a Class 6A program that made it to the state championship game last season,” said Maddux. “I don’t want to say we were underdogs, but they just kind of showed up and thought they would win.”

At the outset of the contest, it seemed as if Maddux’ words would ring true, as Liberty Hill suffered a disastrous start to life under its new coach.

“For the first 10 minutes, we played like garbage,” said Maddux. “They pre y much just went right down and got a goal.”

But, a er the Yellowjackets had taken advantage of their opponents’ sloppiness to begin the game, the Lady Panthers suddenly awoke from their early slumber and scored a pair of unanswered goals by Chloe Ludwig and Kaylee Fowler to take a 2-1 lead before Rockwall pegged them back to level proceedings by hal ime, which was how the game ended a er a scoreless second

Swim

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 33

a seed that was planted by a family member years ago, said Carstens.

“I got home from a swim meet one time and told my brother I finished second,” she said. “He said to me ‘You know what second place is? First loser.’ So, the next meet I went to I was first in everything.”

It’s exactly that kind of fire to succeed that Becker appreciates in her California import, she said.

“Being so competitive is part of who she

half.

According to Maddux, his players’ reaction to the adversity was priceless.

“Our girls could’ve hung their heads a er that first goal,” said Maddux. “But, the leaders on this team weren’t about to let that happen.”

Leaders such as the team’s three captains – seniors Ellie Thompson and Kassidy Contreras, and junior Carson Glenn – a trio that forms the core of what the Lady Panthers are all about, said Thompson.

“When you play against us, it’s going to be a fight,” she said. “We’re not scared or intimidated – we don’t want to lose and we want to make it far this season.”

A er losing much of the nucleus of last season’s squad to graduation, this year has provided a challenge as far as assembling a brand-new on-field puzzle, said Contreras.

“We have a lot of different players playing different positions,” she said. “But, I see a lot of upside moving forward.”

Contreras added the cohesion within the team has allowed it to perhaps progress faster than another squad might.

“I feel like there’s a stronger focus on the team – like we’re a family,” she said. “We’re playing harder teams now, so everyone needs to step up.”

But, it’s more than simply devising game plans and deploying personnel, said Maddux.

“My goal is to build relationships with these players – to build them up, win them over and get them to believe,” he said. “I’ve told them the season is a marathon, not a sprint.”

Thompson said she believes the Lady Panthers have what it takes to be successful

this season.

“I feel really confident in our team – we can see ourselves coming together and our chemistry has been good,” she said. “I’m excited to see where we can go with it.”

Maddux said for the results to be there on the field, he must teach them to embrace certain values off it.

“I think that’s super-important,” he said. “Teaching players values that translate to winning on the field and in life because when that happens, work rate increases.”

A by-product of that approach is a team full of players who always have each other’s backs, said Maddux.

“Being servant-leaders is really important because it makes people be er through

your actions,” he said. “It’s awesome to see the mindset we step on the field with.”

Maddux added before he arrived in Liberty Hill to take on his new post, he could only imagine what it would be like based on what he had heard and the impressions that formed as a result.

So far, most of them were right on the money, he said.

“You always hear about how Liberty Hill values athletics so much and how the people are so good,” said Maddux. “I’ve enjoyed working with everyone here – coaches, administrators, players and we have a great group of parents that support us – it’s not just about 20 girls on the varsity soccer team, but an entire community.”

is,” said Becker. “Either a kid is a competitor or they’re not – you can’t teach it – and Corinna definitely is one. I’ve seen her dig down deep during a race when I thought she had nothing le .”

Carsten also plays water polo and has a black belt in taekwondo, but it’s swimming where she feels most at home.

So, just how much does Carstens love being in her aquatic atmosphere?

“All the way back when I was a li le kid,

I would beg my parents to take me to the beach,” she said. “When they wouldn’t, I would go put on my yellow, polka-dot bikini and run into the fountain instead.”

Despite the fact she’s in pain whenever she trains and competes, giving up the sport she loves isn’t an option.

“I could quit because of my shoulders,” said Carstens. “But, I can’t because other than when I’m at home, the water is the first place where I felt like I belonged.”

Senior Ellie Thompson (#6) gives Liberty Hill a spark in attack by picking out teammates with passes and making runs in behind the defense. PHOTO BY SHANNON HOFMANN

LOCAL EVENTS

8 p.m. | Tickets $20-30 globetheatertx.com

Feb. 18

JOHN PRATHER

March 2

DOS BORRACHOS

January

February

132 W. Vaughn St., Bertram

8 p.m. | Tickets $20 globetheatertx.com

Feb. 11

LIBERTY HILL POP-UP MARKET Powder Room Blow Dry Bar and Salon

14001 W. Hwy 29, Liberty Hill

11 a.m.-3 p.m.

Feb. 5

HARLEM GLOBETROTTERS

2023 WORLD TOUR

HEB Center

2100 Ave of the Stars, Cedar Park 3 p.m. | Tickets $29-107

HEBCenter.com

Feb. 10

DALE WATSON

Globe Theater

Valentine’s Day Edition includes vendors from across Liberty Hill, with refreshments from The Food Dood and Rush Coffee and face-painting for children.

WINTER OF ‘59 DANCE PARTY Globe Theater

132 W. Vaughn St., Bertram

Celebrate the music of The Big Bopper, Ritchie Valens, Buddy Holly along with the culture and cars from this bygone era.

NBA G LEAGUE BASKETBALL

AUSTIN SPURS VS. BIRMINGHAM SQUADRON

HEB Center

2100 Ave of the Stars, Cedar Park 7 p.m. | Tickets $10-175 HEBCenter.com

Feb. 17-18

PROFESSIONAL BULL RIDERS

HEB Center

2100 Ave of the Stars, Cedar Park 8 p.m. | Tickets $21-108 HEBCenter.com

Whiskey Barrel Pub

1004 Loop 332, Liberty Hill

2-4 p.m. | 512-548-6151 whiskeybarrelpub.com

Feb. 23

DYLAN SCOTT

Haute Spot

1501 E. New Hope Dr., Cedar Park

7 p.m. | Tickets $22-62

512-986-7411 hautespotvenue.com

Feb. 24

AHL HOCKEY | TEXAS STARS VS. BAKERSFIELD CONDORS

HEB Center

2100 Ave of the Stars, Cedar Park

7 p.m. | Tickets $20-54 HEBCenter.com

Feb. 25

ROGER CLYNE AND THE PEACEMAKERS

Haute Spot

1501 E. New Hope Dr., Cedar Park

8 p.m.| Tickets $20-46 512-986-7411 hautespotvenue.com

Haute Spot

1501 E. New Hope Dr., Cedar Park

7 p.m. | Tickets $29-99 512-986-7411 | hautespotvenue.com

March 3

AHL HOCKEY | TEXAS STARS VS. MILWAUKEE ADMIRALS

HEB Center

2100 Ave of the Stars, Cedar Park

7 p.m. | Tickets $20-54 HEBCenter.com

March 4

PREACHERS ON THE RADIO

Agape BBQ

3610 RM 1869, Liberty Hill

6:30-9:30 p.m. 512-548-6230 | agapebbq.com

John Prather

Preachers on the Radio

Harlem Globetrotters

Shane T. White Clyde Davis Connie Fuller Ginger Floyd Debby Norman