Dragon Pride Spring 2024

PUBLISHER

Mike Tesoriero

Mike@SouthlakeStyle.com

SALES & MARKETING DIRECTOR

Nicole Tesoriero

Nicole@SouthlakeStyle.com

ASSISTANT EDITOR

David Dunn

David@SouthlakeStyle.com

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Bruce Sons

ADVERTISING SERVICES MANAGER

Andrea Summers

Andrea@SouthlakeStyle.com

SALES DEVELOPMENT REPRESENTATIVES

Olivia Harris

Olivia@SouthlakeStyle.com

Landry Smiley

Landry@SouthlakeStyle.com

OFFICE COORDINATOR

Kelly Rose

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Zach Warner

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

BluDoor Studios

Dragon Media

Stewart Johnson

CONTACT US 520 E. Southlake Blvd., Suite 100 Southlake, TX 76092

817.416.4500

SouthlakeStyle.com

the long and short of it

Getting to know and follow the activities of Carroll scholar athletes is one of my favorite parts of this job. Spend enough time with me and I’ll bend your ear over some of the best and brightest Dragons from the last 20 years. There are those who star in high school while others go on to play in college and even represent their country at the Olympics. Then there are the extremely rare few who play for throngs of fans at the professional level. This installment of Dragon Pride has a little bit of them all.

If Lady Dragon golfer Chiara Brambilla has her way, she’ll one day play on the courses of the LPGA. It’s not as far-fetched as it once may have seemed. As a young girl, she aspired to play volleyball at a high level. So much so that Chiara didn’t pick up a golf club until middle school, and even then, it was just something to pass the time over the summer.

Golf was never really child’s play for Chiara, who made up for a late start with long hours at the range, honing her drives and perfecting her putting stroke. Bit by the golf bug in her formative years, her skills continued to grow and she was not just playing in tournaments — she began to win them. The hard work paid off quickly, and by her junior year, she had claim to the state’s top ranking, according to the American Junior Golf Association.

As a senior, Chiara led the Lady Dragons by example with her blend of work ethic and poise, and our team was excited to share a few fun moments with the University of Houston commit during a photo shoot at our offices. Maybe in a few more years, we’ll be boasting about one more big name who came from our hometown.

Yours in Dragon Pride,

Mike Tesoriero | Publisher

Mike@SouthlakeStyle.com

ON THE COVER THE BEST BY PAR Chiara Brambilla follows through

Photo by BluDoor Studios

Mariah Burnell, DO

Lisa Maehara,

ALWAYS in season

Dragons Convene: Boys lacrosse gets their head in the game.

PERSONAL INJURY | FAMILY | CRIMINAL DEFENSE

ALL-STAR ORTHOPAEDICS

Carroll ISD’s Official Orthopaedic, Sports Medicine And Spinal Care Provider

As Carroll ISD's official orthopaedic, sports medicine and spinal care provider, All-Star Orthopaedics understands that being part of a community means being there for everyone, including parents, grandparents, siblings and athletes playing on the field. That's why we treat our community as our own family.

We are pleased to announce the latest additions to our AllStar Orthopaedic team. Dr. Robert Runner joined us just before the holidays in late December and has already become an integral part of the practice. Dr. Runner is a renowned joint replacement and reconstructive surgeon with an excellent bedside manner who ensures you will be taken care of. We are also excited to welcome Dr. Scott Hrnack, who joined us back in February. Dr. Hrnack has been serving the Keller community and beyond for many years and will continue to do so from our North Fort Worth office. Dr. Hrnack specializes in general orthopaedics and sports medicine, and we are so grateful to have him as part of the All-Star team.

“The Doctor and his staff were all superb. I wasn’t expecting to walk out feeling relieved, but I did. ”

— Pietra K.

Our goal remains the same: to help you regain an active life by treating injuries incurred on the sports field, in the workplace and during everyday life. We are skilled in detecting common condi tions accompanying aging and creating custom treatment plans to reduce their effects. We specialize in joint replacement surgery and can help alleviate many aches and pains. While surgery may be nec essary in some cases, our doctors will work with you to determine the most effective treatment plan and get you back to an active lifestyle as quickly as possible. The friendly staff, personalized care, conservative treatment plans and state-of-the-art facilities are just a few reasons why patients refer All-Star to their family and friends over and over again without hesitation.

At All-Star, we aren’t just your orthopaedic providers — we are FAMILY. When you are injured and unsure where to go first, call or text us and we’ll make sure you get seen on the same or next day. We are on a mission to get you in, get you seen and get you and yours BACK IN THE GAME.

(Back L to R) W. Grear Hurt, M.D.; Stephen Timon, M.D.; Thomas Schott, M.D.; and Kevin Honig, M.D.

(Front L to R) Brian Straus, M.D.; Michael Hahn, M.D.; Bing Tsay, M.D.; and Mark Greenberg, M.D.

Robert Runner M.D.

Scott Hrnack M.D.

SPORTS IN REVIEW

DRAGONS

GAINING MOMENTUM

Having been around high school baseball for many years, Larry Vucan has developed a sixth sense when it comes to team talent and mentality. This year, the longtime Carroll coach sees familiar glimmers of brilliance reminiscent of teams from the past. What remains to be seen is whether this year’s team can overcome its relative inexperience and continue moving towards postseason greatness of its own.

However, before any postseason run can start, the Dragons (17-10 overall, 5-3 in district) must handle several District 4-6A opponents who are stocked with veteran-laden rosters that are creating a bottleneck for teams vying for playoff berths with just four games remaining.

“I think this is a special group,” says Vucan, who has coached Carroll teams to three Class 6A state titles, most recently in 2022. “I've always said, ‘I think they can be state champions this year, or we can miss the playoffs.’ It's just putting it together.”

Although Carroll took its lumps early in the season playing high-level competition with many young and new-to-varsity athletes, the Dragons have made strides and found some consistency, especially on the mound. Junior pitchers Ethan Baiotto (4-3, 0.81 ERA, 47 strikeouts), a right-hander, and Jack Fuller (4-2, 1.66 ERA, 27 Ks), a lefty, have both led the pitching staff and each hurled no-hitters this season.

Offensively, Carroll struggled early when trying to capitalize with runners on base. The team’s average with runners in scoring position was a meager .143 until renewed efforts at the plate helped it rise to nearly .300.

Cody Cashon, the Dragons’ catcher and senior leader, provided an offensive spark leading the team in average (.351) and RBI (15) late in district play. Senior outfielder Grant Moore (.347, team-leading 25 hits), junior Evan Robson (.327, 12 RBI), and junior shortstop Davis Perkins (.313, 13 RBI) also helped put runs on the board.

“We need to continue to get them on, get them over and get them in,” Vucan says. “A lot of that comes down to execution, mindset and maturity.”

Performing in the clutch at the plate was a big focus as Carroll entered the stretch run in third place. Ahead of them, Keller Fossil Ridge and Timber Creek, both 5-3, sit in first and second place respectively with the Dragons slated to play Fossil Ridge in the last two games of the regular season. Normal district contender Keller was in fourth place (6-4).

“Everybody has really good pitching this year, including Fossil Ridge,” Vucan says. “We're going to have to out-produce people. And whether we win 1-0 or we win 10-9, I don't care as long as we get the win.”

Vucan hopes the incredibly stout pre-district schedule he constructed pays dividends in finishing district strong and carrying that into the playoffs. Facing the state champs from Hawaii, California (Santa Margarita), Mississippi (Magnolia Heights) and state runners-up from Arizona (Queen Creek), the young Dragons were battle-tested.

“I would put up our schedule against anybody’s in the country,” Vucan says. “We're hoping it all comes to fruition.”

Head Coach: Larry Vucan Assistant Coaches:

DRAGONS SOFTBALL

HOT BATS AND DEFENSE SHINE

Clinching a second-place playoff berth near the end of the regular season and taking care of business against district opponents, the Carroll softball team doesn’t look like it returned just three starters from a year ago. However, steady pitching coupled with dangerous bats gave the Lady Dragons a chance to compete all season long.

“As a coach, it's always great to have whoever steps in the box [make you feel] like, ‘OK, we’ve got a chance,’” says head coach Tim Stuewe, who watched his team compile a 24-6 record (8-2 in district) with two games remaining in the regular season. “They all have the potential of doing damage at the plate.”

Junior shortstop and three-year starter Scarlett Kuhn tops the charts for the Lady Dragons in several key categories, including batting average of .453 (43-of-95) while also hitting nine home runs and driving in 37 RBI. Six more Dragons with at least 58 official at-bats have averages over .300, including juniors Jordan Stewart (.438, 30 RBI), Sammy Petkus (.392) and Emmy May (.341, 22 RBI, 10 doubles), as well as sophomores Olivia McCarrick (.389, four triples), Kelli Warden (.301, four HR) and senior Ava Ordaz (.328, 16 walks).

The players impress with their glove work as well. Although Kuhn and Stewart anchor the left side of the infield with experience, the right side is made up of new comers, but their speed and defensive prowess is already having an impact.

“At least once or twice a game, they'll make a phenomenal catch,” Stuewe says. “Whenever there's one that eight out of 10 outfielders wouldn't have a chance to get to, they're doing it all the time because they run really well.

“If a fly ball hits the ground, I get on to them because my expectations have got ten so high. It's a good problem to have.”

Last year, the Lady Dragons relied on the dominating pitching of Cameron Timmons, now on the mound for Harding University. This season, Carroll has looked to the pitching tandem of sophomore Sinclaire Robinson (11-2, 2.48 ERA) and junior Aubree Shelton (9-2, 2.87). Although neither are overpowering like their predecessor, they keep the ball in the park, allowing the defense to make plays.

Head Coach: Tim Stuewe

Assistant Coaches: Jennifer Hutto, Callie Pomroy, Emilia Egel

1

Carroll started the season 8-0 before losing its first game to Melissa at the Allen tournament. The venue proved challenging, as the Lady Dragons dropped three of five games at the tournament. Other than a 5-2 non-district loss to Mansfield Legacy, Carroll’s only other losses came in its two district meetings with 4-6A leader Keller (20-7-2).

“Both times we played [Keller], it was a matter of a break here, a break there,” Stuewe says. “If the break would have gone our way, we very easily could be unde feated in district.”

Now, Carroll sets its sights on the playoffs, hoping to advance multiple rounds as it has three of the last four postseasons. The Lady Dragons reached Round 4 in 2023 and 2021, and lost in Round 3 in 2019.

DRAGONS BOYS GOLF

SWINGING FOR STATE

The last time the Carroll boys golf team competed in the UIL state tournament, some of the current team’s youngest members were in fifth grade.

That all changed at the Class 6A Region I tournament April 15-16, where the Dragons ended their four-year drought and finished second, earning a spot at the state meet April 29-30 in Georgetown.

Carroll last won the state title in 2015 and last competed at the state tourna ment in 2019 when it finished eighth. Thanks to strong performances from seniors like Luke Evans and Jason Lew, the Dragons prepare to write another chapter in the team’s history.

“You're always sitting there thinking that someone's going to turn the script around,” associate head golf coach Paige Martin says regarding the team’s return to state. “I feel like these boys really took it to heart and really wanted to change the narrative. They wanted to be the team to really make that happen. When they did, you could tell it was kind of a sense of relief, and they were excited.”

The Dragons charge this season was led by Evans, the team’s No. 1 starter and team captain. Lew came on strong as the season progressed, working hard to become a regular member of the tournament roster. The seniors were assisted by the young talent of sophomores Andrea Birolini, Preston Mohon and Kye Davis, who rounded out the group heading to state.

“I think it took us almost a whole year to piece together the right team,” associate head golf coach Matt Glenn says. “Once we put everybody together, it fell into place.”

The team stayed in the fight throughout the season, finishing in the top three at five of its nine tournaments this year, including two tournament wins. The Carroll boys registered their best score at the Bart Granger Memorial Tournament (287-286 - 573 two-day total) to start the season, but had their best showing among a highlycompetitive field at the Regional Preview Tournament in March. It was the Dragons’ first win and served as a turning point in the season.

Associate Head Coaches:

Matt Glenn and Paige Martin

Assistant Coach: Tim Gaestel

Luke Evans

“I think that's where you could really see it click [for the golfers] that, ‘Hey, we can actually do this,’” Martin says.

At the District 4-6A tournament, Carroll took first (284-299 - 583) in front of Trophy Club Byron Nelson. The Regional tournament provided a challenging field, and the Dragons finished second (297-287 - 584), wedged between regional winner Highland Park and third-place Dallas Jesuit.

Other than competition from their own region, Carroll’s coaches believed they were ready to face off against Austin-area schools Westlake and Lake Travis at the state tournament, as well as Houston Memorial, The Woodlands and Mansfield.

“As far as how they hit the golf ball, they're going to match up with any team that's going to be down there,” Glenn says. “I honestly think this group's going to be pretty ready.”

DRAGONS

GIRLS GOLF

ATOP THE LEADERBOARD

Kicking off the year with a strong showing at the season-opening tournament in September, the Carroll girls golf team’s impressive results foreshadowed a suc cessful season ahead.

Not only did the Lady Dragons register their first tournament win at the Heart of Texas event at Pecan Valley in Fort Worth, but they immediately achieved a goal they intended to reach before the season’s end — to break par as a team. Shooting 287 on Day 2 proved to the team that their lofty goals were attainable.

With a first-place finish at the Class 6A Region I tournament April 17-18, the Lady Dragons had their focus on the biggest prize of the year this May as they returned to the state meet, where they finished sixth in 2023.

“I think their eyes are set to win,” associate head golf coach Paige Martin says. “They know that they're capable of it.”

The girls golf program, which won consecutive state titles in 2008 and 2009, has not taken gold since, but has been to state every year since 2013 and last medaled in 2022 with a third-place finish.

The Lady Dragons have impressed all season long, winning five of their 10 tournaments in the fall and spring and finishing second twice. Carroll faced its toughest pre-district competition at the State Preview Tournament in November and finished fifth. But the team continued to show improvement, winning four of its last six meets leading up to state, including the District 4-6A meet in late March and the regional meet.

“[They] got beat by a couple of the teams that are in our region [at the State Preview],” Martin says. “So that was nice to get the regional win, get a little revenge there and go into state on a high note.”

Associate Head Coaches:

Matt Glenn and Paige Martin

Assistant Coach: Tim Gaestel

Chiara Brambilla Sr.

Anna Simpson Sr. Chahak Goswami Jr

Jessie Norman Jr

Kinnison Ward Jr

Tyler Burtnett So.

Aubrie Nolen So.

With a roster consisting of two seniors, three juniors, two sophomores and a freshman, the Lady Dragons are led by players who have their share of experience.

Senior Chiara Brambilla, the No. 1-ranked girls AJGA golfer in Texas, has been on varsity all four years and reached state every year. Sophomores Tyler Burtnett and Aubrie Nolen made the trip to state last year, and freshman Gia Ahlowalia has already shown talent and potential in her first varsity season.

“I think our team has a lot of talent,” says associate head golf coach Matt Glenn, who has coached Carroll golf for over 20 years. “They know it's the end of the season and are starting to really click.”

Glenn said he expects teams like Austin Vandegrift, Humble Kingwood and Austin Westlake to be some of the biggest challenges they’ll face at state, not ing that all 12 teams at the tournament will be tough to beat. However, the Lady Dragons’ mentality on the course gives them as good a chance as any to claim the gold medal.

“They're not intimidated, they're not scared and they seem like they're ready to roll every time they're out,” Glenn says. “That's what I like about this team.”

(L-R) Garrett, Kathy, Brody, Averi and Jesse Hull

DRAGONS

Head Coach: Rainey Hodgson

RESILIENT SQUAD OVERCOMES SETBACKS

Bouncing back from setbacks and making things right appears to be a theme for the Carroll girls lacrosse team. Lady Dragons coach Rainey Hodgson saw the trend continue all season long.

The ability to rebound was on display early in the schedule. After winning a tightly-contested season opener 9-8 over Coppell, Carroll dropped the next three in a row to Keller, Austin Anderson and reigning Division I state champs Hockaday by a combined total of 45-26. But even though the Lady Dragons suffered some tough blows, the team didn’t stay down for long.

“Being able to bounce back and win the next five straight games shows how resilient this team is,” says Hodgson, who’s in her third year leading Carroll (7-4 overall, 2-3 in district with two games remaining). “They have understood that in order to be successful, we all have to thrive together.”

The Lady Dragons continue to rebound from a 2023 season that saw them finish 6-9 after losing their first-round playoff contest. They even buried some ghosts this spring with a 12-8 regular season win over Flower Mound, the same team that knocked them from the postseason opener last year and the quarterfinal round the year before.

“[That] game meant a lot to our team, and it was crucial to make sure we stay focused in the moment to do our jobs and not get caught up in the emotions of it all,” Hodgson says, adding that the win “was a huge achievement for our team and program.”

After graduating seven seniors in 2023, just two seniors remain — defender Brooklyn Crowe and midfielder Keira Wallace. The roster is rounded out with five freshmen, six sophomores and nine juniors.

Two of the team’s younger players are standing out this season, with freshman midfielder Alexa Koerckel leading in scoring (33 goals), while also registering 35 draw controls, 19 ground balls and 15 caused turnovers. Sophomore attacker Haley Marburg has added 12 goals. Junior attacker Brooke Sganga (29 goals) has been an offensive force, while junior attacker Bria White has contributed 12 assists. Defensively, Wallace has led the way with 18 caused turnovers and 23 ground balls.

“They are so explosive and relentless as one unit,” Hodgson says. “When the defense makes a stop, it sparks our offensive play, and vice versa.”

The team has also shown its ability to play with cool heads despite intense play from opponents. Facing Episcopal School of Dallas (ESD) in the fittingly Military Appreciation Game, Carroll found itself battling against an aggressive team, and tempers could easily have flared. But the Lady Dragons kept it in check and walked away with a win. Carroll will need to finish strong with a similar mix of maturity and determination when the young and talented team enters the postseason.

“In order for our team to excel in the postseason, they will have to play a full game,” she says. “There are no minutes we can waste on not executing our game plan.”

Assistant Coaches: Sarah Newman, Kendall Garrett, Rachel Hall

0 Bria White Jr

1 Piper Haas So. 3 Kimbyl Belnap Jr 5 Elizabeth Dyer So. 11 Brooke Sganga Jr 13 Lauren Tiddy So.

Alison Parsons Jr 17 Abby Gokenbach So.

Gabbi Forry Jr 20 Ari Berger Fr

Haley Marburg So.

Lauren Tillotson Jr

Brooklyn Crowe Sr. 27 Keira Wallace Sr. 28 Abbey Whitaker So. 31 Maya Lind Fr

44 Molly Murday Jr

46 Parker Iak Fr

47 Alexa Koerckel Fr

55 Bella Kaplan Jr

66 Sammy Petkus Jr

99 Libby Day Fr

DRAGONS BOYS LACROSSE

NEW GOALIE AND GOAL SCORERS EMERGE

After graduating five defensemen and installing a freshman in goal, there were many questions about how the boys lacrosse team would prepare themselves for the 2024 season opener. However, a mix of veteran and younger players have stepped up on all fronts, affording the Dragons (6-2 overall versus Texas teams, 2-1 in conference play) a prime position in the state playoff tournament this May.

The defensive effort from the young unit proved itself early in the schedule as the Dragons defeated Allen 13-4, Houston St. John’s 13-3 and division rival Keller by 19-8. Carroll also registered wins of 14-4 over Dallas St. Marks and another lopsided 12-6 victory against Coppell midway through the season.

The biggest boost to the Dragons’ defensive success has come from the play of freshman goalkeeper Jaxon Taylor. Normally, a young athlete in goal could be a potential liability, but Taylor has proven his future is bright in the sport, registering an impressive save percentage of 62% of shots on goal.

“In my opinion, he's been one of the best goalies in the state of Texas,” head coach Bruce Frady says. “For a freshman to do that is more than we ever expected to happen. So I'm very blessed and very happy and I definitely think we've done more on that end of the field than probably any coaches expected us to.”

Carroll’s offense was also tasked with overcoming the departure of a prolific goal scorer Luke Sganga, whose 270-plus career varsity points headed to the University of Utah after graduation. This season, senior attacker Quinn Tyler has become the go-to guy, scoring a team-high 36 goals and adding nine assists for 45 points late in the season.

Sophomore attacker Max Bushaw (26 goals, 11 assists) and senior midfielder Sam Sheehan (14 goals, 16 assists) both came on strong with increased scoring to provide Carroll’s offensive threat with more than enough firepower.

Earlier in the season, the team traveled to Florida to take on three quality programs. Falling to Boca Raton-based Saint Andrews (17-1) by a 15-5 final might have stung initially, but it was a great test that strengthened the Dragons for the long season ahead.

The same can be said for Carroll’s meetings with Texas powers Westlake and Highland Park, the No. 1 and No. 2 teams in the state rankings. The losses were lopsided, but it was just the matchups Frady’s team needed to refocus and retool just a few games remaining before the postseason. The Dragons are working to rebound from a 2023 playoff appearance that saw them fall by a slender 15-14 margin to The Episcopal School of Dallas in the first round.

“I think it's Highland Park, Westlake, The Woodlands, and then I would say that we're in the mix,” Frady says of the teams he expects to be competing for the Double-A division state title in May. “We've got to dominate at the faceoff and we've got to play great defense. That's the bottom line.”

DRAGONS GIRLS SOCCER

NEW TALENT KEEPS ON SCORING

With the early departure of two sensational sophomores in Kennedy Fuller and Zoe Matthews, who combined for 77 goals and 52 assists in 2023, head coach Matt Colvin was expecting this year’s Lady Dragons to focus more on defense. However, the scoring didn’t stop as this year’s squad produced 164 goals in 26 games (6.31 average), which was comparable to last year’s offensive juggernaut that produced 190 goals in 30 games (6.33 per game).

The result was an impressive team that didn’t appear to miss a beat, as the Lady Dragons (24-1-1) compiled an undefeated record in the regular season before falling in a shootout to eventual state champs Prosper in the fourth round of the UIL Class 6A playoffs.

“I thought we were going to be a real lock-down, defensive-type team, but as we made our way through the offseason, some kids really stepped up and showed some real good ability on the ball,” says Colvin, who has guided Carroll to three state titles in his 24 seasons at Southlake Carroll. “It was just going to be interesting [to see] who was going to step up in the offensive third and score goals.”

While Fuller (55 goals, 26 assists in 2023) graduated early and signed a professional contract with NWSL team Angels FC, her sister Kamdyn kept the family name in the scoring sheets. The sophomore midfielder took the offensive lead this season, pacing Carroll with 41 goals and 24 assists to earn district Offensive MVP honors.

Kamdyn was joined by other veteran midfielders including junior Hannah Jordan (29 goals, 29 assists, Midfield MVP in district), senior Kenzi Tufts (17 goals, 11 assists, Utility MVP) and freshman Audrey Anderson (15 goals, 15 assists, Midfield Newcomer of the Year).

“Having question marks of, ‘who's going to do this and who's going to do that’... it always seems like we have kids that come in and are able to fulfill those roles,” Colvin says.

Before realizing this team’s scoring punch, Colvin felt very confident in his team’s defensive capabilities thanks to the solid play of Abby Mills. The senior and Notre Dame commit provided solid play, garnering Defensive MVP honors in district. Defenders Lexi Khan and Kaylie Harris were named first-team All-District, as was senior goalkeeper Kat Dalton, who registered 11 shutouts and a 0.62 goals per game average.

Coasting through the first three playoff rounds, the Lady Dragons faced Prosper minus a couple of players due to club contests, then received a red card and played nearly 30 minutes down a player. Tied 1-1 after overtime, Carroll lost 5-4 in the shootout round.

“Going through all of preseason and district with just a tie… that's a pretty awe some thing because the game doesn't always treat you the right way,” Colvin says. “To get four games away from having [a completely] undefeated season, that's a pretty awesome accomplishment.”

Head Coach: Matt Colvin Assistant Coaches: Lindsey

DRAGONS

BOYS SOCCER

ACCOLADES ABOUND FOR YOUNG SQUAD

Inexperience, injuries and a tough non-district schedule tested the Carroll boys soccer team as they entered district competition. The talented young Dragons shook off a challenging start to the season before going 8-1-1 over its final 10 games as they headed into the playoffs as the district’s No. 2 seed.

The Dragons opened the playoffs with a 3-1 win over North Crowley as junior midfielder Liam Burns (team-leading 11 assists this season) provided the hat trick. The Dragons reached the postseason’s second round before losing to familiar opponent El Paso Eastlake, but the team’s coaching staff says there are many positive takeaways for a squad that finished the season 14-7-2 overall and 8-3-1 in district.

“It's a step in the right direction,” third-year head coach Chris Padilla says. “To have such an influence by younger players and to have them get the experience of what playing at the next level looks like, playing in the playoffs, giving them a taste of it, I think is really good to set us up for the future.”

The Dragons are set to return playmakers next year, including junior forward and District Co-MVP Fife Adeyemo (nine goals, seven assists). Better still, John Skiermont, only a freshman, was the team’s top scorer with 10 goals and an assist and was named the district’s Co-Offensive Player of the Year. Joining him is fellow freshman Hyoungju Kim, who was named Midfield Newcomer of the Year.

A big reason for the Dragons’ late-season resurgence was due to senior Charlie Su’s return to the field. Su, who has played various positions from forward to defender, was injured the first part of the year but made an impact upon his return.

“When he got fit and rejoined us about halfway through district, it unlocked everything for us,” Padilla says of Su, who was named the district’s Utility Player of the Year. “You could make the argument that he was the most important player on our team. [His return] allowed us to play the type of soccer we wanted to play.”

With Su in proper form, the Dragon style of play became less direct offensively and more about maintaining possession, changing the point of attack and connecting passes from the middle to the final third for scoring opportunities. Carroll saw its district scoring rise from 10 goals in the first half to 20 goals with Su in play.

Defensively, the Dragons were anchored by sophomore goalkeeper Graham Byrne, who replaced former keeper Alex Hall — one of 20 seniors to graduate from the 2023 team. Senior center back Jet Statham provided quality individual defending as Carroll allowed a meager 1.1 goals per game and recorded five shutouts.

“We had players unavailable in that second round… and what we learned about our team is whoever we plug into the starting 11 was going to fight,” Padilla says. “I think that our mentality in that game was excellent.”

Head Coach: Chris Padilla

Assistant Coaches:

BY JOE KUSUMOTO

SPOTLIGHT

CLIMBING TO NEW HEIGHTS

Southlake’s newest Olympian heads to Paris p.24

PHOTO

SOUTHLAKE SPEED CLIMBER QUALIFIES FOR PARIS OLYMPIC GAMES

Sam Watson, an 18-year-old Southlake climber, will be competing for the gold medal at the 2024 Summer Olympics. Qualifying last fall at the Pan American Games Santiago, Sam currently holds the world record for speed climbing with a time of 4.79 seconds at the IFSC World Cup Wujiang. Speed climbing since winning his first medal in 2020, Sam’s focus turns to Paris to compete at the Summer Olympics Aug. 6-8. “It’s been a huge deal,” Sam says. “I feel like this is the culmination of my entire process that I’ve been working on for the past three years.”

DRAGON GOLF COMPETES AT STATE

The Dragon boys and girls golf teams traveled to Georgetown earlier this month to play in the 2024 state championship. Competing against 11 of the best programs across the state, the boys held their own against topranking teams such as Lake Travis and The Woodlands, finishing with a final score of 598. The girls fared even better, finishing fourth with a final score of 603 as sophomore Tyler Burtnett finished in the top 10 with a total score of 146. Freshman Gia Ahlowalia and sophomore Aubrie Nolen followed closely behind with scores of 149 and 151 respectively.

KENNEDY FULLER GOES PRO

After forgoing a college scholarship from the University of North Carolina, Southlake Carroll soccer star Kennedy Fuller made the decision to go pro with the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL). The 2022 state champion and 2023 Gatorade National Soccer Player of the Year signed a three-year contract with Angel City FC before turning 17. She started the team’s home opener, has been a consistent contributor in six professional games and was labeled as a rookie to watch. “She possesses a tactical level of understanding beyond her years of experience,” ACFC general manager Angela Hucles says. “That combined with her clean technique is a fantastic addition to our team.”

Photo by Angel City FC

SOUTHLAKE CARROLL TRACK & FIELD EXCEL AT STATE COMPETITION

The national boys cross-country runner of the year has done it again. On May 4, sophomore Caden Leonard ran a 4:09.39 to win the 1600m at the track and field state championship. But that wasn’t the only contest where he excelled. Earlier in the day, Leonard also ran a personal best of 8:51.57 as the state’s runner-up in the 3200m race. Fellow Dragon teammate Zach Troutman closely followed from behind, running 8:51.64 for third place in a mere photo finish.

LADY DRAGON SOFTBALL KEEPS ROLLING

Coach Tim Stuewe’s softball team is on a roll with a 33-8 overall record as they continue to advance through the postseason. Despite a youthful lineup, the Lady Dragons have shown their toughness as they defeated crosstown rivals Keller Timber Creek in a best-of-three-game series. The Lady Dragons advanced to face the state’s top-ranked team Denton Guyer in May, who defeated both Arlington Martin and Flower Mound.

DRAGON TENNIS EXCELS AT REGIONALS

The Dragon Tennis District champions sent 11 high-seeded players to the regional competition in McKinney earlier this month. The Dragon boys doubles teams went head to head when Andy Li and Rushil Rajpal faced the sophomore duo of Andrew Whitehead and Haydn Kim. Li, an experienced senior, and freshman Rajpal won 7-6, 6-2 to win the region and head to the state competition. Whitehead and Kim finished third, as did the Lady Dragon doubles team of Macyn McCaffrey and Loelle Kim.

DRAGON SOCCER PLAYERS WIN TASCO AWARDS

In late April, the Texas Association of Soccer Coaches announced its Class 6A All-Region and All-State awards, and six Dragons were honored across the boys and girls teams. For the Lady Dragons, defender Abby Mills was named first team All-State while midfielders Kamdyn Fuller and Hannah Jordan were named first team All-Region. Dragon forward Fife Ademayo and defender Jet Statham were named to the All-Region first and second teams respectively, while Kenzi Tufts and Liam Burns were both named honorable mentions.

DRAGONS

DRAGON BASEBALL ADVANCES TO REGIONALS

The Dragon Baseball team compiled a 26-11 record as they advance towards the state championships in June. After defeating LD Bell and becoming bi-district champions, the Dragons defeated rival El Paso Americas behind six strong innings from pitcher Ethan Baiotto. The Dragons advanced to face the Keller Indians in late May, who finished third in 4-6A with a 21-11-1 record. The teams split a two-game series during district play in March.

53 DRAGON ATHLETES TO PLAY IN COLLEGE

During Southlake Carroll’s National Signing Day ceremonies held this school year, over 53 Dragon athletes signed letters of intent, committing themselves to playing their sport in college. Family and friends gathered at Carroll Senior High School to commemorate student-athletes achievements across Carroll’s soccer, swimming, baseball, volleyball, cross-country, track, golf and water polo programs and celebrate them moving on to play at the collegiate level. Photo by Dragon Pride Media

DRAGON FINISHES THIRD IN STATE SHOT PUT

One Carroll junior finished in the top three at the 6A shot put state championships earlier this month. At 6-foot-2 and 215 pounds, Bowen Fleming regularly throws well over 50 feet. While he threw for over 55 feet at the UIL regional competition, he played his personal best at state with a 59-foot-9.75 distance, finishing third behind Arlington Lamar’s Evan Martinez and Katy’s Adam Carter.

ATHLETICS HALL OF HONOR WELCOMES NEW CLASS

On March 23, Carroll ISD welcomed 11 new inductees from the class of 2023 into the Athletic Hall of Honor. Former Dragon athletes, coaches and supporters gathered at the Southlake Hilton to celebrate the teams and individuals joining the ranks of some of Southlake Carroll’s best. This year’s athletic inductees include football players Adam Ulatoski and Tre Newton, basketball players Kathy O’Brien and Kennedy Leonard, diver Grace Kazmierski, track and cross-country runner Reed Brown, softball player Whitney Riley Adair and soccer player Domenic Mediate. The 1982 baseball team and the 1993 football teams were also inducted, as was longtime fan and supporter Bob Beauvais.

SOUTHLAKE CARROLL IN LEAD FOR LONE STAR CUP

After the second of four updates on March 14th from the UIL, Southlake Carroll was in first place to take home its ninth Lone Star Cup. Awarded annually by the University Interscholastic League, schools in each classification earn points based on their athletic teams' performances in district and state championships. With the results of swimming and diving, wrestling, basketball and more, Southlake Carroll had 75 points and remained in first place over Allen at 55 points and Conroe The Woodlands at 53 points total. The final update will be released on June 13th.

THE DRIVE TO SUCCEED

CHIARA

BRAMBILLA HAS WORKED HER WAY TO THE TOP

BY ZACH WARNER WITH PHOTOS BY BLUDOOR STUDIOS

sity of Houston. Needless to say, Brambilla is glad she

FROM DRIVE BY TO DRIVING

The golf course soon went from a nice place to drive by in a car to a common destination to drive shots. It wasn’t long before Brambilla started taking lessons

In St. Louis volleyball junior, to realize that her sister could excel on a different path.

“It was honestly right away in her first tournament,” says Laura of when she first noticed Chiara’s talent. “It was a very small one, but she won it and I think she made a birdie. We were all like, ‘Wow, your first tournament and you've already made a birdie,’ which is awesome.

“She found her true passion in golf, and it's kind of something that she's always just been inherently good at,” she says. “We all just kind of knew when she started she was going to be amazing at golf, and she is. She proved us all right.”

It took a while before Chiara saw the same light. She tried to juggle two sports entering high school, managing a schedule of high school volleyball, club volleyball, high school golf and AJGA events.

The hectic schedule was difficult to maintain in itself, but noticing steady improvement on the golf course became the tipping point during her freshman season. Practice with a club in hand was garnering better results than what she saw on the gym floor.

“That year, I realized I was pretty good at golf compared to those around me, and I really had improved a lot,” Chiara says. “I thought, ‘You know what, it's time to put up volleyball and give golf a real try.’”

Positive results from the move quickly ensued. Chiara won her first two-day tournament the summer before her sophomore year, registering a personal-best perfor-

mance. She captured several other two-day junior golf tournaments, and even qualified for the ING World Cham pionships in California — her first travel tournament.

The summers heading into her junior and senior years were filled with weekly travel to AJGA events across the U.S., all featuring the top 50 girls golfers in the country. Chiara won the Northwest Arkansas Open last September — her biggest win to date. Playing in the Southwestern Women’s Amateur Tournament last summer pitted her against college girls from big schools such as UT Austin. And the AJGA Invitational in Stanford this past February featured girls on the U.S. Junior Solheim Cup team, consisting of the top 10 players in the country.

The tournament win and others in which she placed near the top earned her the No. 1 ranking in the state for girls golf by the AJGA.

“That's just crazy to me. It feels surreal,” Chiara says. “It’s because of how much work I've put in and how much I've sacrificed. [The golf course] is my second home.”

DRAGON DRIVE TIME

A member of the varsity program all four years, the Lady Dragons have reaped the benefits of Chiara’s dedication, advancing to the 6A state tournament every year in no small part due to her performance.

Chiara was welcomed by the upperclassmen her freshman season, as the older girls took her under their wing and helped with the adjustment to the high school golf game. Chiara benefitted from their mentorship and built some friendships that continue today. The veterans watched her game continue to develop over the coming seasons, as she became a leader and consistent playmaker.

“She's very strong mentally, and golf is a very big mental sport,” says MaKayla Tyrrell, a friend and former Carroll golfer now playing on the Oklahoma University golf team. “She's a very hard worker, and I've seen her come a long way.

“When you're on a team, you want to try and work your way up to be the best player on the team, and she's done a really good job of that.”

Chiara comes through when the season is on the line, regularly leading the Lady Dragons in shooting low scores at the season’s toughest meets, especially in the postseason. One of her more memorable performances was at the 6A Region I meet in 2023, where she shot a second-round 65 to set the regional and course record at Tangle Ridge Golf Course in Grand Prairie. She nearly copied that effort on the same course at this spring’s regional meet, shoot ing a 68. Both times, her performance propelled the Lady Dragons to state.

Her coaches will attest her play during competition isn’t the only valuable asset she brings to the team.

“She's been a world-beater for us and a good leader,” says Matt Glenn, associate head golf coach at Carroll. “I think the biggest thing is her example of the time she puts in towards trying to make her golf game great. She's not going to verbally say, ‘You girls need to get out and get to working.’ She just sets a good example, and then those [younger players] fall in line.”

PLAYING THE LONG GAME

Chiara’s ability to drive the ball as far as 290 yards and putt with consistency are currently her greatest strengths. Competitive by nature, she wants to continue working on her short game, but really enjoys displaying her hitting distance in practice.

“Every day at practice, I'm out with [Carroll boys golf team members], teeing it up from way back there, try ing to beat them,” she says. “I’ll play against them, but I'll play from their tees, because they'll get mad at me. They'll be like, ‘Well, you're playing from further up’, and I’m like, ‘Well, I'm a girl.’ But I'll put myself all the way back there with them, and then I'll beat them and they'll still get mad.”

Receiving a scholarship to play college golf at Houston — a resurging girls program considered one of the best in the nation — allows her to keep pursuing the dream of playing in the LPGA. Chiara was impressed with the program, facilities and coaches immediately, first visiting the campus in March 2023. Although she expects to receive top coaching to prepare her for success in the future and hopefully as a professional, Chiara also knows succeeding in the sport in the NCAA and beyond is something that won’t come easy.

“I'm going in as kind of an underdog,” she says. “I don't think many people thought I was going to go to a Big 12 Conference school, because I haven't been playing golf as long as other top golfers, but I don't think anyone is going to see it coming, because I've just been practicing nonstop.”

Those who know her best don’t count her out when it comes to reaching her goals. That includes her studies, as she’ll be graduating summa cum laude in the spring with a 4.0 GPA.

Whether giving her best on the golf course or excelling in academics, they expect her to come out with that same amount of fight and intensity that she’s displayed since she first took up the sport.

“She's not willing to lose,” says Paige Martin, Carroll associate head golf coach. “There's nothing that's going to stop that kid, and she's going to lay it all out there, no matter the outcome. Sometimes you see kids that want to give up and want to stop working, and that's not in her nature.”

Whether it’s on the golf course or in the classroom, Chiara gives her best at everything she does, believing that her efforts will take her further than even her deep swings do.

“I want to be a professional golfer and represent my country in some big tournaments,” Chiara says. “I’m hopeful that’s where my future lies.”

Meet The Dragons’ Newest State Wrestling Champion

In 2021, Bayley Trang was crowned the Dragon wrestling team’s first 6A state champion. This past spring, sophomore Dylan Ota is continuing Southlake Carroll’s legacy of excellence as its newest state titleholder. At 106 pounds and with a 45-3 record, Dylan’s technique and tenacity can take down any opponent regardless of their age or experience. While he’s currently ranked the No. 1 wrestler in the state for his weight class, he continues to train for nationals this summer. Because if there’s anything that wrestling has taught him, it’s that there’s always room for improvement.

I’VE BEEN WRESTLING FOR AROUND… 11 years, ever since I was 5 years old. My dad initially signed my brother and I up, and we just kind of stuck with it. I enjoy the challenge that comes with it. There are many obstacles you face that you have to push past, and it makes you mentally stronger.

WHEN YOU’RE DOWN AND LOSING A MATCH, THERE’S… only so much time to try and make it up, so you’ve got to just focus on your moves and try as hard as you can to make up those points that you’ve lost. You really have to try and not panic. Once you panic, your match suddenly becomes that much harder to win.

I’VE ALWAYS BEEN ON THE… smaller side [of my weight class], so I’ve always had to wrestle guys who are bigger and older than me. I just always try to stay calm throughout the whole thing and focus on the moves I’ve practiced over and over again.

YOU HAVE TO KEEP REMINDING YOURSELF

THAT… even if you’re down, you can always make a comeback. It doesn’t matter how many points you’re down by. All it takes is one pin on the mat, and you can win the whole match. Remembering that always helps me keep myself focused.

I FIRST QUALIFIED FOR STATE IN MY… freshman year. I knew I had a good chance of going far in the tournament. I just had to push myself to do my very best. I ended up finishing sixth out of 16 wrestlers in my bracket, and it was only my first year.

I DEFINITELY FELT A LOT MORE… confident going into state in my second year. I knew that I had

a better chance of winning compared to the other wrestlers — I just had to approach it like any other match and keep focusing on my technique.

I COMPETED ACROSS… four rounds, pinning wrestlers from Katy, Klein and Conroe Woodlands in my first three matches. When I got to the final match, I focused on wearing down my opponent knowing that I could outlast him. I won 6-3 after pulling a reversal and scoring two near-fall points to win the state championship.

WINNING THE STATE CHAMPIONSHIP WAS... exhilarating. I knew what I could accomplish, so to me, it was about reaching my potential more than anything else. Celebrating my gold medal alongside my family and teammates is an experience I’ll never forget.

BESIDES AIMING TO RETURN TO STATE AGAIN NEXT YEAR… I also want to wrestle for the Texas National Team this summer. The USA Wrestling 18U National Duals will be in Tulsa, Oklahoma in June, and the Junior National Championships will be held in North Dakota in July. I just came back from the U.S. Open U17 World Team Trials in Las Vegas, where I achieved All-American status in Greco-Roman wrestling by placing eighth at 48 kilograms.

I’M SO GRATEFUL TO ALL OF MY… coaches and practice partners who have refined my skills as a wrestler. They’ve helped me understand that wrestling is just as much about your mentality as it is your technique. I’ll take their lessons with me as I continue to improve on the mat.

FIVE MINUTES with ...

DYLAN OTA

PHOTO

REPRESENTED

REPRESENTED

CEF CULINARY CELEBRATION: MASQUERADE

The Carroll Education Foundation’s 2024 Culinary Celebration was a resounding success thanks to the overwhelming support of the Dragon community. Held at the Westin Southlake on April 20, the event featured culinary delights from 20 local chefs, along with lively casino games and auctions. A heartfelt appreciation goes out to culinary chairman Meghan York, presenting sponsor Park Place Dealerships and the countless families and local businesses whose generosity contributed toward a truly magical evening.

CarrollEducationFoundation.org

Congrats Class of ,24 ,24 senior TRIBUTES

ELIANA GRACE SEAGER BAYLOR UNIVERSITY

Keep living your life in Christ, strengthened in the faith as you were taught.

Colossians 2:6-7

”

We love you!

— Mom and Dad 2024

UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN | NURSING

Gabby, you’ve proven that with hard work and determination, you can achieve anything. We are so very proud of you and your accomplishments.

— Love, Mom and Dad

”2024

TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY

Go forth with confidence, as opportunity does not knock, but it’s there when you beat the door down.

We are so proud of you! Gig ‘em!

— Love, Dad, Paige, Brooke, Cuatro, Luke and Matthew

”

2024

FORT LEWIS | ENVIRONMENTAL BIOLOGY

”discipline and dedication has led you to this remarkable milestone. We are so proud of you and eagerly await the exciting journey that lies ahead for you. We love you!

2024

JOCIE WALTERS

TEXAS STATE UNIVERSITY | PSYCHOLOGY AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT

You have already accomplished so much, and you’re only getting started! You make us proud every day!

— Love, Mom, Dad and Will

2024

ISABELLA COSTA

UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

DAISY GRACE DODDRIDGE

BAYLOR UNIVERSITY

JACK ECKERT

We love you and are so incredibly proud of you!

We are so proud of all your innovative ideas, kind heart and many accomplishments!

— Love, Mom, Dad and Emma

CARTER GWYNN

AUBURN UNIVERSITY

BUSINESS WITH ENGINEERING MINOR

We can’t wait to watch you chase your dreams. You are loved more than you know. — Mom, Dad, Gage and Brooks

Our youngest dragon is flying the coup!

— XO, Mom, Dad, Jacob and Jonah Isaiah 40:31

JOHN ADAM KIEDA

BAYLOR UNIVERSITY

All of your dreams are coming true! We are so proud of you.

— Love, Mom, Dad, Daniel, Buns and Kit

— Love, Mom, Dad, Luke and Brooke

MASSEY

INDIANA UNIVERSITY | CHEMISTRY

We are so proud of you and are excited for your next adventure!

— Love, Mom, Dad and Griffin

ELISABETH CHARLOTTE O’CALLAGHAN

UNIVERSITY OF NORTH TEXAS

STUDIO ART & PSYCHOLOGY

We are proud of your unrelenting determination. Reach high and never give up on your dreams. — Dad, Mom and Benjamin

UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

“You’re off to great places! Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting, so get on your way!” — Dr. Seuss

JONATHAN CHARLES TAYLOR

SHOW CHOIR, CHORALE & ENCORE

VARSITY CHOIR

Jack, the love we feel for you is only equal to the pride we feel. Congratulations! You’ll do great things!

HANNAH VINAS

UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA INTERNATIONAL POLITICS

You’re an extraordinary blessing in our lives. We’re so proud to see your hard work rewarded. — Love, Dad, Mom and Audrey

ON THE DOTTED LINE

Family and friends celebrate this writ of passage

BY DRAGON MEDIA

PHOTO

INNOVATIVE INTERIOR DESIGN WITH BIG DREAMS IN MIND

940-577-1000

SEMMELMANNINTERIORS.COM

4374 West Vickery Blvd ort Worth, Texas 76107

Dr. Shane Tolleson and family