WINTER AND SPRING SPORTS SEASON RECAPS

THE LADY TROJAN BASKETBALL TEAM’S highlights for the 2021–22 season include a third-place finish in the Tyler Bishop Gorman tournament, defeating several East Texas schools and enjoying some great team bonding. In December, TCA won the challenging Highway 5 tournament, hosted at Anna High School. The girls defeated playoff teams Caddo Mills and Denison to claim the title. OLIVIA BRENNAN (below-left) was selected all-tournament for both tournaments, as was GRACE LEVERTON, who also was selected MVP of the Highway 5 tournament. No doubt the signature win of the season came on February 8 when TCA avenged a 35-point loss to PCA earlier in the season with a thrilling 52-51 win! Grace Leverton received a picture-perfect pass from SCHUYLER NOORDHOFF (belowright) and made the layup at the buzzer. Pandemonium ensued as the fans rushed the court. Six seniors left a lasting mark on the girls basketball program, and they will be sorely missed. Congratulations to the following athletes for receiving honors: Olivia Brennan – First Team All-District, Second Team All-State, Academic AllState. Olivia leaves TCA with just about every shooting record and nearly 2,000 points in her career. Grace Leverton- First Team All-District, Honorable Mention All-State Schuyler Noordhoff – Second Team All-District, Academic All-State, career leader in blocks in career, season and game. Schuyler leaves with over 1,000 points and over 500 rebounds in her career. HALLE HERMES – Honorable Mention All-District, Team MVP

TROJAN BOYS BASKETBALL had a solid year on the court this year with a team that only returned one starter from the previous season in junior BLAKE MUSCHALEK (above). With 19 wins and a third-place finish in District 2, which produced the eventual 6A state champion, the highlights of the season included a win over number-four-ranked Bishop Lynch that ended a six-year drought to the Friars as well as regular season wins over top-tenranked UIL 4A opponent Van Alstyne and number-ten-ranked Nolan Catholic.

The team showed steady improvement as the year progressed, most noticeably on the defensive end of the floor, which helped the Trojans to a 15-3 record when holding opponents to 49 points or less. Junior Blake Mushalek provided the bulk of scoring production for the Trojans with 23 points per game, which was fourth in DFW for all schools and players. In December Blake scored his 1,000th career point as a TCA Trojan and was named District 2 Offensive Player of the Year, First Team All-State, First Team All-District and Academic All-State for a clean sweep of TAPPS 6A accolades. Senior MARKUS SCHUMACHER (right) was also recognized as District Newcomer of the Year, First Team All-District and Academic All-State.

THE TROJAN VARSITY CHEERLEADERS had a great year cheering on the championship-winning football team and basketball teams at TCA this past school year. Returning to a full slate of creating routines, putting on pep rallies, performing at games and decorating the Upper School allowed the cheerleaders to bolster school spirit and support the many wonderful sports programs. Highlights for the squad this year included cheering at The Star in Frisco and at the championship football game as well as rocking out at an 80s/neon-themed blackout pep rally in the fall. Captain OLIVIA PRIEST, CoCaptains EMILY MORRIS and MARY LAUREN WESTOVER and Spirit Officer KATIE REDING led the team with creativity, joy and passion, creating a united squad and a bonded atmosphere that was filled with fun and laughter. Additionally, the varsity cheerleaders and JV cheerleaders prepared all season long for the TAPPS cheerleading competition held in December 2021, earning second place overall. Mary Lauren Westover and Olivia Priest received First Team All-State and Academic All-State awards, HAILEY PARMENTER received Honorable Mention All-State and Academic All-State, and EMMA EDMUNDSON received Honorable Mention All-State. Overall, we had a wonderful year of Trojan cheerleading led by an amazing group of seniors, and we thank them for their leadership and investment of spirit to TCA. Go Trojans!

THE TROJANETTES took on this year with open arms as they performed numerous events, including a trip to Florida! They were blessed with many opportunities to bond with each other and perform for crowds. The team had a fantastic football season, performing at halftime under the Friday night lights, and they took a trip to Orlando, Florida, where they performed at Universal Studios. The girls had time to attend the parks, ride the coasters, see the attractions and make memories in addition to their outstanding performance. The girls launched their competition season in January at TAPPS, placing fourth overall in the 6A Division II category. Award winners were OLIVIA OUIMETTE and MARY MARGARET BELL (First Team All-State), GRACE ANDERSON (Second Team All-State) and KATELYN LONG (All-State Honorable Mention). They placed first runner-up overall as a team in their second competition with Crowd Pleasers Dance, and the officers won Grand Champion Overall in small varsity classic division. The season ended with a spectacular Tuscany-themed banquet hosted by the social officers at Maggiano’s. Director awards were presented to Grace Anderson for Radiance, CHLOE BORUD for Beautiful Transformation, LILLY PARRILL for Miss Congeniality and MADDIE McMULLEN for Team Leader. The Trojanettes were faced with many challenges this year, but one thing that remained strong and true was the meaning and heart behind their dancing—”Dancing for Him.” The coaches and parents are proud and amazed how these girls handled this year with grace and resiliency. We will miss our incredible seniors! Go Trojanettes!

TROJANETTES CHEER

OUR TCA WRESTLERS had a season of rebuilding in 2021–22. With several first-year wrestlers on the squad, combined with returning some key veterans, the Trojan wrestlers finished in sixth place at the TAPPS State Wrestling Championships. At the championships, two Trojan wrestlers earned TAPPS All-State honors. Senior HEATH BOOKER (below-top) finished in first place in the 170-pound weight class, and senior MARK NILSON (below-bottom) finished in third place in the 285-pound weight class. Both Heath and Mark also earned TAPPS Academic All-State honors. Additionally, Heath earned Texas Prep All-State honors at the Texas Prep State Wrestling tournament. Heath and Mark led the team as captains along with junior MAXWELL MORLAND. Throughout the season, the team examined the concept of personal responsibility from a biblical perspective within both individual and group/team settings. The team verse was John 17:4: “I have brought you glory on earth by completing the work you gave me to do.” Congratulations to these wrestlers for their team awards: Wrestler of the Year – Heath Booker Coaches’ Award – Mark Nilson and Maxwell Morland Newcomer of the Year – The Rookie Class: CHRISTIAN YANG, PARKER WALTON, CALEB OLSON, BROOKS LOUKAS, PEYTON BOAZ and MATTHEW CORTEZ VARSITY WRESTLING

THE 2021-22 LADY TROJAN SOCCER season was a rollercoaster ride of success, struggles and great growth. Early in the season the team outscored our four opponents 19-1 in the Tyler

Winter Classic, showing their talent and grit, which would both be needed throughout the season. Stepping into district proved a difficult task with many team victories, despite it not always showing on the final scoreboard. For example, in both matches versus perennial powerhouse Ursuline, The Lady Trojans’ offense produced goals in the run of play. Additionally, against the eventual state champions John Paul II, the ladies scored in both matches. The team’s grit really showed through in a must-win match over Parish to go to playoffs. A close first match was not repeated as they handily beat Parish 4-0 in the second meeting. Playoffs had the Lady Trojans facing Nolan Catholic at their home field. The team’s determined defense was able to frustrate Nolan a majority of the match, just falling short at the end. The growth in the ladies’ effort, character and drive by the end of the season was clear to see.

Many standout players contributed to the success of the team. Captains CECILIA BANDEROB, EMILY KERAMIDES, ANNABEL LEE and ALYSSA CLEMOVITZ led the team on and off the field. ANNA HEIDELBAUGH, with 21 goals, HANNAH SCHNEIDER, with 14, and SYDNEY RIDNOUR, with 8, led the team in scoring, and the assist leaders were ALY HEIDELBAUGH, Anna Heidelbaugh and Sydney Ridnour. District awards were received by Anna Heidelbaugh (Second Team Offense), Annabel Lee (Second Team Defense), Alyssa Clemovitz (Honorable Mention Keeper) and CATE POU (Honorable Mention Midfield), with Anna and Annabel also receiving Academic All-State recognition. As voted by their team, Anna Heidelbaugh received the team MVP award, Annabel Lee and Cate Pou received the Heart award, and newcomers Josie Raftelis and Emilie Wong were voted Most Improved. Coach Blocker, Coach Fusco and Coach Pedroso are so proud of all the girls for their effort, heart and drive throughout the season.

TROJAN VARSITY BOYS SOCCER had a great year, finishing second in district and advancing to the quarter finals in the state tournament. What jelled the team this year was their joy of being together. They had some great victories and tough losses through the season, but the team’s attitude the next day was always positive and steady. They showed up everyday committed and focused on achieving their goals as a team in good spirits.

Selected for First Team All-District were JOHN BADGER (far right), BRODY DAVIS and BROOKS KRANTZ (right), Selected for Second Team All-District were WESTY McCABE, JACK REA and CONNOR WINES. The team also had four players nominated for Honorable Mention All-District: KYLE CAUSEY, REX DAY, CHARLIE FRANKIE and BEN SORGEN. John Badger was selected for Second Team All-State and was the district Goalie of the Year. Additionally, three athletes received Academic All-State recognition: Brooks Krantz, Jack Rea and Connor Wines

Coach Zach Loyd expressed his thanks: “I appreciate all the seniors who led the team well this year and were a joy to coach. Thank you for all that you all have done for our soccer program. You all will be missed.”

PHOTOS: JEFF M c WHORTER ’05

VARSITY SOCCER

TCA SOFTBALL 2021–22 was yet another season of God blessing the program, the coaches and players. The theme for the year was “God over everything.” Coach Yanof commented, “Instead of faith as a Sunday-only exercise or a box we check, our faith is our foundation, transcends everything we do and is our motivation for it. This includes softball, school, relationships and our identity.”

The team began the year competing against some of the best teams in the state, including some UIL 5A and 6A teams. Some unforgettable moments this year included playing tournament games in wind chill temperatures dropping below 30 degrees!

As district began, the team started as many as five freshmen at times. Sophomore AVERY BOOKER (right) again took the circle as the Lady Trojans’ ace pitcher. By year’s end, she was named Co-Pitcher of the Year for district and repeated as First Team All-District. She was also named Second Team AllState. Competition was again stiff in the best TAPPS 6A district in the state.

The highlight of district was Senior Night on April 19. The team celebrated five wonderful seniors: AMELIA CORLISS, ANNA ROUSSOS, JULIANA VOTH, BLAIRE WEISS and ELIZABETH WILLIAMS. Then the girls went out and beat Bishop Lynch, a team that would eventually finish second in the state.

In addition to Avery, junior PEYTON HATFIELD (left) was named First Team All-District. She had a great year splitting time between third base and catcher. Amelia Corliss finished her playing career with her best year and was named Second Team All-District, as were freshman MAE SHARPE and junior KATE SOLOMON. Kate also led the team in batting average in district. Freshmen ANN MARIE MARTINEZ and NATALIE PEREZ were named Honorable Mention All-District along with Juliana Voth.

The coaches were blessed by these dedicated players and had a blast coaching them this year. With the youth of the TCA softball team, the future is bright.

THE VARSITY GIRLS TRACK & FIELD TEAM proved this year that the thing most to be admired about them is their determination. All season long, any time they stepped out on the track, they were determined to run their best on that day. Each meet they improved their times and saw success, including winning the Tom Landry Invitational this year. New school records were set, personal bests were obtained, and they qualified more individual events to the TAPPS State Championships than in previous years. At the state meet, each one stepped on the track ready to compete, and some ran their best times of the season. Congratulations to the team on a tremendous season and to the following athletes for TAPPS and team awards:

VARSITY SWIMMING

JENNA LOWREY (right-top) – Second Team AllState, Academic All-State, Track MVP, Most Encouraging ALYSSA CLEMOVITZ (right-bottom) – Academic All-State, Leadership Award SHANNON DUNIGAN – Academic All-State ANNABEL LEE – Academic All-State

HEATHER BROWNLEE – Field MVP

EMILY JONES – Track & Field Trojan Heart Award ELIOT BROOKSHIRE – Rookie of the Year RACHEL RICE – Rookie of the Year ELLA EUBANKS – Most Improved

THE TROJAN SWIM TEAM finished off a phenomenal 2021-22 season in February at the State Championship Meet in San Antonio. The swimmers’ months of hard work paid off as they attended multiple meets, and throughout the season saw five school records broken! Of the twelve swimmers on the team this year, 75 percent qualified for state. One of the team’s favorite comeback stories of the season was at the state meet. SOPHIA PFANNSTIEL (left-top) completed her 100 butterfly in the top three but was unfortunately disqualified. She rallied and later won first place in the 500 freestyle with a new school record! Sophia was a great example of leadership and perseverance. We can’t wait to see what she does next year! Five swimmers received Academic All-State recognition: ALY BAYLISS, ALLY GERARD, EVAN OLSON, MASON SMITH and ANNA SOMICH. We would also like to give a special shout-out to our seniors: Aly Bayliss, SAMUEL RODRIGUEZ (left-bottom), MADYSON BENSCHNEIDER and Anna Somich. We will miss you all next year and wish you the best as you head to college!

THE TCA BOYS TRACK & FIELD TEAM anticipated this season being a rebuilding year, having lost several key athletes from the previous year. The boys improved individually and as a team each week and placed in the top three as a team in several meets. They qualified for the State Championship meet in seven events and were awarded one Second Team All-State and five Honorable Mention All-State honors. Additionally, five athletes received Academic All-State recognition. Congratulations to the team on a great season and to these boys for their awards:

BROOKS HIGGINBOTHAM (below)– Second Team All-State: 400m, Second Place; 4x400 Relay, Third Place team LUKE TREDENNICK (below) – Honorable Mention All-State in two events: 100m, Third Place, and 4x400 Relay, Third Place team; Qualified for State in three events; Academic All-State; Second most points scored; Track MVP REED NEATHERLIN - Honorable Mention All-State: 4x400 Relay, Third Place team; Academic All-State RYAN ELMS - Honorable Mention All-State: 4x400 Relay, Third Place team HUNTER SPRINGER (right) - Qualified for State in high jump; Academic All-State; Most points scored; Field MVP BROOKS KRANTZ – Academic All-State MAX WHELESS – Academic All-State

THE TCA TENNIS TEAM overcame adversity with redemptive wins in a variety of matches and grew as a team this season. There were many laughs, a few tears, grit, hustle, surprise, heartbreak, team titles, doors opened and humility gained! In head-to-head match play, the TCA boys team was undefeated, winning all seven counters. TCA girls won six of seven counters. Collectively in overall matches prior to district, the TCA boys team went 49-11, an 82-percent win rate. TCA girls team went 27-9 for a 75-percent win rate. Ursuline girls handed the girls seven of these losses. Otherwise, the girls posted a 27-2 record and a 93-percent win rate. The team had an excellent showing in TAPPS district play, with doubles team BLAKE MUSCHALEK and DAVID BOYLAN (right) placing first, WYATT MERRILL and JOSHUA STAZ placing second, KAYLEE CONNELL and SYDNEY WAYTE (far right) placing third, COURTNEY ANDERSON and LYNNSON FORT placing fourth and DANIEL BAKER (below) placing fourth in boys singles. This was the first time in many seasons that the Trojans were able to qualify all doubles teams and a singles line for the TAPPS 6A State Competition. The TCA boys team was also named 2022 District Co-Champions—Daniel Baker, David Boylan, DYLAN KINLEY, Wyatt Merrill, Blake Muschalek and Joshua Staz. In the TAPPS 6A State Competition, Connell and Wayte made a strong run to the quarters, losing to eventual finalists St. Agnes 6-4, 6-4. Anderson and Fort played their hearts out, dropping their opening match to number-three-seeded El Paso 7-5, 3-6, 10-12. Merrill and Staz also dropped their opening round in a slugfest battle vs. a tough Beaumont team 6-1, 6-7, 6-10. Daniel Baker dropped his opening round to number-three-seeded Beaumont 6-1, 6-1. Boylan and Muschalek won the state finals vs. number-two-seeded Cathedral El Paso 5-7, 7-6, 6-4. This was Boylan and Muschalek’s second state title. TCA boys team also placed third in overall points at the state meet.

RECAP OF THE LAST FIVE SEASONS OF TCA TENNIS: Two district championships Two district runner-ups A state runner-up A first team title as Co-District Champions A second team title in district with a state finish of third overall Two back-to-back state championships 2022 District Coach of the Year Seniors Daniel Baker, Kaylee Connell, Lynnson Fort, MARYMICHAEL GRAHAM, CARSON SHELDON, LUKE STANTON, Sydney Wayte and CONNOR WINES did an outstanding job on the court this year and throughout their high school tennis careers. Coach Hagan couldn’t be prouder: “I know you will be a light on your new campus. You have been an absolute blessing to TCA tennis and a joy to coach. I pray you will impact many lives for God’s glory.”

THE TROJAN BASEBALL TEAM completed the season with a 16-14 record. This season was full of ups and downs. The team traveled to Austin during spring break and played five games, winning three. It was a wonderful opportunity to travel as a team and compete on the road. A highlight of the season was beating Prestonwood Christian Academy at home, 9-3. The Trojans won five district games, and our last game of the season was a play-in game against Parish Episcopal School at Dallas Baptist University. It was a great atmosphere at a beautiful facility. Congratulations to these players for their district, state and team awards: STEVEN RAMOS (right-top) – First Team All-District, First Team All-State, District Offensive Player of the Year, Team MVP and “Big Stick” award WILLIAM LEHMAN (right-middle) - First Team All-District, Second Team All-State, Team “Gold Glove” award AJAY GOLUGURI (right-bottom) - Second Team All-District, Academic All-State JOSHUA LIU - Second Team All-District, Academic All-State WILL MARTIN - Second Team AllDistrict, Academic All-State, Team “The Fireman” award, Team Steve Adair award BEN FRANCIS - Honorable Mention All-District, Team Steve Adair award

HAYDEN HEFLIN - Honorable Mention All-District, Team “The DUDE” award CHARLIE FRANKE - Honorable Mention All-District BRETTON BRANTLEY - “TEAMme” award HEATH BOOKER - “TEAMme” award DANIEL RICHARDSON - “TEAMme” award

There were so many exciting moments with the TCA community this season. On Little Trojan Night, hundreds of fans came out for Trojan Baseball against HSAA. The little Trojans were able to meet the players, get autographs and run bases. Our alumni game was a blast. We had a bounce house, snow cones and alumni batting practice. On Senior Night, we had a walk-off win vs. Little Elm and honored our seniors, Heath Booker, Ben Francis, Charlie Franke and Will Martin. The future looks bright for Trojan baseball, with many returning varsity starters and a JV squad that got better and better throughout the season. We look forward to next season having our fans come out and support our Trojan baseball team!

THE TCA BOYS GOLF TEAM captured the TAPPS 6A State Championship for the fifth consecutive year and the tenth title over the past thirteen years. During the season, the team competed in fourteen golf tournaments and won seven titles, including the state championship. Other titles included the Glen Rose Invitational, the inaugural TAPPS Fall Match Play, the West Texas Match Play, the East Texas Challenge and both the District and Regional TAPPS tournaments. This year’s team included seniors WESTY McCABE, JACK MORRISON and LUCAS WALSH, juniors LUKE BENNETT, HARRISON CROW and JOHN MONTGOMERY, sophomores EVAN ACEVEDO, AIDAN DORTCH, DEACON DORTCH and DAVID KRAMP and freshmen CARSON HARRIS, SEAN MEADOR and NATE MILLER.

Trojan golfers also earned the following TAPPS and team recognition:

All-District: Aidan Dortch, Deacon Dortch, David Kramp, Westy McCabe and Nate Miller All-Region: Aidan Dortch, Deacon Dortch, Westy McCabe, Sean Meador, Nate Miller and John Montgomery All-State: Aidan Dortch, Westy McCabe, Sean Meador, Nate Miller and John Montgomery (The Trojans set a TAPPS state record with five players from the same school earning All-State honors.) Trojan MVP: Lucas Walsh

Trojan Good Shepherd Award:

Jack Morrison (right) Mr. Trojan Award (honoring Stephen Lietzke): John Montgomery

VARSITY BOYS GOLF

THE LADY TROJAN GOLF TEAM had a busy and successful year, having competed in eleven tournaments. Among the tournaments, they placed as a team first in one tournament, second in six tournaments, third in one tournament, fourth in two tournaments and seventh in one tournament. Freshman SOPHIA LATHAM (far left) had the lowest score for the team in tournament play eight out of thirteen rounds. Her average score was 83, with her best score of 73 posted at the regional tournament. She finished the season with a 78 at state. Her individual titles were very impressive with two second-place finishes, one fourth-place finish, two sixth-place finishes, one seventh-place finish, one tenth-place finish, fifth at regionals and fifth at state. Sophomore BAILEY ELLSWORTH (left) was named the Lady Trojan’s MVP for the season, completing the season with lowest score for the team in tournament play five times. Her average score for the year was 84, with very successful post-season play, posting a 77 at regionals and a 79 at state. Her individual titles were also very impressive with one firstplace finish, one second-place finish, fifth at districts, seventh at regionals and sixth at state. Sophomore BAILEE DORTCH (right) was truly the most improved of the team, with her overall scoring averages improving 13 strokes from last year. Her average score for the year was 88, posting her best score of a 75 to take a second-place individual title. Bailee finished the year with excellent post-season play and placing 8th at state. Also playing at the state tournament this year for the team were sophomore ALLY LEE and freshman ABBY JUN. All of the Lady Trojans played amazing at the state tournament, with difficult weather conditions of heat and wind. The team brought home the TAPPS 2022 State Runner-Up trophy, just missing the title by one stroke. TCA was the only team at the state tournament to have three individuals finish in the top ten. Coach Susan Cannon and Coach Abby Lanning were very proud of the performance of all the members of the team this year. Way to go, Lady Trojans!