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Alief Elsik's Kaden Mendenhall
STUDENT OF THE GAME: How Experience and Drive are Elevating Mendenhall, Alief Elsik
Now entering his final year, Mendenhall stands as the catalyst for a rising Rams program with plenty to prove and even more to gain.
His breakout 2024 season—where he threw for more than 2,500 yards and 23 touchdowns while rushing for 343 yards and five more scores—earned him first-team, all-district honors and helped guide Elsik to its first playoff appearance under a new 20-6A district slate.
Yet for Mendenhall, last year was just the beginning.
2025-26 Alief Elsik FootballBradley C. Collier (VYPE)
“This year is going to be about execution,” he said. “There were several games last season where we were right there with the other sideline, but we just didn’t seal the deal. Finishing games will be a focal point for us.”
Elsik finished fourth in district play and fell in the first round of the postseason to perennial powerhouse Katy—a program with a long standing tradition of deep playoff runs. That loss sharpened the focus for what’s ahead. With a talented core returning on both sides of the ball, expectations within the locker room are growing—and Mendenhall is leading the charge.
“From my perspective, the biggest thing will be to continue striving to be the best leader I possibly can,” he added. “That relates to body language, and making sure that my actions speak louder than my words.”
Part of Mendenhall’s growth as a quarterback has come from learning how to impact the game beyond his arm. Once more of a pocket passer, he’s added a dangerous element with his legs—something he credits to both personal development and studying the playing styles of dual-threat quarterbacks like Cam Newton and Jayden Daniels.
“I wasn’t too active with my legs early on, and making that change adds another level to the offense,” he said. “It also allows me to be a little more evasive in the pocket and be able to distribute the ball better.”
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
This summer, Mendenhall took that growth a step further by training alongside recently drafted NFL quarterbacks Cam Ward (Tennessee Titans) and Shedeur Sanders (Cleveland Browns). The experience gave him a window into the demands of the next level—and what it takes to reach it.
“I got to see their work ethic, their leadership qualities, and how they carry themselves when the cameras aren’t around,” he said. “It was incredible to work out with guys who have reached the level I’m hoping to achieve.”
A product of Alief ISD schools since elementary, Mendenhall’s journey has been built in the same environment he now represents under center.
“Being around for the early days all the way to this point, I’ve gotten to see plenty of older guys and role models, and learn from their successes and failures,” he said. “So many people comeback to this community for a reason—and I can see myself doing the same thing further down the road.”
For now, his focus remains locked on the present. And as the 2025 season looms, Mendenhall and the Rams aren’t just hoping for more—they’re preparing to earn it.
CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE COMPLETE ALIEF ISD 2025 FALL MAGAZINE
Ridge Point's Taylor Johnson
SILENT KILLER: Ridge Point's Johnson expected to thrive at center stage in 2025 // Powered by LOVB
Johnson, a dynamic outside hitter, has long been a steady and quietly dominant presence for both Ridge Point and Houston Skyline 17 Royal — a club team loaded with Division I talent. She’s competed alongside high-profile players like SMU’s Kennedi Rogers and Nebraska commit Jayden Robinson, the latter of whom remains a teammate at Ridge Point and Skyline.
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
Earlier this July, that same Skyline squad earned the No. 1 national ranking after winning the 17U Open Division title — a testament to the group’s elite depth and chemistry.
Even in a gym full of standouts, Johnson has drawn consistent praise from coaches for her completeness as a player. Whether it’s her clean ball control, ability to terminate out of system, or disciplined net play, she’s become a go-to option in crucial moments.
Her commitment to Iowa State, made official last October, was no surprise to those who’ve seen her growth firsthand.
In 2024, while splitting touches with several top hitters, Johnson still managed 188 kills, 25 blocks, and 31 digs. With a larger offensive role expected this fall, those numbers are likely to rise significantly.
The stars of 2025-26 Ridge Point VolleyballBradley C. Collier (VYPE)
Ridge Point finished last season 36-12, continuing a dominant stretch with their eighth straight district title before falling to Cinco Ranch in the third round of the playoffs. With Johnson and Robinson leading the charge, the Panthers have every reason to believe a State Final Four appearance —or better — is within reach in 2025.
It may have taken time for Johnson’s name to break through the noise, but now that it has, don’t expect it to fade anytime soon.
CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE COMPLETE 2025 FORT BEND ISD FALL MAGAZINE
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