EXTRA TIME: Previewing the 2025 UIL Soccer State Finals--Wakeland v. Cedar Park (Girls 5A-D2)
09 Apr, 2025
After an enthralling postseason filled with dramatic moments, the UIL soccer season culminates this week at Birkelbach Field in Georgetown.
With the divisions now split, the stage is set for a thrilling finish, and one matchup in particular promises to keep fans on the edge of their seats.
In the 5A-Division II girls’ final, defending state champion Wakeland faces off against Cedar Park in what is expected to be a fast-paced, high-stakes showdown.
Wakeland enters the Final on an impressive 15-game winning streak, having steamrolled through the competition, including a 3-0 win over Grapevine in the State Semis last Friday. With an undefeated record of 24-0-1, the Wolverines have solidified their place as the No. 5-ranked team in Texas (MaxPreps).
Led by head coach Jimmie Lankford, Wakeland’s strength lies in its depth.
Sophomore defender Dilan Pistorius is a standout, contributing to both the defense and the attack. She’s supported by a talented core, including forwards Morgan Landry, Kennedy Clark, and Audrey Gilbert (Mizzou-commit), as well as midfielder Kendi Smith and goalkeeper Claire Manis (Idaho)—each playing key roles in the postseason run.
Should Wakeland claim victory on Friday, it would mark the program's fifth state title since the school’s inception in 2006 and their third in the last four seasons.
However, Cedar Park is a similarly formidable opponent, determined to disrupt Wakeland’s dynasty.
The Timberwolves (24-2-1) are on a 15-game unbeaten streak, their last loss coming on January 17 against, coincidentally, Wakeland (4-2). This familiarity between the teams adds extra intrigue to the final, as both sides are well aware of what to expect.
Under the guidance of coach Winston Pool, Cedar Park has surged to its first State Final appearance since 2002, dominating Barbers Hill 4-0 in the semifinals.
Despite having a youthful lineup, including a dynamic freshman class, the Timberwolves have shown they can compete with the best.
Offensively, Cedar Park relies on the scoring prowess of senior Meredith Koltz (Belmont-commit) and freshman Blake Gilkey, who lead the team in scoring, with 26 and 25 goals, respectively.
Defenders Sofia Peters and Alivia Towns have been crucial in both offensive and defensive transitions, while sophomore goalkeeper Emma Hart has been stellar between the posts.
This marks the fifth time Cedar Park has reached the State Tournament, but they’ve yet to secure a championship. With the taste of history on the line, expect the Timberwolves to come out with everything they’ve got.
The stage is set for an unforgettable clash between two powerhouse programs. Wakeland and Cedar Park will battle for glory this Friday at 11:00 AM in Georgetown.
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Fort Bend Bush Track Star Amariya Hardeman
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
Entering the 2025 Track & Field season, Amariya Hardeman has already cemented herself as one of the state's most accomplished athletes.
The crown jewel of Fort Bend Bush has consistently competed at the highest level throughout her high school career.
A key member of the 2022 state champion 4x100m Relay team, Hardeman has qualified for the UIL State Meet every year since joining the Broncos.
Most recently, she earned a bronze medal at Regionals before finishing seventh in the 200m dash at the 2024 state competition in Austin.
With her final high school meets approaching, Hardeman remains focused on enjoying the process.
“The first thing that pops into my head at every meet is to have fun,” she said. “For most of my career, I’ve always believed in ‘trusting the process,’ whether that’s through my preparation in practice or my performance on race day. At this point, whatever happens is a result of what God has in store for me, and I’ll always continue to embody that mindset.”
That mindset will carry over to the next chapter of her career, as Hardeman has signed to compete for the University of Alabama.
“The Alabama program felt like home to me,” she said. “I became really close with Coach (Blaine) Wiley, Coach (Tabarie) Henry, and even the head coach, Dan Waters. More than that, the girls on the team were so welcoming—it was something I wanted to be a part of.”
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
Beyond athletics, Hardeman is eager to embrace new experiences in Tuscaloosa.
“What I’m most excited about is meeting new people and building connections,” she said. “Something I’ve learned is that it’s not always about the memories you make on the track as an individual—it’s about who you meet along the way. That’s why I was drawn to Alabama.”
Hardeman’s competitive drive is deeply rooted in her family.
She is the granddaughter of former NFL player Don Hardeman (Houston Oilers, Baltimore Colts) and the daughter of Cedric Hardeman, who played football at the University of Houston and now coaches at Conroe High School.
Her mother ran track at Rice University, and her older brother, Chris, played football at Oklahoma State.
“My family is my No. 1 life support,” she said. “Even if they can’t physically be at my meets, they always find a way to watch. Having people who have been in similar situations is an indescribable feeling. I’m blessed to have an outlet for advice and support as I pave my own path.”
With her high school career nearing its end, Hardeman’s impact on Fort Bend Bush’s program is undeniable. And as she prepares for the next step, she does so with the same faith, confidence, and determination that have fueled her success so far.
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Deacon Stanfield has been designing custom shoes for household names since he was in high school
From WNBA superstar Caitlyn Clark to Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter, Houston-area artist Deacon Stanfield has been designing shoes for the stars.
The Jordan High School grad and Houston Christian University freshman wide receiver's DM (direct messages) are full.
Athletes from international soccer, track, football, basketball and baseball have hit up Stanfield to build them their custom kicks.
His story is a wild ride, so listen in.
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