There is so much fun to be had at a VYPE Media Days!
From team and individual pictures, social media shout-outs and video interviews, it is all there for the student-athletes to feel like a superstar.
Our team traveled to Alief Taylor HS for their 2025 Spring Media Day recently. Check out the behind-the-scenes hype video below!
Coming off a year where Cinco Ranch went 17-15 overall and reached the Regional Quarterfinals, 11th-year coach Suzanne Reeve returns five starters to the dugout as she looks towards 2025.
The Cougars are seeking a 20th-consecutive trip to the postseason this spring and University of St. Thomas (Houston)-commit Sophie Hassell will be one of the leaders in the clubhouse to get them there.
Other key returners for Cinco Ranch include sophomores Gaby Perez (pitcher) and Sydni Vandeventer (catcher) and junior infielder Aubrey Ramirez.
IT DIDN’T TAKE LONG FOR THE NATION, AND ESPECIALLY THE STATE OF TEXAS, TO FAMILIARIZE ITSELF WITH THE NAME NICO PARTIDA.
After playing a pivotal role in Pearland’s run to Dell Diamond in 2023, Partida replicated that effort by leading the team to its second consecutive UIL State Final appearance last June, earning a spot on the State All-Tournament team.
Partida’s busy summer didn’t end there.
In August, he became part of Team USA, which went on to claim gold at the U18 World Cup Qualifier in Panama – a moment Partida holds in the highest regard.
“A lot of people fight for this country, like my uncle who was a Marine,” he said. “So, in one sense, it was my way of serving in the best way I possibly can. I won’t be joining the armed forces, so playing for the country in the sport that I love – I try to attribute that to what they stand for.
“I was at a spot where I wasn’t playing for myself or my individual stats. I was playing for the United States, playing to win, and playing for the brothers around me who were chosen for a reason. All egos aside, you’re trying to win for your country. It was the greatest experience of my life so far, and I wouldn’t trade it for the world.”
Not long after, the senior Oiler made waves in September when he de-committed from Arizona State and announced that he would be signing with Texas A&M University.
It’s no surprise that a player of his caliber – a perfect 10/10 according to Perfect Game – would seize the opportunity to play for a team that recently finished as the NCAA Men’s College World Series Runner-Up and boasts future MLB prospects like Jace LaViolette and Ryan Prager.
“At the end of the day, I want to be a professional player,” said Partida. “I’ve had that dream since I was really young, and A&M is a great place to help me realize that dream. Having all those high draft prospects on that team, from the veterans to the younger guys like me – it’s a great atmosphere to be surrounded by people with the same aspirations.”
But let’s return to his high school career.
As mentioned earlier, Partida was crucial in Pearland’s run to Austin, where they were defeated 4-1 by a historically strong Tomball squad.
His versatility as an infielder, pitcher, and batter will continue to benefit a program that’s still seeking its first championship since 1980.
However, as is the case in baseball, success is a team effort.
“I definitely still think we have the tools to win it all, just like we have the past couple of years,” he said. “We need to have short memories when it comes to each game. You can’t let one bad inning affect the next. There’s an opportunity in every pitch and every at-bat, so as long as the effort is there, we can do it.”
With it being his senior year, Partida has had plenty of time to reflect on how the experience has shaped him and the value it holds.
“Wearing these colors has meant a lot to me,” he said. “Pearland is big on tradition. Some might not understand, but when we see the whole community traveling with us and packing the stands – especially in the playoffs – it means the world to us players. When you work so hard to get these long postseason runs, and to have that many people rally behind you, the feeling is unbeaten. The support we have is second to none.”
For now, A&M and the MLB Draft can wait. Partida and his teammates are locked in for what could be their third straight trip to Dell Diamond. But this time, they won’t settle for silver.
There is so much fun to be had at a VYPE Media Days!
From team and individual pictures, social media shout-outs and video interviews, it is all there for the student-athletes to feel like a superstar.
Our team traveled to MacArthur High School for their 2025 Spring Media Day recently. Check out the behind-the-scenes hype video below!
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