Over the course of this past week, audiences witnessed an incredible feat of adversity take place on the high school softball diamond.
For the first time since 2013, the Kingwood softball program will be returning to the UIL State Tournament at Red & Charline McCombs Field in Austin.
They did so by overpowering the No. 1 ranked team in the nation -- Katy Tigers -- by completing a series sweep in the Region III-6A Final.
The Mustangs, led by first-year head coach Christa Williams-Yates, were buoyed by the shining performances of Mia Gagliardi (Jr. C), Leilani Garcia (Jr. 2B), Hunter Quentel (Fr. P), and Addy Sheppard (Jr. SS), just to name a few.
KHS now have their sights set on the coveted state title, and the next opponent standing in their path is Midway, who they'll face this Friday at 7:00 pm, with a bevy of fans in tow,
For now, here were some of the sights from Kingwood's 7-6 series clincher over Katy.
Matthew Ogle (VYPE)
Additionally, we interviewed the stars of the game, as well as Coach Williams-Yates, detailing their remarkable achievement.
FROM HUMBLE BEGINNINGS TO BECOMING ONE OF THE MOST HIGHLY-RECRUITED ATHLETES IN THE NATION, SEBASTIAN WILLIAMS-ADAMS HAS NEVER LOST SIGHT OF HIS VALUES.
The leading figure of the St. John’s School program has the skill to back his reputation. But it’s Williams-Adams’ mind that will shape his impending collegiate career.
“It’s definitely a blessing to be in the position that I am,” he said. “Third grade-me, who just started AAU basketball, could never imagine where I’d be at right now, and the things I’ve been able to experience through this game.
“When it comes to a school, I’m looking for a home environment that has a similar mindset to what I’ve been brought up in. Family has always been really important to me, so having some type of ‘home-base’ with a like-minded staff and team is what I’m looking for. I want to be challenged in order to get better, but I want it to come from a good place.”
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
He’ll have the pick of the litter, considering he recently narrowed down his choices to Auburn, Vanderbilt, Oklahoma State, and Purdue.
The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. His mother Kareema Williams was a college hooper herself, playing for both Wichita State and North Carolina in addition to being named a McDonald’s All-American.
Suffice it to say, she’s had a significant impact on her son.
“Obviously, I’ve always been in the gym since she’s been a coach (at St. Agnes) as well,” said Williams- Adams. “As I got a little older, I’d play with the team when I was allowed. Because of that, I’ve always had a ‘basketball- mind’.
“She’s always encouraged me. She would tell me, ‘if you stop playing basketball today, I’ll still love you the same. I’ve played my basketball. It’s time for you to follow your calling’. That frame of mind has made me feel liberated in a way. Even though we may argue at times over certain things, I know that I’ll have someone in my corner.”
Despite what his physical stature and talent may indicate, it hasn’t necessarily been easy for him.
As a role model, the 6-foot- 8 power forward had an insightful message to relay.
“You’re going to get frustrated,” he said. “People around you are going to get better, and it’ll feel like your days are really stacked. I’ve had that experience multiple times. Some people’s growths are step-by-step and others are more explosive.
“I wouldn’t say knock out all outside distractions because they’re going to get in, especially when you’re in high school. Stay the course and have faith in yourself to prove the doubters wrong.”
That mentality will certainly pay dividends as Williams-Adams and his fellow Mavericks pursue an SPC championship this winter.
More so than that, his well- adjusted determination is sure to come into play when he ultimately advances to the next stage.
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
