GAMES
RANKINGS
2022-23 Houston Christian Softball
ON THE RISE: SPC Finalist HCHS Softball, Baseball exceeds precedence
That was certainly the case this Spring, as Houston Christian was a force to be reckoned with in the SPC, with a lineup composed of premier competitors.
Houston Christian's MC BeenJuan De Leon (VYPE)
Sophomore 1B MC Been was a dynamic contributor throughout the year, leading HCHS in batting average (.449), stolen bases (15), hits (40), and runs scored (35). Fellow sophomores, SS Maddie Pickett and 2B Lily Herveat also played integral roles at bat, while holding down the infield.
Given the youth on her team, Coach Bowen looked to her juniors, C Jadyn Granere, 3B Emily Thompson, and CF Riley Warnica, to set the pace for Houston Christian.
Houston Christian's Jadyn GranereJuan De Leon (VYPE)
They did so in momentous fashion, leading the Mustangs to a 20-12 overall record, capped off by an 11-10 nail-biter against St. John’s in the SPC Semifinals, before ultimately becoming the State Runner-Ups after falling to their district rivals, Episcopal, in the Championship game this week.
On the baseball side, Head Coach Tom Gladney had a talented roster to direct in his first year on the job, resulting in a refined level of play.
Houston Christian's Matt ZapotekJuan De Leon (VYPE)
With senior RHP/1B Matt Zapotek (2022 All-SPC), Seth Perkins (Jr. OF/LHP), and junior 3B/RHP Jack Henning (2022 All-SPC) leading the charge, Houston Christian enjoyed a remarkable Spring season, concluding with a 21-7 record.
Subsequently, HCHS outclassed St. Mark’s in the SPC Semis before similarly falling to Epsicopal in the Title game.
2022-23 Houston Christian BaseballJuan De Leon (VYPE)
Despite the season not being capped off the way they would’ve hoped, Houston Christian Softball and Baseball each had commendable seasons, not to mention they both surpassed their 2022 marks.
As the SPC Runner-Ups, expect the Mustangs to return next Spring with their eyes set on a rematch.
Maddie Pickett
Houston Christian's Maddie Pickett
TRUE PASSION: Houston Christian's Pickett a rising star on multiple fields
She not only has excelled academically at the SPC school, but she has already progressed to become a rising star on Houston Christian’s varsity softball, soccer, and field hockey teams.
“I’ve always loved sports deeply and enjoyed adventuring out and trying new things,” said Pickett. “Being at a school where I can be versatile in that way and be able to participate in so many things is such a blessing. It gives me the ability to see and appreciate the differences in each sport and test myself in many ways.”
2022-23 Houston Christian SoftballJuan De Leon (VYPE)
Despite her adaptive tendencies in Houston Christian athletics, Pickett’s primary sport is on the diamond. Along with playing shortstop for Mustangs' softball, she also bolsters her game on the HTX Heat Elite Fastpitch team. She will be one of the marquis pieces in the future of Coach Cassidy Bowen’s team.
"Softball is definitely the sport I enjoy most and hope to be able to continue to play in college,” she said. “For me, I enjoy the sport because it incorporates life lessons we can learn from. It challenges me on a daily basis and forces me to be tough, both physically and mentally. Being raised in a baseball-loving family, softball is my way of enjoying and carrying on that tradition of America’s pastime.”
According to her peers and teachers, the young multi-sport athlete has something of a “je ne sais quoi” in regard to the impact she has on Houston Christian. Pickett intends to further reinforce that narrative in the remaining time she spends as a Mustang.
Juan De Leon (VYPE)
“As a student here [HCHS], I just want to be a reminder to anyone that, with God, you can do anything and you shouldn’t let anyone say otherwise,” Pickett said. “My hope is that I can be remembered as someone who paved the way for each student to be able to pursue their dreams, without fear of the obstacles in their path.”
With the TAPPS Softball season just beginning, and two years to continue performing for Houston Chrisitan, anticipate hearing more from the up-and-comer, Maddie Pickett.
“As a team player, my goal is to always give my all in order to put my team in the best position for success, while pushing myself to do the same,” said Pickett. “I think we can achieve great things if we set our minds to it, and if God wills, we have the ability to go all the way. Ultimately, my hope is that as long as I put on a uniform, I’ll be a team player, a hard worker and play with true passion while glorifying God. If all this is true, then my career as an athlete will be a success.”