GAMES
RANKINGS
2022-23 Houston Christian Girls Tennis
RECORD YEAR: Akina, HCHS Girls Tennis takes SPC by storm
Prior to the season, Akina expressed her ambition of helping her athletes to succeed at a high level by embracing their roles and strengths on the team.
HCHS Head Coach Di Akina Matthew Ogle (VYPE)
It would seem that she accomplished her mission, considering all Akina did was direct Houston Christian to the top in her first season as the HCHS Tennis coach.
“I feel so lucky to be a part of a team that is so coachable,” she said. “They trust me and I trust them. They understand that I coach them hard, but I love them just as much. Being a part of the school’s history is tremendous, and it’s just the beginning. The start to a different culture in our athletics program is on the rise.”
So what made this team so special?
HCHS Girls Tennis celebrates their first SPC Title Photo acquired via Twitter: @HCHSAthletics
“We had an amazing group of seniors who really brought a different spirit and energy to the team,” said Akina. “They were all first-time players but supported their underclassmen teammates one-hundred percent, and they didn’t miss a match, whether they were playing or not. That set the expectation.”
“Our confidence and the fact that our team believed in themselves and trusted their teammates to show up when needed really set us apart. Lastly, the group was having fun, and when you do that, things tend to take care of themselves.”
Juan De Leon (VYPE)
Now that Houston Christian has established the precedent on the tennis court, the future of the program should only get brighter.
“HC Tennis is going to continue to develop players, both on and off the court,” Akina said. “We’re going to help them become competitors and leaders, by persistently building upon this foundation that this year’s team has set.”
Expect Houston Christian Tennis to make a run for their second a year from now.
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.”