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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.”
2021-22 Houston Christian Softball
READY FOR MORE: Houston Christian; Bowen expect to upgrade
“I expect our team to now be a year older and a year stronger,” said Bowen. “So, last year we graduated two seniors. Now seven remain to set an example for the newcomers on the team. We have five incoming freshmen who we expect to jump in and be contributors right off the bat. So far, we’ve seen that the returners have matured an incredible amount, so I’m pretty confident they will make an impact.”
Houston Christian's Jadyn GranereJustin Hartojo (VYPE)
Particularly, she expressed her praise for junior catcher Jadyn Granere. The 2022 Private School All-VYPE First-Teamer has proven herself to be among the best hitters in the conference (2022: .390 BA, 26 RBIs, 3 HR, 11 2B), thus her placement in the three-hole of the Mustangs lineup that is loaded with a talented group of hitters from top to bottom.
Bowen, a former catcher for the University of Tulsa, is entering her third season of directing the Stangs. Given the time she’s spent at the school, she recognized the appeal of Houston Christian and what makes it a distinct experience for her and the athletes she works with.
Photo taken during Houston Christian's matchup against TWCA (5/1/2022)Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
“I tell you, the culture here is one of inclusion and all-around support and love from the staff and the kids,” she said. “The girls really buy in more than other places that I’ve been, and that’s what is really going to take this team far this season.”
Coach Bowen and Houston Christian softball are poised for an upgrade this Spring. A run for the SPC Title is certainly not out of the question.