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RANKINGS
Bridgeland’s Anaiyah Robinson
NEW MENTALITY: Bridgeland's Robinson changing "first-round exit stigma"
In her freshman debut, Robinson earned 2021 Offensive Player of the Year honors and hasn’t slowed down since.
“Bridgeland has always had talented players,” said Robinson. “Our coach [Kaitlyn Bourgeois] really knows the game and exactly how to beat any team. She has the right players to do so. Personally, I think I play very direct. I’m always able to beat players one-on-one with my speed and skill set. Most importantly, I’m always looking for the goal.”
On top of being a standout for the Bears, her performance for her club team (Challenge), she garnered ECNL (Elite Clubs National League) first-team, all-conference honors. She has only boosted her reputation as an established leader among her BHS teammates, learning from those who have come before her.
“I’ve been blessed to have so many talented teammates through my first three seasons,” Robinson said. “They depend on me to make plays, and it’s something I take pride in. We have a lot of young girls that come to our games and look up to us. I hope we can make them proud… My dad pushes me to be a better player and prepares me for the future, and my mom is always supportive of me no matter what. So, I want to be like that.”
Given the attention placed on her exceptional performance, Robinson has committed to Oklahoma.
“OU from the start was great with recruiting,” she said. “The coaching staff was supportive throughout the entire process, and they truly care about how you’re doing and your accomplishments. When I visited OU, the school, soccer program and the environment all around were a dream. The biggest factor was their playing style. It fit me perfectly.”
It is clear that Bridgeland has become quite the powerhouse with Robinson leading the offense. However, the Bears have yet to make a deep playoff run due to unlucky first-round defeats in previous postseasons (2022: Tomball Memorial, 2021: Klein Cain).
Therefore, before she becomes an OU Sooner, it will be up to Robinson and the talented Bears roster to further establish Bridgeland soccer as a force to be reckoned with.
“This year we are a different team,” she Robinson. “We have a whole different playing style that’s been successful so far. We have beaten some high-level competition and our mentality is completely different. This year it’s personal for Bridgeland to end the first round-exit stigma.”
Former Allen star, Kyler Murray, sports Allen HS letterman ahead of Sunday game
Throwin' it back
Posted to the Arizona Cardinals Instagram story featured various athletes entering the stadium before Sunday's game. A few clicks brought fans to something that is rarely- if ever- seen in the NFL: an NFL star wearing his high school letterman:
Arizona Cardinals Instagram feat. Kyler Murray as he sports his high school letterman.Arizona Cardinals
The Twitter account known as Allen Eagle Nation Inc. quickly posted a photo showing Murray's throwback to his high school days. The tweet brought a lof of attention from fans who have followed Murray on his journey through high school, college, and now the NFL.
REWIND
As most will recall, Murray had arguably one of the best high school careers ever. Murray helped lead the Allen Eagles to three straight UIL Class 5A State Championship titles between 2012 and 2014.
During his high school career, Murray went 42-0 as the starter in the pocket for the Eagles. The 5-10, five-star athlete threw for 10,386 passing yards and 117 touchdowns with only 21 interceptions. Additionally, Murray rushed for 69 touchdowns racking up 139 rushing yards.
Originally going to Texas A&M, Murray did not win over the starting role for the Aggies- instead Kyle Allen took the lead spot in College Station. From there, Murray transferred to the University of Oklahoma where he served as the backup for Baker Mayfield before taking over in 2018. During his collegiate career, Murray threw for over 4,360 passing yards and 42 touchdowns with only seven interceptions. In 2018, he became the Heisman Trophy winner and the No. 1 pick in the 2019 NFL Draft by the Arizona Cardinals.
Murray has stayed with the Cardinals where he has played as the starting quarterback for three seasons now. So far, Murray has tallied 8,966 passing yards and 55 touchdowns with 28 interceptions while completing 66.9% of his passes.