GAMES
RANKINGS
HITTING THE RESET BUTTON: Spring Woods Rebuilding After Successful Decade-Long Run
“We’ve had a pretty successful program,” said coach Wadey Yaya, head coach in 17 of his 18 years at Spring Woods, “all the way up until last year.”
And now Yaya finds himself in an unfamiliar circumstance, one his program IS a stranger to.
“We’re rebuilding versus reloading,” he said. The Tigers went 1-18-4 in 2021, easily the worst record posted in Yaya’s time there. This year, however, has produced a remarkable turnaround early on.
The Tigers are young again this year, but already surpassed last season’s win total with four in their first seven games, with wins over state semifinalist Allen, perennial regional contender Cinco Ranch, and playoff teams New Braunfels and Round Rock Westwood.
“I have a really good group of boys this year,” Yaya said. “They’re young, there’s some inexperience and youth. But I have good leadership. Leaders that speak for the team as a whole and are genuine. Chemistry is whole. Mentally, though, they’re still boys who are learning to play like men. We’re a good team.”
Spring Woods consists of 10 juniors and four sophomores.
Three sophomores start and four seniors start.
Senior goalkeeper Dario Pantoja is a second-year letterman who was a backup last year and is turning heads with his improved play. Senior playmaking midfielder Alex Banda is a four-year letterman who played as a freshman on the 2019 team that went to the regional final.
“He’s been a winner,” Yaya said of Banda. “He knows what it takes to get there. He truly is one of the best players on the team.”
Sophomore Oscar Martinez has become a voice in the locker room and respected leader.
Senior Uzziel Luna plays an outside midfielder role with a defensive emphasis. He’s a strong technical player and the one Tiger who holds others accountable, on and off the field.
“He’s a really hard worker and he’s taken on a leadership role,” Yaya said. “He’s the vocal one on our team right now. He’s a guy everyone respects because of his constructive demeanor.”
Chemistry and leadership are staples of this year’s Tigers.
Depth is impressive; Yaya can go 16 deep. The defense is a strength. The central midfield is a point of concern for Yaya, but is also the most talented group, largely due to precocious sophomore Gregory Tejada, a gritty, workman-like talent.
Yaya wants his players to find the solace and resolve in Spring Woods soccer that were once program cornerstones. They’re on their way. The Tigers are a team that pays attention, listens, takes admirably to coaching, and works well together.
“We have a lot to prove this year, and that’s something we’re trying to figure out,” Yaya said. “But even though we only one won game last year, there is still a target on our back. All the good teams want to play us. People still talk about us. They know they’re going to get the best from us.”
The Stars of SBISD powered by Texas Citizens Bank
Jordyn Brooks, Stratford Football
Jordyn Brooks has always been a tackling-machine. He was a two-time, first-teamer at Stratford and signed with Texas Tech. He led the Big 12 in tackles and tackles for loss per game last season. He then was drafted in the first round of the NFL by the Seattle Seahawks.
Kelsey Hranicky, Memorial Soccer
It's hard to earn unanimous honors. This one is easy. Memorial's Kelsey Hranicky was named the District 17-6A MVP after leading her team to an undefeated district record. The 'Stangs were on their way to another state Final Four appearance. Hranicky scored 39 goals in her shortened season. She's committed to the University of Texas.
Walter Constanza, Spring Woods Soccer
The Spring Woods boys' soccer team is a beacon of light for the SBISD school. Prior to the COVID19 outbreak, the Tigers were in second-place in district. Their record was 10-4-9. Nine ties? No shock that Walter Constanza was the District Defensive MVP making it tough for opponents to score.
Francies Galdino, Stratford Soccer
The Stratford boys' soccer team was named district champs in the shortened season with a 9-2-5 season. To the victors go the spoils. Francies Galdino was named the District Offensive MVP for his exploits on the pitch. He was also a star on the cross country team.
Keon Kennerson, Northbrook Football
At the center of every competitive team is a quarterback. Keon Kennerson returns to Northbrook for his senior season under the direction of new coach Andres Gomez. Kennerson was recently named a team captain going into the 2020 season.
This content is brought to you by Texas Citizens Bank
Texas Citizens Bank is a Houston community bank dedicated to concierge banking for owner-managed businesses. Learn how Texas Citizens Bank can help you grow your business at TexasCitizensBank.com.