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TWCA's Taylor Makiya
LEAVING A LEGACY: Makiya has something to prove in final stretch with the Warriors
Now, as a senior, it's her time to take center stage.
“I want to achieve greatness, but more than that, I want to set the standard for the girls who come after me,” Makiya said. “Anyone in a leadership role wants to leave a legacy and build a culture of dedication. That’s going to be one of my main focuses this year.”
Makiya is already a proven competitor, with two gold medals in the Shot Put from her first two trips to the TAPPS-5A State Meet. Though she finished with bronze in both Shot Put (36-08.00) and Discus (117-06.00) last year, she’s determined to return to the top in 2025.
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
“I feel more motivated than ever,” she said. “I know what I’m capable of, and last year was humbling for me. Now, I have a sharper mindset. But at the end of the day, I’m grateful to God for everything I’ve accomplished here. It’s in His hands now, and whatever happens is for His glory alone.”
While her high school career is nearing its final stretch, Makiya has even more to look forward to after graduation. She recently committed to continue her athletic career at Stephen F. Austin University (SFA).
“Honestly, it was the culture at SFA that spoke to me,” she said. “They have excellent facilities, and I loved that they’re upgrading, which makes me believe I can grow just as much within their program. I’ve always wanted to be part of something special—just like I have been here at TWCA—but to experience that at the college level has always been my dream."
As always, Coach Tom Earle’s squad is expected to be a strong contender when the TAPPS-5A State Meet returns to Midway ISD’s Panther Stadium in May. And if all goes according to plan, Makiya will add another championship to her already decorated career.
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2022-23 TWCA Girls Track & Field
STATE WRAP: TWCA delivers gold finishes at TAPPS Championship
TWCA made a strong introduction in the competition, during Friday’s series of Field events, as sophomore Taylor Makiya started the show off in style, by being crowned as the 5A Girls Shot Put State Champion after throwing for just over 39 feet. This gold medal will pair nicely with the one from 2022 she has at home.
TWCA's Taylor MakiyaBradley C. Collier (VYPE)
Later on Friday, the Warriors also enjoyed two more top placements from Andrew Cockrill (So.) who finished in the No. 3 spot for the Boys Pole Vault (12-00), while senior AJ Belser took bronze in the Boys Discus with a throw of 143’4”.
Saturday’s events were even more impressive, with juniors Zoe Calamani and Sarah Chappelle, in particular, being the stars of the show.
TWCA's Zoe CalimaniBradley C. Collier (VYPE)
Not only did the pair have integral roles in the third-place finish for the Girls 4x200 Relay (4:04.69), but Calimani would conclude the Meet with another bronze in the 400m (57.14s), as well as a State Title in the 800m (2:18.67)
Similarly, Chappelle would become a State Champion after showcasing her premier speed in the 300m Hurdles (45.75s), while placing third in the 100m (15.22s).
TWCA's Sarah ChappelleBradley C. Collier (VYPE)
The final tally listed the TWCA Girls in the No. 5 spot with 65 points, and the Boys at eleventh overall (23.5 points).
While the composite team results weren’t as high as the Warriors would have hoped, the individual successes speak for themselves.
Considering the majority of the group will be returning a year from now, who’s to say they can’t change that next time around?