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PRESS RELEASE: Willis HS Athletics Hosting Texas Way Sportsmanship Assembly After Cleveland Incident
Willis, TX – Willis High School will be hosting a sportsmanship assembly for all student-athletes following the unsportsmanlike incident at a recent football game against Cleveland High School. Looking to turn that negative incident into a learning opportunity, school leadership has invited player development coach Stephen Mackey, founder of 2Words Character Development, to meet with the student-athletes about The Texas Way, a statewide sportsmanship initiative launched in partnership with the Texas High School Coaches Association and Texas High School Athletic Directors Association.
The curriculum of the Texas Way focuses on three pillars:
- Respect for Others: The Texas Way teaches respect that goes beyond the scoreboard. It’s about who we are, not what others do.
- Control of Self: This pillar is about maintaining composure and grace, especially when the stakes are high. The Texas Way encourages handling challenges with class.
- Spirit of Competition: We’re here to win, but not at the cost of integrity. The Texas Way promotes giving your best effort while holding true to your values.
WHO: Willis High School football coach & athletic director, Trent Miller and Stephen Mackey, founder of 2Words Character Development
WHAT: Texas Way Sportsmanship Assembly for all student-athletes
WHEN: Tuesday, October 22, 2024 at 1:30 p.m.
WHERE: Willis High School
Willis, TX 77378
**Everyone must check in at the front office
WHY: To make good sportsmanship a way of life throughout the state
NOTES:
- Please RSVP to Kirk Reynolds, kirkreynoldspr@gmail.com, if you plan to cover the assembly.
- Trent Miller, Stephen Mackey and Willis ISD Superintendent Dr. Kimberley James will be available for interviews after the assembly.
SHE'S COOKING: Chapman dealing on mound; selling baked goods
WILLIS SOFTBALL STAR KYNLEI CHAPMAN COOKS ON THE MOUND AND BAKES IN THE KITCHEN.
Huh?
The senior ace of the Wildkat softball team is one the most feared pitchers in the city of Houston when she toes the rubber. With her red hair flowing and her windmill motion, the ball explodes out of her hand.
“You know red heads are a little angry,” she laughed. “Over the years, I’ve had to improve on my anger management, honestly. Just keeping composed on the mound and getting in my zone. I just go out there and concentrate on hitting my spots.”
The right-handed senior has signed to play her college ball at McLennan Community College next season after putting in years of honing her craft.
“I love how close-knit the girls are and how they worship God even though it’s not a Christian school,” she said. “That was something I was looking for. Also, 90-percent of the girls sign with DI college programs after they graduate.”
When she’s not mowing down batters for Willis, “Chappy” can bake with the best of them. She has started a small business – “Cakes by Kynlei” – where she sells her masterpieces.
“Making cheesecakes, pies and cakes is just my thing,” she said. “My top seller is my pecan pie cheesecake. I can only make two a day, but they go so fast.
“I’m kind of an entrepreneur. I get it from my Dad, who co-owns a snow cone stand at Gene Campbell Sports Park, where I work in the summers. I also knit blankets to sell also.”
Softball is her “now” but business is her “future”.
“I’m going to take softball as far it takes me, but I want to be a Realtor and build my baking business after college,” she said. “That’s my plan.”
And she’s sticking to it like an Ooey Gooey Butter Cake.