As the new semester began, many of our teams brought their 2021 seasons to a close. Volleyball, wrestling, and football ended their seasons in playoffs and improved records. Basketball recently completed their season in the playoffs, and many of our spring sports teams have been diligently training for their upcoming events. Baseball and track, among others, are starting their first events this month, with many new players hoping to bring the spotlight onto our school.

The 2021 Lady Bulldog volleyball season ended just a couple of months ago. Many moments made this year memorable–from tournaments and rivalries. “This year, our goal was to be disciplined. Then, things would fall into place,” says Coach Lewis.

At the beginning of the season, the volleyball team looked forward to placing first in the district tournament and performing well in games. One of the most anticipated matchups was their game with Bellaire High School. Coach Lewis says, “Bellaire is one of the teams which has the most history with us, and that was a game the girls were looking forward to.” The team was motivated to change some outcomes, show that they worked hard for major games, and create history.

The girls began their practice during the summer and, when the school year came, had to balance academic work with long and intense volleyball practices. The team participated in scrimmages and preseason games to prepare for district tournaments. They dedicated much time and effort to improving their play on the court.

They did not do all that hard work in vain. This year may be one of the most successful seasons that Lewis has coached. Since she started at Heights, it was the first time the Varsity Volleyball team placed first at the Aldine Davis tournament. Not only that, but the team also placed second at the Stafford and district tournaments. Madison Hess, Michaela Hess, Austyn Lanclos, and Kennedi McQueen placed first in the district team selection. Hannah Carlsson and Desiree Rachels placed second. Even Coach Lewis won Co-Coach of the year.

The Varsity Volleyball team succeeded due to their devotion, teamwork, and persistence. They hope to improve their chemistry and quality of play for the next season, place in more tournaments, win more games, and have fun.

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Wade Martin

Senior Xavier Neal in a long jump event

In spring sports, track recently started their season. With their first varsity meet in Texas City at the Texas City Relays, they plan to run against many schools from our region, including Lamar, Aldine, and Deer Park. After spring break, Junior Varsity competes in their first sub-varsity district meet on March 21 at Barnett Stadium. “We have some good people who will take us a decent way,” says Owen Caswell, one of the team’s distance runners. “I’m looking forward to whenever we have our first meet.”

Ms. Owens, the new distance and jumpers coach, said, “I am super excited for my first track season at Heights!” “Our main goals this year are to place at the District championship and advance as many athletes to the Area and Regional competitions as possible.” Competing in a wide variety of events, the track team has a combination of experienced veteran student-athletes and students new to the sport. For the students competing in track and field for the first time, Owens said, “I am excited to see what they can do and how they improve throughout the season.” For the experienced runners this season, some have already hit personal records (PRs) during practice.