In 1971, country singer Jerry Reed recorded a song called “When you’re hot, you’re hot” and those lyrics describe the Georgetown Lady Eagles’ drive to the Class 4A State Girls Basketball Championship during the 2012-2013 season. After a 4-3 start, coach Rhonda Farney’s Lady Eagles lit a fire that led them to the Erwin Center in Austin in early March where they dispatched San Antonio Brennan, 44-30, in the semifinals and upended Dallas Lincoln, 65-60 in the championship showdown. Just how hot was that closing drive to the title? The Lady Eagles won 30 of their final 31 games, including the final 17 and all 14 of their District 17-4A contests. During that 17-game winning streak, GHS posted an average victory margin of 27.2 points a game and only allowed two teams to post a final score within 10 points of the Lady Eagles.
Scoring 26 points against Lincoln, Georgetown senior Kaitlin Walla capped her final high school season before heading off to Texas State by being named the outstanding player in the 4A title game. She also led GHS against Brennan with 17 points. The 5-9 Walla was strongly supported by her fellow starters—5-11 senior forward/post Lorrie Santoy, 6-1 senior post Hayley Hunter, 5-8 junior guard Haley Frias and 5-6 junior guard Caitlyn Buttram. The five starters logged all but 24 of the total 320 player minutes in the two state tournament games. Walla and Santoy both were All-State Tournament choices along with pulling in all-state and all-district honors both in the athletic arena and classroom. Santoy also was a standout goalkeeper in soccer and went on to play at St. Edward’s. Hunter, who also locked down some all-state honors, probably made the biggest single play in the drive to the title. In the regional quarterfinals against Mont Belvieu Barbers Hill that powered the Lady Eagles into the Region III-4A Tournament and wins over Rosenburg Lamar Consolidated, 47-29, and Tomball, 41-30. In the closing seconds against Barbers Hill, Hunter rebounded and put the ball back up and in for the winning points for a 44-42 victory. As impressive as the young women were on the court, they are much more impressive when you look at the professional and educational accomplishment along with their future goals. They are dedicated to improving their society—especially in the health fields.
This quote by Walla probably best tells the most-important accomplishment of that championship season: “. . . it taught me that while winning and succeeding is great, what’s most important is the person you are and the way you impact those around you. I can’t tell you one single stat of any of my teammates from that last year or any play a coach called, but I can to this day tell you a way each one of them made me a better person. They possessed the true feeling of an athletic team that became a family on and off the court in a demanding program that continually preaches the important lessons of humanity.
THE ROAD TO A STATE TITLE
Opponent Score
Waco Midway 52-31
Killeen Ellison 36-52
Pflugerville 41-70
Christoval 65-23
Round Rock 66-29
Spring 57-45
Lubbock Coronado 55-57
Austin Bowie 42-38
Mount Pleasant 50-21
Tyler 62-40
Martin’s Mill 48-40
Winnsboro 51-37
Elgin 65-18
Leander 55-36
Manor 58-19
Liberty Hill 50-35
Georgetown East View 61-18
Bastrop Cedar Creek 96-19
Byng, OK 65-29
Lomega, OK 54-28
Sulphur, OK 35-40
Hutto 64-39
Pflugerville Connally 45-34
Bastrop 71-22
Elgin 59-29
Manor 69-14
Georgetown East View 58-24
Bastrop Cedar Creek 74-10
Hutto 67-41
Pflugerville Connally 52-35
Bastrop 59-26
PLAYOFF GAMES
Bi-District
Magnolia 57-32
Area
Vidor 61-22
Region III-4A Quarterfinals
- Belvieu Barbers Hill 44-42
Region III-4A Tournament
Semifinals
Rosenburg Lamar Consol. 47-29
Finals
Tomball 41-30
UIL State Tournament
At Frank Erwin Center
Semifinals
S.A. Brennan 44-30
Championship
Dallas Lincoln 65-60
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GHS COACHING STAFF
Head coach: Rhonda Farney. Assistants: Kellye Richardson, Kristin Curtis, Jordan Ramey. Athletic trainers: Chad Hennessey, Vanessa Morales.
***
OFFICIAL GHS STATE TOURNAMENT ROSTER
Player Information
Number –Name (Class Height Position)
10 — Haley Frias (jr., 5-8, g)
14 — Kendrick Clark (fr., 5-11, g)
22 — Nicole Elliott (jr., 5-7, g)
24 — Amanda Johnson (soph., 5-11, g)
25 — Caitlyn Buttram (jr., 5-6, g)
30 — Avery Kelly (fr., 5-7, g)
32 — Kaitlin Walla (sr., 5-11, g)
34 — Lorrie Santoy (sr., 5-10, f/p)
35 — Bree Smith (sr., 5-10, f/p)
40 — Hayley White (so., 5-10, g)
42 — Rikki Blue (jr., 5-8, g)
44 — Christine Mersiosky (soph., 5-8, g)
45 — Taylor LaCour (soph., 6-1, f/p)
50 — Khadijah Conway (sr., 5-9, f/p)
52 — Maddie Anderson (soph., 5-10, f/p)
55 — Hayley Hunter (sr., 6-1, f/p)
Other players listed (without numbers) in official State Tournament program:
MacKayla Embry (soph., 5-6, g), Sandi Harris (fr., 5-7, g); Samantha Lee (soph. 5-11, f/pP); Abby Sanez (soph., 5-11, g); Aubrey Simon (jr., 5-9, f/p); Stephanie Sovereen, soph., 5-9, g/f); Remy Wassom (fr., 5-7, g/f).
Student Support Staff
Managers: Grant Anderson, Hope De La Torre, Amanda Goode, Kamille Lyons, Seth Sossner. Statistician: Andrea Kauitzsch. Video: Mary Lucas. Student Trainer: Emily Baldwin-Pena.
***
STATE CHAMPIONSHIP BOX SCORE
GEORGETOWN 65, DALLAS LINCOLN 60
GHS (65) — Lorrie Santoy 7-10, 0-0 14, Hayley Hunter 5-9 2-4 12, Haley Frias 4-7 0-0 10, Caitlyn Buttram 0-1 3-6 3, Katlin Walla 9-15 8-12 26, Bree Smith 0-1 0-0 0, Christine Mersiosky 0-0 0-0 0, Maddie Anderson 0-0 0-0 0. Totals: 25-43 (58.1 percent) 13-22 65.
LINCOLN (60) — Alisha Washington 4-13 7-12 18, Dariel Johnson 2-4 1-2 6, Nicoria Denman 4-8 1-4 12, Jade Colbert 5-15 0-2 12, Kelsey Criner 0-2 2-2 2, Shatavies Reed 0-0 0-0 0, Jasmine Cooper 4-5 1-2 9, Jalah Walton 0-2 1-2 1. Totals: 19-49 (38.8 percent) 13-26 60.
Halftime: Lincoln, 39-33. 3-point shooting: GHS 2-5 (Frias 2-3, Buttram0-1, Walla 0-1); DL 9-26 (Washington 3-7, Johnson 1-3, Denman 3-7, Colbert 2-7, Criner 0-1, Cooper 0-1). Assists: GHS 16 (Walla 6, Frias 4, Santoy 3); DL 10 (Denman 3, Colbert 3). Blocks: GHS 2 (Santoy 1, Hunter 1); DL 3 (Colbert 1, Cooper 1, Walton 1). Rebounds: GHS 33 (Santoy 8, Walla 7, Frias 4, Buttram 4, Hunter 3); DL 25 (Cooper 6, Colbert 5). Steals: GHS 6 (Santoy 2, Buttram 2, Walla 2); DL 12 (Washington 3, Colbert 3). Turnovers: GHS 16, DL 15. Total fouls: GHS 15, DL 22. Fouled out: DL Johnson, Colbert. Technical fouls: none. Records: Georgetown, 34-4; Dallas Lincoln 36-5.
STATE SEMIFINAL BOXSCORE
GEORGETOWN 44, SAN ANTONIO BRENNAN 30
BRENNAN (30) –Eliza Martinez 0-2 0-0 0, Deja Mason 1-1 0-0 2, Ashlynn Graham 1-12 3-8 5, Krystan Etheridge 3-12 0-0 6, Tanaeya Boclair 4-11 5-6 14, Krystan Gomez 0-0 0-0 0, Kristal Jackson 0-0 0-0 0, Antonishe Robinson 0-0 0-0 0, Dove Hammons 0-0 0-0 0, Autym Scales 1-2 0-0 3, Tia Mason 0-0 0-0 0. Totals: 10-40 (25 percent) 8-14 30.
GHS (44) — Santoy 4-8 3-4 11, Hunter 3-8 3-5 9, Frias 2-3 0-0 5, Buttram 0-1 2-2 2, Walla 5-10 7-8 17, Nicole Elliott 0-0 0-0 0, Amanda Johnson 0-0 0-0 0, Mersiosky 0-1 0-0 0, Taylor LaCour 0-0 0-0 0, Anderson 0-0 0-0 0. Totals: 14-31 (45.2 percent) 15-19 44.
Halftime: 13-13. 3-point shooting: SAB 2-8 (Graham 0-3, Etheridge 0-1, Boclair 1-3, Scales 1-1); GHS 1-2 (Frias 1-1, Walla 0-1). Assists: SAB 3 (Graham 2); GHS 8 (Walla 4, Buttram 2, Santoy 2). Blocks: SAB 4 (D. Mason 3), GHS 3 (Hunter 3). Rebounds: SAB 25 (D. Mason 7, Boclair 7); GHS 26 (Santoy 7, Hunter 5, Buttram 5, Walla 4). Steals: SAB 8 (Martinez 2, Graham 2, Etheridge 2, Boclair 2); GHS 12 (Santoy 6, Buttram 4). Turnovers: SAB 18, GHS 17. Total fouls: SABN 14, GHS 9. Fouled out: none. Technical fouls: none. Records: San Antonio Brennan, 30-9; Georgetown, 33-4.
The championship personnel:
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COACHES
KELLYE RICHARDSON
Position on 2012-2013 staff: Assistant coach.
Current status: Retired, lives in Austin.
Message: “Winning a State Championship has always been one of our goals at Georgetown High School. It’s what we all dream of accomplishing. I was so proud of our team, staff, and community. “The qualities that I felt made this team state champions was their focus on the goals that they set, great communication, great leadership, their diverse personalities. Everyone contributed and knew their role on the team. “My favorite memory was at the Erwin Center and seeing our community up in the stands relish in the success of winning a state championship. Watching all of you receive your gold medals. Awesomeness! Proud moment! “Having taught and coached at Georgetown High School has meant the world to me. I’ve been truly blessed to have had the opportunity to coach a long with some of the very best student athletes, coaches, and supportive community.” “EAGLE FIGHT NEVER DIES!”
KRISTIN CURTIS
Position on 2012-2013 staff: Assistant coach.
Current status: Special Education teacher in Lake Travis ISD for Project Search at Scott&White Hospital, lives in Austin.
Message: “Some of the qualities that made this special team a state champion was their heart, their confidence, but yet so humble and appreciative. They all just loved being around each other and playing for one another. Most selfless team. As a coaching staff we loved being around them as well as coaching them. Just a fun group of kids to coach, we never had to coach effort.”One of my favorite memories was when we were down to Barbers Hill in Regional Quarterfinals and Hayley Hunter put a rebound back in at the buzzer. Rhonda wouldn’t watch and had no idea we won, and Kellye running around on court trying to find someone to hug. And of course coming back and beating Dallas Lincoln in the Championship! “Loved this team and have so many special memories that will last a lifetime.”
JORDAN RAMEY
Position on 2012-2013 staff: Assistant coach.
Current status: Head girls basketball coach at Leander Glenn High School. Single, dog named Opie.
Message: “Winning a state championship is the ultimate Team accomplishment to see all parts moving towards one goal is special . . . Belief, Leadership, and Perseverance were the keys to our success . . . I enjoyed Curtis Parker’s call of the game . . . Being a part of the Lady Eagle program is Family . . . My future Goals are to hopefully continuing to be a difference maker in students’ lives.
***
PLAYERS
KAITLIN WALLA
Team Information: Sr. No. 32, guard.
Honors: MVP 4A state championship game, consensus all-state, All-Centex Player of the Year; District 17-4A MVP, Academic All-State, TABC and TGCA All-Star.
Current status: Single, lives in Georgetown.
Occupational/educational status: Behavior therapist for autistic children; Graduated with a Biochemistry degree and a Psychology degree.
What did winning a state championship mean to you?
“At the time, it meant a lifelong dream come true. But today it’s a memory I look back on that reminds me anything is possible if you put in the work, believe in yourself and surround yourself with great people.
What were the qualities that made the 2013 team a state champion?
“It was the intangibles that set this team apart. Quite honestly if you looked at us as individuals we weren’t the most-outstanding basketball talents—none of us were over 6-2, lightening quick or just ridiculously good at any skills – BUT what we did have was a common goal and a shared commitment to achieving it. Add that on top of genuinely caring about each other, and it made for a pretty amazing team that was way better than the sum of its parts. As Coach Farney used to say ‘we all bought in. ‘We all knew our roles and do them to the best of our ability, day in and day out. The older I get the more I see how special that was. To have a group of people commit to each other as much as we did that year—to support and believe in each other no matter what the circumstances—it was an experience I’ll treasure for a lifetime.”
What were your favorite memories from the state championship season?
“Haley Hunter’s last second shot in playoffs . . . Being “bus buddies” with Caitlyn Buttram . . . Pregame traditions like driving crazy fast donuts in the school parking lot (looking back this wasn’t our smartest decision) . . . The feeling I got watching Caitlyn Buttram make the free throw that cemented our win and looking up at our amazing Blue Sea of fans cheering and knowing we really had just won a state championship and somehow having the ball end up in my hands in the last seconds of the game and getting to throw it up at the buzzer and being dog piled by all the girls.”Favorite memory of all though was this huddle the girls on the court and I had on our own late in that final game when things weren’t looking good for us. Over time I’ve forgotten the exact words that were said, but I’ll never forget the look in everyone’s eyes. I know this is sappy, but you asked earlier what made this team special and I really wish I had a picture of this moment to share with everyone because it would tell you everything you needed to know about this team. There was not one ounce of doubt or fear in anyone eyes, just a whole lot of fight and belief that somehow we were gonna pull this off together. I didn’t realize at the time how rare it is to be that bonded and in sync with another group of people. It was beyond special.”
How did being a Lady Eagle influenced your life?
“It gave me the confidence to know I could push through whatever life throws at me and accomplish great things, no matter the obstacles. But most of all it taught me that while winning and succeeding is great, what’s most important is the person you are and the way you impact those around you. I can’t tell you one single stat of any of my teammates from that last year or any play a coach called, but I can to this day tell you a way each one of them made me a better person.”
What are your future goals?
“In the process of applying to doctorate programs to become a licensed sport psychologist to work with collegiate and professional athletes.”
Do you have anything else to add?
“No matter how old we get, I’ll always love everyone who was involved with this team. It’s cool to know that while a lot of memories fade in life, this one never will. Couldn’t have asked for a better group of people to accomplish a dream with. Thank you all for making me a better player but more than that, a better person.”
LORRIE SANTOY
Team Information: Sr., No. 34, forward/post.
Honors: Lady Eagles team MVP, All-State Tournament, Academic All-State, All-Centex, All-District 17-4A first team.
Current status: Single, Tacoma, Wa.
Occupational/educational status: Physical therapy Intern at Madigan Army Medical Center, will graduate from the Army-Baylor Physical Therapy Program in Aug. 2020.
What did winning a state championship mean to you?
“Winning the state championship was the best way to end my time as a Lady Eagle. It was the accumulation of all the hard work we had put into that season in being the best team that we could be . . . and it paid off.”
What were the qualities that made the 2013 team a state champion?
“We were resilient, prideful, dedicated, had a winning mentality and a strong work ethic.”
What were your favorite memories from the state championship season?
“Victory laps in the bus in the back parking lot, changing Richdawg’s screen saver to Grumpy Cat before practices, and half-court shots before game-day practices.”
How did being a Lady Eagle influence your life?
“Being a Lady Eagle taught me life lessons that I still reflect on and shaped the person that I am today.”
What are your future goals?
“Graduate PT school and start my first Army assignment.”
CAITLYN (BUTTRAM) FOWLER
Team Information: Jr., No. 25, point guard.
Honors: Second-team all-district, academic all-district.
Current status: Married to Brennen Fowler. We have a dog named Emmy Lou and a cat named Gray, lives in Lubbock.
Occupational/educational status: Admissions Adviser at Lubbock Christian University and am a full-time graduate student, pursuing my masters in Special Education. I will graduate in August 2020.
What did winning a state championship mean to you?
“Winning a state championship was one of my favorite memories, with my closest friends. It meant that everything we had done the entire season was worth every second. We were the underdog that game, and really should not have won. That winning moment is one I will never forget.”
What were the qualities that made the 2013 team a state champion?
“Our team was tough, gritty, and smart. Our team was well rounded, and as goofy as it gets. We had done CrossFit all pre-season, and Coach Curtis loved watching us die every day. One time I was doing pull ups towards the end of a workout and Coach Farney was just telling me “this is the fourth quarter, this is the fourth quarter” and it was true. The endurance mindset our coaches created that season directly related to why we could come back and win the state championship game that year.”
What were your favorite memories from the state championship season?
“My favorite memories from the state year consisted of Kaitlin Walla getting pink nail polish on her white sweats (typical), the fact the coach Farney wore her shirt backwards during our state championship, and creating our singing group- the Basketpellas to perform for an elementary school to get them ready for their TAKS test by changing the lyrics to ‘Baby’ by Justin Bieber.
How did being a Lady Eagle influence your life?
“Being a Lady Eagle prepared me for various parts in my life. College basketball, having a job, being in grad school, being a wife, daughter, sister, and friend. In high school, coach Farney and our other coaches showed us how to have balance, be tough, but equally be appreciative of what we have. Qualities I can and will always be grateful for.”
What are your future goals?
“Long term I want to be a mamma, get certification for ABA therapy as well as hippo therapy. My dream is to work with kids on the spectrum or with intellectual disabilities and incorporate horses in their treatment.”
Do you have anything else to add?
“Thank you to the Georgetown community for supporting the Lady Eagles for many years. It matters, and its sticks with the players. Thank you to the coaches for caring and supporting me in formative years. There aren’t words to describe how thankful I am to have played at Georgetown High School.”
HALEY (FRIAS) NICHOLS
Team Information: Jr., No. 10, shooting guard.
Honors: TABC All-Region first team, All-District 17-4A first team.
Current status: Married to Weston Nichols, dog named Duncan Nichols, lives at Fort Eustis, Va.
Occupational/educational status: Tax accountant.
What did winning a state championship mean to you?
“Winning at the Frank Erwin Center with my best friends was a dream come true! It is a special memory that I will cherish forever.
What were the qualities that made the 2013 team a state champion?
“Each player accepted their role: I didn’t understand how rare this quality was until I played four years of college basketball; hard work and dedication during the off season we were outside or in a tiny weight room garage doing crossfit due to construction; each player bought in; and every player had a common goal which was the state championship and it showed every
What were your favorite memories from the state championship season?
“The friendships! Caitlyn Fowler, Rikki Blue, and I basically lived at Kaitlin Walla’s house during that season. We knew the code to their front door and Kait’s mom would fill their fridge with our favorites (taquitos, brownies, and milk). “ADA, OKLAHOMA!!! Although we didn’t win the tournament and we were in the middle of nowhere Oklahoma. We surprisingly had a lot of fun (even though we didn’t meet Blake Shelton). Also, this tournament played a huge role in our state championship win! “Coach Curtis saying, “SHUT UP, FRIAS!”
How did being a Lady Eagle influence your life?
“Being a Lady Eagle has influenced the most important relationship of my life which is the relationship with my husband. I learned how to be a great teammate through this program and as a newlywed, I am learning that an important part of marriage is being a great teammate.”
What are your future goals?
“Start a family, be a great wife and mom, work for the Department of Defense as a civilian.
Do you have anything else to add?
“After we won the state championship coach Farney told us, “Enjoy this moment, but this will not be the best day of your life.” I didn’t believe these words as a 16-year-old . . . how could things get any better than this? Fast forward seven years later, on my wedding day I finally understood her statement. That year was special and that day was great, but it wasn’t the best day of my life. I am thankful for the life lessons and wisdom our team gained from coach Farney, it was always about more than being a basketball player.”
HAYLEY HUNTER
Team Information: Sr., No. 55, f/p.
Honors: TGCA All-State, TABC All-Region first team All-District 17-4A first team.
Current status: Single, lives in Pflugerville.
Occupational/educational status: Behavioral Health Specialist, Masters in Applied Behavior Analysis.
What did winning a state championship mean to you?
“Everything. The entire season taught me so many things about myself.”
What were the qualities that made the 2013 team a state champion?
“Our hard work & dedication.”
What were your favorite memories from the state championship season?
“My favorite memory from the 2012-2013 season was winning the state championship game.”
How did being a Lady Eagle influence your life?
“Being a Lady Eagle taught me that hard work always pays off.”
What are your future goals?
“I hope to open my own ABA clinic for children with autism.”
Do you have anything else to add?
“I miss everyone and hope they are all living their best lives.”
AMANDA JOHNSON
Team Information: Soph., No. 24, guard.
Honors: Academic All-District.
Current status: Single with one fur child (Blu, the pit bull), lives in Baltimore, Md.
Occupational/educational status: Currently working on my PhD in biomedical research at Johns Hopkins after recently graduating from Houston Baptist University where I played Division I basketball and finished with the top GPA in my graduating class.
What did winning a state championship mean to you?
“Winning a state championship to me means that we left our legacy at Georgetown and inspired young girls to persevere and strive for greatness.”
What were the qualities that made the 2013 team a state champion?
“We had strong leadership and everyone cared more about team success than individual credit.”
What were your favorite memories from the state championship season?
“Winning state with lifelong friends.”
How did being a Lady Eagle influence your life?
“My time as a Lady Eagle helped instill in me the traits I needed to be successful both on the court (at the college level) and off.”
What are your future goals?
“To have my own neuro-oncology research lab focused on finding new mechanisms and therapies for brain/spinal cancer.”
MADDIE ANDERSON
Team Information: Soph., No. 52, post.
Honors: Academic All-District.
Current status: Single, boyfriend Brandon Schmidt, fur child (My sweet Kitten Liam).
Occupation or educational status: Working as a physical therapy technician while waiting on admission to physical therapy school.
What did winning a state championship mean to you?
“Winning a state championship meant to me that when you work hard and together as a team, you can achieve anything, especially when everyone is bought in and has the same end goal in mind.”
What were the qualities that made the 2013 team a state champion?
“We were all close and actually like a family with each other. You could see we were all on the same page all season and knew that we all wanted to end the season the same way. We played as a team and no one was selfish.”
What were your favorite memories from the state championship season?
“The tournament in Winnsboro was by far one of my favorite memories. Getting to road trip there with the girls and stay in cabins was the best. Also the endless amounts of rolls from Texas Roadhouse after we won was pretty amazing.”
How did being a Lady Eagle influence your life?
“Being a Lady Eagle has influenced me to give everything I’ve got in all that I do in life. It has taught me to be strong in difficult situations and to lean on my faith in those times of struggle as well.”
What are your future goals?
“My future goals are to graduate PT school. Work as a physical therapist for a few years, and hopefully open up my own clinic one day. Also, to have a big family one day.”
TAYLOR LACOUR
Team information: Soph., No. 45, post.
Current status: Engaged, lives in Georgetown.
Occupation or educational status: Medical scribe for orthopedic surgeon.
What did winning a state championship mean to you?
“Winning a state championship was an amazing feeling because it meant that all our hard work and dedication throughout the year didn’t go unnoticed. We practiced everyday like we were the best team and that’s exactly who we were in the end.”
What were the qualities that made the 2013 team a state champion?
“We had strong leadership, we all communicate effectively on the floor, we were competitive and pushed each other in everything we did, and we each understood our roles/ responsibilities.”
What were your favorite memories from the state championship season?
“The memory I can remember the most is when we were playing Barbers Hill and the whole gym thought the game was over(there was a few seconds left and we had just missed a 3-pointer) so the other crowd had started to cheer. All of a sudden, Haley Hunter grabs the rebound and makes the put back. I remember the gym going completely silent for at least five seconds before our crowd erupted into cheers. We all ran out and jumped onto Haley.”
How did being a Lady Eagle influence your life?
“Being a Lady Eagle influenced my life because it taught me many lessons that I carried with me to college and still carry with me today. I learned discipline, how to have a great work ethic, and how to balance school and basketball equally.”
What are your future goals?
“Medical school to study to become a pediatrician or orthopedist.”
BREE (SMITH) WESTON
Team Information: Sr., No. 35, post.
Current status: Married my high school sweetheart Austin Weston (10/27/2018) and have a seven-month-old daughter named Aria Jade, but we call her AJ! Also have a wolf dog named Zola & a cat named Cleo.
Occupation or educational status: Graduated from Dental Genius Assisting School in 2014 as a registered dental assistant, but currently employed as a specialist at Apple.
What did winning a state championship mean to you?
“Winning a state championship taught me to set goals for myself and how to execute a plan in order to achieve it. We set our minds on “going for gold” from day one and each win put us one step closer and each loss (even though there weren’t many) were lessons we learned from.”
What were the qualities that made the 2013 team a state champion?
“Our team had many star qualities but I think our dynamic and roles were clearly defined which helped us all play a critical part in winning. As a proud member of bench crew (shout out Khadijah and Rikki) we busted butt as scout team and cheered as loud as we could even if we weren’t on the court. We all respected each other and had a vision on winning state.”
What were your favorite memories from the state championship season?
“My favorite memories from that season were writing raps & hyping everyone up during our pregame rituals, UHHH, THE FREAKING BUZZER BEATER THAT SENT US TO REGIONALS, and everything about Winnsboro.
How did being a Lady Eagle influence your life?
“Being a Lady Eagle taught me SO many things but most importantly it taught me the strength in sisterhood. Even when you feel weak, you had someone to lean on or to help you. I loved that we challenged ourselves daily and had a family feel. Being a Lady Eagle held me accountable off the court as well which I am truly grateful for. I did not want to let my coaches or team down.”
What are your future goals?
“My future goals are to buy a house and do the best I can to raise my kids to be whatever and whoever they want to be. I want to always be a safe place for my friends and family.”
NICOLE ELLIOTT
Team Information: Jr., No. 22, point guard.
Honors: All-District honorable mention, Academic all-district.
Current status: Single, lives in Dallas.
Occupation or educational status: Auditor at KPMG.
What did winning a state championship mean to you?
“To me, winning the state championship meant we had a chance to prove how hard we had worked throughout the season and show everyone how well we could work together as a team to accomplish our goals.”
What were the qualities that made the 2013 team a state champion?
“Our team was a family and we had our teammate’s backs during the fun times and during the rough times. We grew as one throughout the year which carried onto the court every game.”
What were your favorite memories from the state championship season?
“The memory I can remember most vividly was the moment Hayley Hunter scored the winning shot and the feelings that rushed through me knowing we were moving on. I definitely miss the moments like those that basketball brought to my life.”
How did being a Lady Eagle influence your life?
“Being a Lady Eagle has shaped me in so many ways. One recent example, I passed my CPA exams because of the mental toughness I was able to develop through basketball.”
What are your future goals?
“My future goals are growing as a leader, which being a Lady Eagle has helped me with, and allowing the Lord to guide me in the right direction with work and life.”
RIKKI BLUE
Team information: Jr., No. 42, guard.
Honors: Academic All-District.
Current status: Single with a two-year-old wiener dog named Edward, lives in Abilene.
Occupation or educational status: Full-time grad student working on my master’s in Occupational Therapy. Graduated with honors from Texas Tech University with a B.S. in Kinesiology, double-minored in Spanish and Health Professions.
What did winning a state championship mean to you?
“It was the culmination of the many small goals we as a team had made, and winning that final game was the ultimate goal that we were able to accomplish. It meant that hard work can certainly pay off, and no goals are out of reach.”
What were the qualities that made the 2013 team a state champion?
“The team was full of a lot of raw talent, but we never depended on that. We all worked extremely hard each day, and had a positive attitude, even during the challenging moments.”
What were your favorite memories from the state championship season?
“I love the friendships that I made, some have lasted to this day. This was done by the many sleepovers at Kaitlin Walla’s house (my second home), silly pre-game raps, and many, many movie nights.
How did being a Lady Eagle influence your life?
“It taught me to pursue hard work and to persevere through the things that challenge me.”
What are your future goals?
“I plan to graduate from grad school and move to the Dallas area to work in pediatric occupational therapy while working towards receiving board certification in pediatrics. A future goal of mine is to pursue a doctorate in occupational therapy and enter into research for children with mental health disorders and how occupational therapists can be beneficial to those in that area.”
KHADIJAH CONWAY
Team Information: Sr., No. 50, post.
Current status: I have a daughter who is 23 months named Nia, lives in Georgetown.
Occupation or educational status: Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice, currently working as a Pre-K Teacher.
What did winning a state championship mean to you?
“To me winning state was a great accomplishment, we all had a role on the team and in order to win we had to play our roles as best as we could, and we did!”
What were the qualities that made the 2013 team a state champion?
“Definitely teamwork and camaraderie! We were friends and teammates off and on the court. We all held each other accountable and I think that’s what made us a state championship team!”
What were your favorite memories from the state championship season?
“I loved everything about the season! But most of all sharing so many laughs with Bree and Rikki on the bench!”
How did being a Lady Eagle influence your life?
“Being a Lady Eagle has taught me to be a team player! In my college life playing intramural sports and in my professional life working as a team with other teachers. It also taught me how to be a leader in all aspects of my life!”
What are your future goals?
“I’m starting an online school in 2020 to get my teaching certification so I can teach at an elementary school.”
SUPPORT PERSONNEL
MARY LUCAS
Team Information: Manager/Video.
Current status: Girlfriend: Cameron Simon, lives in Beaumont.
Occupation or educational status: Studying at Lamar University for Electrical Engineering, with a completed an Associates Degree in Industrial Maintenance.
What did winning a state championship mean to you?
“It meant that all the hard work everyone put in all season had paid off in the end.”
What were the qualities that made the 2013 team a state champion?
“The quality of the bond we all shared throughout the season.”
What were your favorite memories from the state championship season?
“The way the atmosphere felt the moment we won the championship.”
How did being a Lady Eagle influence your life?
“It helped me learn how to work as part of a team.”
What are your future goals?
“After acquiring my Electrical Engineering degree, I would like to work towards a future that combines ergonomics with sustainable energy sources, making the machines easier to access for maintenance and easier to obtain by the public.”
GRANT ANDERSON
Team Information: Manager.
Current status: Engaged to Steven Allen, lives in Austin.
Occupation or educational status: Sales at Volvo of Austin.
What did winning a state championship mean to you?
“Winning meant feeling part of something larger than myself.”
What were the qualities that made the 2013 team a state champion?
“The major quality that stood out to me was a sense of friendship.”
What were your favorite memories from the state championship season?
“My favorite memory was going up to Oklahoma during Christmas.”
How did being with the Lady Eagle influence your life?
“Being a part of the team influenced my life by enforcing my drive to be the best I can be, which transpired to the success I have at work by being one of the top 50 sales petioles in the country.”
What are your future goals?
“The biggest future goal for me would have to be promoted to Sales Manager.”
SETH SOSSNER
Team Information: Manager.
Current status: Single, Sunnyvale, Tx.
Occupation or educational status: Paramedic student.
What did winning a state championship mean to you?
“I thought my sister (Brianna Bogard) was destined to be the girls basketball state champion in our family. As it turned out, it was my destiny! All kidding aside, what a pleasure to stand among giants and watch champions do their work.”
What were the qualities that made the 2013 team a state champion?
“The 2013 team had all the qualities Lady Eagles always embody. Hard work, integrity, effort, courage, inability to give up. They were 100 percent selfless and put team before themselves all the time.”
What were your favorite memories from the state championship season?
“What an honor to sit on coach Farney’s bench. There is nothing as terrifying as seeing her look down on the bench after someone misses a layup. There is nothing you can do except hand her the clipboard. I did love driving a brand new blue Cadillac to Sonic and getting slushies for her, Ramey, Curtis and Coach Richie. It was amazing to win that day. Walla played her heart out. Got a steal last few seconds. Dribbles down the court, buzzer goes off and she throws the ball into the lights. It felt like she threw it for all of us. We were champions. All I could think of was coach Farney. She had her crown.”
How did being with the Lady Eagle influence your life?
“I loved the Lady Eagles so much since my sister, Brianna Bogard, was a four-year varsity letterman. I wanted to be a part of that tradition and coach Farney was gracious enough to let me be a team manager. I learned so much about inclusion and finding a place for everyone from coach Farney. She loves her players and sees them for human beings behind their jump shots. She finds a way to win her games and make everyone feel like they were the reason their team was great.”
What are your future goals?
“I am currently finishing up Paramedic School and will become a firefighter/paramedic in the Metroplex in 2020. My future goal is to become a flight medic and adopt at least 15 puppy dogs.”
Do you have anything else to add?
I want to thank everyone—coaches, players, parents—for allowing me to be a part of this program and championship. It was so amazing and meant so much to me and my family. Lady Eagle basketball is a legendary program of extraordinary people who buy into one woman’s vision one hundred percent. The leadership that coach Farney brings to this school and community transcends my personal abilities to express gratitude. #EFND”
KAMILLE LYONS
Team Information: Manager.
Current status: Single mother to a wonderful daughter, lives in Georgetown.
Occupation or educational status: Student/ shipping coordinator.
What did winning a state championship mean to you?
“I had played with most of the girls the year before, and I knew how hard they worked getting so close that last season; It was awesome to see their hard work pay off.”
What were the qualities that made the 2013 team a state champion?
“We were truly a family some closer to others than someone else but we knew the person standing next would be there no matter what.”
What were your favorite memories from the state championship season?
“Probably team dinners because it was the only time as a whole we were all actually together just enjoying the present. Not playing, practice, taking stats, making Gatorade, etc. Just having fun, as a team!”
How did being with the Lady Eagle influence your life?
“I’m working on my last two semesters before finishing my B.S. in physical education, so if anything, the coaching staff taught me what a good coach should be.”
What are your future goals?
“To hopefully find a coaching/teaching job at a middle school after graduation.”
Do you have anything else to add?
“All I can is, I only stay in touch with a few of y’all; but I’ve seen your post and pics and I’m so excited for each of you and where life has and will take you!”
ANDREA KAUITZSCH
Team Information: Manager/statistician.
Current status: Partner Josh Horton, lives in Tomball.
Occupation/educational status: Graduated in 2019 with a bachelors in business administration in management from UMHB. I work in sales at BAC Products Inc.
What did winning a state championship mean to you?
“Winning a statement championship was something that you take pride in and can share with your family. The memory was the best part.”
What were the qualities that made the 2013 team a state champion?
“Leadership, honesty and having fun.”
What were your favorite memories from the state championship season?
“Running up with Kamille Lyons at halftime to change clothes because Farney wanted us to dress nice and we were down. We had always worn the same outfit and we ran up and changed because of superstition.”
How did being a Lady Eagle influence your life?
“Taught me how to manage my time and be organized!”
What are your future goals?
“Get married and get my masters in hospital administration.”