Author: Youth Texas Teams

Coach Maria Lopez has earned a reputation as a mentor and trailblazer in the Dallas boxing scene. As one of the few female boxing coaches in the area, she inspires both male and female athletes to reach their full potential.“Boxing gave me confidence, and I want to pass that on,” Lopez says. Her training style is meticulous, with a focus on defense and mental preparation. “A fight is won long before you step into the ring,” she emphasizes.Her standout boxer, 17-year-old Elena Chavez, credits Lopez for her rapid ascent in the junior boxing circuit. “Coach Lopez taught me to own…

Sophia Nguyen’s ascent to the top of Texas junior golf is a story of perseverance and precision. At 17, Sophia recently clinched the Lone Star Junior Open title, a victory that cements her reputation as one of Austin’s brightest young athletes. Her journey began at the age of 10, when her father introduced her to golf as a way to bond. “I loved it from the first swing,” she recalls.By 13, Sophia had joined local tournaments, but her early years were marked by inconsistency. That all changed when she began training with Coach Monica Ruiz, a former collegiate golfer turned…

In a state where football reigns supreme, Tyler Johnson is making ice hockey the sport to watch in Houston. The 17-year-old defenseman is a rising star on the rink, known for his aggressive style and leadership qualities. Tyler’s journey began at a local ice skating rink when he was just six years old. “I fell in love with the speed and intensity of hockey,” he recalls.Tyler’s breakout moment came during the Lone Star Invitational, where his game-winning goal in double overtime secured a championship for his team. His coach, Martin Raines, describes him as “a player with incredible instincts and…

For many student-athletes, college is the ultimate goal, but getting there requires more than just athletic ability. The process of applying for athletic scholarships can be complicated and competitive, and many student-athletes aren’t sure where to begin.Sammy Rodriguez, a senior at Lamar High School in Houston, is a golf player who dreams of playing at the collegiate level. He has learned the importance of preparing early for the college recruiting process. “It’s not enough to just perform well in sports,” Sammy explains. “You also have to focus on maintaining a good GPA, participating in extracurricular activities, and getting your name…

Mental health is an often-overlooked aspect of the student-athlete experience, yet it is just as important as physical health for overall performance. Juggling the demands of schoolwork, sports, and social life can be mentally exhausting, leading to stress, anxiety, and burnout.Michael Harris, a sports psychologist based in Houston, specializes in helping young athletes manage the mental strain of competing while studying. “It’s important to understand that student-athletes are under a lot of pressure,” he says. “They’re expected to perform well in both arenas, and when they’re struggling, it can affect their self-esteem and their performance in school and in sports.”Michael’s…

Schools have a unique opportunity to help student-athletes thrive academically while still excelling in their respective sports. At Lancaster High School in Texas, coaches and educators work closely together to create an environment where student-athletes can succeed both on and off the field.Coach Mike Thompson, who coaches the school’s golf team, is a strong advocate for academic support. “We know that academics come first. If our players are struggling in class, they know that they can come to me or any of the other coaches for help,” Coach Thompson says.Lancaster High has implemented a tutoring system where student-athletes can receive…

Being a student-athlete is a unique challenge that requires dedication to both academics and athletics. For athletes, especially those involved in demanding sports like ice hockey, boxing, or golf, managing the pressures of schoolwork while performing at a high level on the field or in the ring can be overwhelming. However, with the right strategies, balancing these two worlds is possible.Jordan Phillips, a high school senior and goalie for the Dallas Ice Warriors, knows the difficulties firsthand. “I start my day early. I get up at 5 a.m. for training, then head straight to school,” he says. “The biggest challenge…

In junior golf, physical skill is crucial, but mental toughness can be the defining factor in whether a player succeeds or falters under pressure. Dr. Kevin Brooks, a mental coach for young golfers, works behind the scenes to help them develop the mindset needed to compete at the highest levels.“Golf is a game of patience, and for young players, it’s important to stay focused and composed under pressure,”Dr. Brooks explains. He spends hours with young players like Sophia Nguyen teaching them relaxation techniques, visualization exercises, and strategies for staying calm during high-pressure moments.Dr. Brooks emphasizes the importance of goal-setting and…

Sports charity events often bring together the excitement of competition with the spirit of giving, and Lara Davis, an event producer for the Knockout for a Cause charity boxing event, knows firsthand how much work goes into producing a memorable event. Lara’s job is to manage everything from coordinating with sponsors to overseeing the logistics of the day.“A big part of my job is making sure that everything aligns with the charity’s mission,” Lara explains. She works closely with Carlos Rivera, the event’s founder, to ensure that the charity’s goals are integrated into every aspect of the event.Before the event,…

While the players take the ice, behind the scenes of every hockey team is a dedicated crew of team managers and equipment staff ensuring everything runs smoothly. Rachel Lee, the equipment manager for the Dallas Stars Elite, is one of the unsung heroes of the team’s success. Rachel oversees everything from maintaining gear to ensuring the players’ equipment is in top condition for each game.“Every game starts with checking the sticks, skates, and jerseys,” Rachel says, explaining that keeping players’ equipment in perfect condition is vital to their performance. She spends hours before each game sharpening skates, ensuring pads are…