Lehman cross-country runner Amara Smith was recently named to the prestigious Academic All-State team along with three of her teammates Bianca Meza, Michelle Williamson and Mayra Zamora.
by JASON GORDON
The Hays High girls cross-country and volleyball teams, and the Lehman High girls cross-country teams didn’t just excel on the field and on the court this season, they were exceptional in the classroom as well.
The Lehman girls cross-country team landed four student-athletes on the Academic All-State team, Hays’ girls cross-country team had three student-athletes named, and the Lady Rebel volleyball team added two.
“It’s obviously quite an honor to be named Academic All-State,” said Lehman athletic coordinator Steve Davis. “We’re very proud of what our athletes have been accomplishing in the classroom. It takes a lot of dedication to play any sport, and when you have the determination to keep your grades at the highest level, that says a lot about you.”
The Texas Girls Coaches Association selects the Academic All-State teams. Athletes must be seniors, must have a grade point average of 94 or above, and must be a team member in good standing.
Lehman’s cross-country athletes named to the team were Bianca Meza, Amara Smith, Michelle Williamson and Mayra Zamora.
Hays’ cross-country athletes named Academic All-State were Marissa Roman, Emily Crowell and Mariana Sigala. Sigala also competed at the UIL State Meet in Round Rock.
“I am very proud of these runners. As a program it is important to me for us to have one of the highest GPAs as a group,” Hays head coach Cliff Buckley said. “I want to prepare these kids body and mind. If my runners can’t take care of business in the classroom, it is a good indicator that they will have trouble pushing forward in other aspects when things come up and life gets complicated, including during races. We strive for excellence in all that we do. These athletes exemplify what our program is all about. To have multiple runners achieve this goal is awesome.”
Kaylea Beck and Kelsea Sadler made the Academic All-State team for the Hays volleyball program.
“I am very proud of these two student-athletes,” Hays head coach Erica Walther said. “They not only helped us have success in the playoffs this year, but did so while being among the elite in the state in taking care of business in the classroom. They represent our team and Hays High School very well.”
