The tennis team fell to A&M Consolidated in the Regional Quarterfinals on Oct. 13. It was Kingwood Park’s first quarterfinals appearance in nine years, and A&M Consolidated was the team’s biggest challenge yet.
“Man, A&M Consolidated is a Top 20 team in the state,” coach John Macapaz said. “It showed when we got into that match, the kids knew that it was going to take a lot for us to win that match. So I just kept telling them, go out there and compete, just give yourself a shot and have fun with it.”
The Panthers lost 10-1 in the final match, but the program grew and saw much success throughout the record-setting season. The finished in the Top 32 5A schools in Texas. And they finished with a final record of 12-6 overall, 12-0 in district action. The team has been undefeated district champs four years in a row.
In addition, a number of players were highlighted in the district awards. Senior Izzy Sikora was district MVP for the second year in a row. And six players made 1st Team All-District – Andres Campos, Elijah Van Duker, Edun Almeida, Reagan Sharpe, Scarlett Perez and Zara Batiste.
Sharpe was also the girls Newcomer of the Year in District 18-5A, while Jaylen Macapaz was the boys Newcomer of the Year.
“I want to step up, and I want to be a leader on my team, and I want to be someone that like my teammates can look up to for guidance or for counsel,” Jaylen Macapaz said. “I just want to be a good teammate out there.”
While the fall team season is over, the players don’t get too much of a break before the spring season starts. The players are already setting goals for the spring and the fall.
“Hopefully, I can win district MVP next season,” Sharpe said.
The seniors hope to cap off their high school tennis careers with strong outings in the spring. The senior group hopes to not only perform their best, but to leave an example for the returning players in the group.
“Leadership comes with experience, and experience brings calmness to the team,” John Macapaz said. “So the fact that our two number one players were both seniors with Izzy and Andres helped steady the lineup. It helped make things a lot easier for the younger ones to develop in their own way without having to feel like they got to be the best kid on the team.”
