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Wylie East alum quarterback Howard Fisher IV (4) helped to lead the Raiders’ football team to their second consecutive 10-win season. Photo by Maddie Smith / C&S Media

By David Wolman

sports@csmediatexas.com

From the football field to the tennis court, and just about every playing surface in between, Wylie East athletes delivered standout performances and unforgettable moments throughout the 2024-25 school year.

Now, the Wylie News is kicking off a special three-part series highlighting the most memorable achievements, top teams, standout athletes and defining moments in Wylie East athletics.

Categories for the inaugural C&S Media High School sports awards were selected by David Wolman, with winners published over three weeks.

Part I (July 10) includes the Biggest Story, Breakthrough Moment, Newcomer of the Year and Best Team.

Part II (July 17) will feature Best Game, Best Finish, Biggest Upset and Multi-Sport Athlete of the Year.

Part III (July 24) will wrap up the series with Coach of the Year, Most Improved Athlete, Best Female Athlete and Best Male Athlete.

Here are the winners of the first four awards – biggest story, breakthrough moment, best team and newcomer of the year.

Biggest story: Softball team wins 1^st district title

Coming off a season in which the Lady Raiders missed the playoffs despite winning 10 district games, Wylie East more than made up for that heartbreak in 2024-25.

The Lady Raiders finished with 14 district wins and earned a share of the District 9-6A title – splitting the championship with Wylie – for their first-ever district title.

Wylie East was led by a deep pitching staff, anchored by alumna Isabella Flores, who was named district defensive player of the year, and Kimma Kincaid. Their offense was just as strong with a cohesive batting order that included incoming senior catcher Jayleigh Dressler, alumna first baseman Kyra Tawney and rising junior shortstop Gabby Flores— all of whom were named to the All-District 9-6A team.

Breakthrough moment: Football team posts back-to-back 10-win seasons

The Raiders have made remarkable strides under head coach Marcus Gold, who was hired in Feb. 2021.

After a three-win campaign in his first year, Wylie East surged to a 9-2 record and a playoff berth in his second season—setting the tone for continued success.

Over the last two years, Wylie East has won back-to-back 10-win seasons and notched a playoff victory each time. This past season, they defeated Forney 35-38 in the bi-district round of the Class 6A Division II playoffs.

Several Raiders earned district superlative awards: alumnus quarterback Howard Fisher IV was named Co-Offensive Player of the Year; alumnus defensive lineman Jayden Janshego was selected Defensive Player of the Year; and alumnus running back/defensive back Michael Henderson III was honored as the Two-Way Skill Player of the Year.

Newcomer of the Year: Parker Brunson, baseball

The Wylie East baseball team extended its playoff streak to four seasons, finishing 12-4 in District 9-6A and 17-12 overall.

A key contributor was the standout play of incoming junior shortstop Parker Brunson, who stepped into one of seven starting defensive positions head coach Heath Andrews needed to replace. Not only was Brunson a suitable replacement, he excelled.

Named co-newcomer of the year in District 9-6A, Brunson, hitting in the No. 2 spot in Wylie Esat’s batting order, had six multi-hit games during district play, recorded a .353 batting average, drove in 15 runs and drew six walks.

Best Team: girls’ soccer

Success goes hand in hand with the Wylie East girls’ soccer team.

The Lady Raiders have missed the playoffs just once since 2012, made the state tournament in 2014, 2015 and 2023, appeared in the state championship game in 2014 and 2015 and won a state championship in 2015.

Wylie East added another playoff appearance to its impressive resume this season. The Lady Raiders conjured another long playoff run that landed the Lady Raiders in the regional final for the third consecutive season.

Although Forney ended Wylie East’s season after a 3-0 victory in the Region II-6A Division II final, the Lady Raiders had another memorable season on the pitch. Wylie East finished with an overall record of 19-3-1 and finished in second place in District 9-6A.

Several players earned accolades from both district coaches and the Texas Association of Soccer Coaches (TASCO). Alumna Ryleigh Wood was named the District 9-6A offensive player of the year after scoring 23 goals and 18 assists in district play and also earned a spot on the Texas Association of Soccer Coaches all-region first team, as did alumna midfielder Arianna Darquea, while alumna midfielder Gabriella Ponce was honored on the second team. Alumna goalkeeper Madelyn Jones earned a nod on the TASCO Class 6A all-state first team.

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