KATY, TX – The 2026 fall athletics season is underway across Katy ISD, with the area’s top student-athletes representing their schools in football, volleyball, cross country and team tennis.
As team competitions ramp up, Katy ISD head coaches shared what excites them about their teams’ fall season. From veteran returning athletes and emerging young talent to new programs and opportunities for growth, coaches across the District are looking forward to seeing their student-athletes flourish this fall.
Football
Katy ISD football enters the 2026 season with a mix of established programs, teams looking to build on recent success and Freeman High School preparing for its first varsity season. Across the District, coaches pointed to offseason preparation, team chemistry, leadership and the opportunity to see their players’ work translate to the field as reasons for optimism.
Cinco Ranch High School – Head Coach Chris Dudley
“We have a group that is hungry to build on last year’s strong season. They are a coachable group that plays hard for each other.”
Freeman High School – Head Coach Eric Robinson
“It’s our first varsity season, and we are fired up to have something to play for.”
Jordan High School – Head Coach Mike Rabe
“I am eager about this team’s potential because of its work ethic throughout the offseason and summer. They have shown they are determined to get better every day. We have good team chemistry, and they practice with a purpose.”
Katy High School – Head Coach Gary Joseph
“I can’t wait to see how our players and coaches rise to match or exceed the reputation and traditions of Katy High School.”
Mayde Creek High School – Head Coach Mike Arogbonlo
“It’s the first year since I’ve been here that we have been able to work throughout the entire offseason and properly prepare for the season.”
Morton Ranch High School – Head Coach Nick Cavallo
“The blend of experience and new, young talent is exciting to watch.”
Paetow High School – Head Coach David Hicks
“The biggest reason I’m excited about our team’s potential is the opportunity to continue building on the chemistry and buy-in we have across the school and team.”
Seven Lakes High School – Head Coach Jimmy Hamon
“I am enthusiastic to see some fresh faces who have worked extremely hard during the offseason perform as we begin the football season.”
Taylor High School – Head Coach Chris Babin
“I’m pumped about our team’s acceptance and adaptation to the changes in structure and expectations we have implemented over the past nine months. The offseason and summer investment gives me the most optimism for greater success this fall.”
Tompkins High School – Head Coach Todd McVey
“I’m excited for our players and staff to get back on the field and play the game for each other, their school and their community. We hope to reap the benefits of their hard work, grow each week through adversity and respond with Falcon pride.”
Volleyball
Katy ISD volleyball teams enter the season with experienced returners, emerging talent and new leadership throughout the District. Coaches said they are especially excited about the chemistry developing within their programs and the opportunity to see returning players take on larger leadership roles.
Cinco Ranch High School – Head Coach Katelyn Mamaux-Johnson
“It’s a new year with new leadership and new opportunities to take an already legendary program to new heights.”
Freeman High School – Head Coach Katherine Parker
“The biggest reason I am excited about Freeman volleyball’s potential is that we now have seniors who started this program. They are building the lasting legacy of what it means to be a Golden Eagle alongside those who will follow them.”
Jordan High School – Head Coach Jennifer Vaden
“The biggest reason I’m excited about this team’s potential is its work ethic and commitment to each other. This group works hard every day, builds each other up and is fully committed to getting better. They want to be great, and that creates an environment where growth happens every day.”
Katy High School – Head Coach Karen Paxton
“The biggest reason I am excited about our team’s potential this season is the combination of talent, chemistry and the desire to compete for one another.”
Mayde Creek High School – Head Coach Sarah Jones
“We have a lot of returners who all want the same things. They are ready to prove we are more than just a name. We are a team ready to compete no matter who is on the other side.”
Morton Ranch High School – Head Coach Kali Fluke
“Our young talent is complementing our veteran players, bringing new energy and creating a lot of possibilities for this team.”
Paetow High School – Head Coach TaCho
“I am enthusiastic to see the upward growth of our team throughout the season and how we are able to balance the highs and lows together. We are the deepest we have been in our short tenure, and I look forward to seeing how that benefits us throughout the season. .”
Seven Lakes High School – Head Coach Amy Cataline
“I have eight senior returners, so I’m excited to see them lead and succeed.”
Taylor High School – Head Coach Brooke Plemons
“After a great spring of leadership sessions with my seniors, I am looking forward to seeing them put their ideas into action.”
Tompkins High School – Head Coach Allison Merrell
“I’m excited about the way our players work and compete and how much fun they are to be around. They embody ‘Nobody Plays Harder.’”
Cross Country
Katy ISD cross country programs head into the fall after months of summer training and preparation. Coaches across the District highlighted returning leadership, young runners, increased participation and continued development as they look forward to seeing how their teams progress throughout the season.
Cinco Ranch High School – Head Coach Brandon Beasley
“We had a great summer of training to prepare for the season.”
Freeman High School – Head Coach Juan Jordan
“We are entering a new district and a new division with the strongest team we have had so far.”
Jordan High School – Head Coach David Yeager
“The boys had a really good summer of training and put in a lot of work. They are motivated and have shown strong leadership and commitment. I am fired up to see what we can achieve this season.”
Katy High School – Head Coach Jason Reed
“Placing third at state last year proved this team belongs at the top. The biggest reason for excitement is returning a hungry core of experienced runners who know the standard needed to compete for a state title.”
Mayde Creek High School – Head Coach Shawn Siemers
“We have a very young team, and I’m ready to see how much our returning runners have improved from last year.”
Morton Ranch High School – Head Coach Kaitlyn Dunn
“The biggest reason I’m excited is the growth of our team. We have more athletes committed and consistently putting in the work, which has given us a strong foundation heading into the season.”
Paetow High School – Head Coach Isaiah Mathis
“I’m fired up to see our team’s continued growth from last year.”
Seven Lakes High School – Head Coach Alyssa Crocker
“The biggest reason I’m excited about our team’s potential is the competitiveness across the entire team. We have a strong group of experienced athletes as well as younger athletes who are hungry, coachable and ready to make an impact.”
Seven Lakes High School – Head Coach Scott Kenney
“What excites me about the Seven Lakes boys cross country team this season is the opportunity to create something individually and collectively that did not exist before. It is exciting to see the journey they will take and what their collective efforts can produce through this sport.”
Taylor High School – Head Coach Tonya McKelvey-White
“The biggest reason I’m excited about our team’s potential is the way our athletes are embracing the work and believing in one another. We have a great mix of returning leadership and young talent, and I’ve been impressed by their willingness to work, grow and compete together.”
Tompkins High School – Head Coach Julius Michael
“I’m excited about the gradual growth and progress of our runners, especially the girls team, and to see how they continue building on the progress they have made over the past two years.”
Team Tennis
Katy ISD team tennis programs enter the fall with several teams blending experienced returners with younger players ready to take on expanded roles. Coaches said they are looking forward to developing new leaders, strengthening team culture and watching their athletes grow through competition.
Cinco Ranch High School – Head Coach Nolan Rush
“This is my second year as head coach, so the team is beginning to understand and respond to my expectations and coaching style. Their motivation is higher as a result, and I’m excited to see where that takes us.”
Jordan High School – Head Coach Mitch Findley
“I have a younger group than I’ve had in the past. I’m excited to see the growth of our younger players and watch them become the core and leaders of our team.”
Katy High School – Head Coach Christopher Kerr
“I’m excited about a strong returning group of players who are completely bought into our program and culture.”
Morton Ranch High School – Head Coach Chase Franklin
“We have large sophomore and freshman classes, and I’m excited to see them grow.”
Paetow High School – Head Coach Jordan Castro
“As a new head coach, I look forward to the opportunity to build a positive, competitive team culture on our campus.”
Seven Lakes High School – Head Coach Minh Phan
“I’m excited about the opportunity for our team to make a deep playoff run.”
Taylor High School – Head Coach Kristen Samuelson
“We graduated 15 or 16 seniors last year. This year’s team is young and eager to prove itself.”
Tompkins High School – Head Coach Renee Richardson
“I’m excited about our senior leadership, established doubles partners and an infusion of young talent.”
Across all four sports, Katy ISD student-athletes will build on their preparation, challenge themselves and each other and represent their campuses with pride for the 2026 season.
