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August 10, 2023

Adversity, anemia, celiac can't slow a cross country star from The Woodlands

Plus: Check out all the results from the first Tuesday of the volleyball season  ͏  ͏  ͏
High School Sports Insider

August 10, 2023

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Adversity, diseases like anemia, celiac can't keep The Woodlands' Penelope Gracey from competing

The Woodlands cross country runner Penelope Gracey has persevered through substantial adversity.

Gracey has dealt with dyslexia and ADHD since the first grade. Her freshman year, she was diagnosed with anemia and celiac, spurring doubts about if she would ever compete again.

With her senior cross country season on the horizon, Gracey is in the best state of mind she's ever been.

"I feel more confident," Gracey said. "I know what I'm capable of. I'm ready. I'm not going to hold myself back from achieving my full potential."

Read the full feature story from Dennis Silva II.

Three things to watch

Tournament action ahead: With volleyball season in full swing, Houston-area teams will be competing in tournaments this weekend. One of the biggest competitions is the annual Katy/Cy-Fair Classic, which features 31 playoff teams from last season. See the full list of pool play groupings and more information on the tournament.

Pride of the Lions: The Lake Creek football program had a breakout season in 2022, winning its first district championship and advancing to the third round of the playoffs. Entering this season, the expectations remain high with plenty of talent returning to the roster. That includes running back Ty Ty Byars, who rushed for more than 2,000 yards as a sophomore.

The Bulldogs are back: After making its first appearance in the regional quarterfinals last year, the Summer Creek volleyball program is poised for more success entering 2023. The Bulldogs, led by Missouri commit Aspen Maxwell, have used their playoff loss to Dawson as motivation.

Follow all our coverage at houstonchronicle.com/highschoolsports.

Photo of Jon Poorman

Jon Poorman, High School Sports Editor

jpoorman@houstonchronicle.com


Top stories

Ridge Point wide receiver Ashton Bethel-Roman (8) catches a pass in the first half of the District 20-6A high school football game between the Ridge Point Panthers and the Hightower Hurricanes at Mercer Stadium in Sugar Land, TX on Saturday, September 17, 2022

Photo by: Rhonda Taormina/Contributor

Ridge Point is looking to repeat as the champions of District 20-6A this season.

Ridge Point and Hightower remain the favorites in District 20-6A this season after both teams advanced to the regional semifinals last year.

North Shore injured quarterback Kaleb Bailey cheers on his team during the Class 6A Division I football state championship at AT&T Stadium, Saturday, Dec. 17, 2022, in Arlington.

Photo by: Jason Fochtman, Staff Photographer

After run to state championship game, North Shore is once again the 21-6A favorite.

North Shore has dominated its District 21-6A foes and gets state title-winning quarterback Kaleb Bailey back from injury. Atascocita, meanwhile, is looking to knock off the Mustangs.

Houston high school volleyball roundup.

Photo by: Volleyball Roundup

Houston volleyball roundup: See all the highlights and scores from a busy Tuesday night.

Clear Springs and Deer Park were among the most dominant teams during the opening Tuesday of the Houston high school volleyball season.

Stock volleyball image.

Photo by: Augustas Cetkauskas / EyeEm Via Getty Images

Pearland outlasted Clear Lake in a thrilling nondistrict match Tuesday night.

Pearland and Clear Lake went the distance in their volleyball season opener, with the Oilers eventually triumphing in five sets.


Shout out

The West Fork volleyball program picked up its first varsity victory Tuesday night at home, beating Navasota in four sets. The Gators, led by head coach Tammy White, will be competing in District 20-4A this season. West Fork is the newest high school in New Caney ISD and opened in 2022.


Stat of the day

43.4: The number of points per game scored by the Willis football team last season. The Wildkats, led by second-year head coach Trent Miller, are looking to improve on their 5-5 record. Expectations are high with five-star quarterback and Florida commit D.J. Lagway leading the offense.

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