This is the third Winter Soccer Championship overall and the first since the 2017-18 season.
TYLER, Texas — The pressure was on in Round Rock. grace cougars was playing the undefeated Katy St. John XXIII team in the TAPPS Division II state championship game. Adding to the stressful and exciting situation, the match remained inconclusive after regulation and two overtimes, with a penalty shootout to decide the next champion.
Senior goalie Claire Stormer made a clutch save before it fell on the leg of sophomore midfielder Cesa Sabillon. She easily converted the winning penalty as her teammates rushed onto the field. The problem was he only had one. Savillon himself didn't even know he had scored the winning goal.
“I didn't think we scored the goal to win. I just thought we scored the goal to advance,” Savillon said. “So I didn't feel a lot of pressure, which was great. Then I went up there and managed to make it. I looked back and saw everyone running towards me.”
It was a meaningful competition for the second year students. The day before the game-winner, she scored two goals, including another game-winner, in a 3-2 double-overtime victory in the semifinals against the Austin Regents.
Her play over the past two days earned her a well-deserved spot on the all-tournament team and a permanent place in Grace history.
“I don't think I'm actually shocked yet. I still can't believe it. It's unbelievable to be a part of this team, this family, and this community,” Sabillon said. “It feels great just to bring it home and celebrate it and have everyone love it.”
Her teammates shared similar sentiments and knew they were forever etched in the Grace record books as state champions. This is the Cougars' third TAPPS girls winter soccer state title and first since the 2017-18 season.
Without a doubt, this will be a season that will never be forgotten, especially for the girls and head coach Chris Hemphill.
“You don't win on state championship day. You have to fight for days and days. What makes this group special is that they were willing to do it,” Hemphill said. . “Sharing this experience with those you love and those who love you makes it all the more fulfilling and even more of a blessing to be a part of it.”