The Tyler Lady Lions had an incredible turnaround season on the field, and a key player in their magical year was Yamilet Lewis.
Her four years of varsity play and a sensational senior season were capped off Tuesday by Lewis, who played football against West Texas A&M University during a ceremony inside the Dr. Martin L. Edwards Jr. Theater on the Tyler High School campus. The scholarship was signed and closed.
“When I visited, I really liked the school and the environment,” Lewis said of Canyon schools.
Lewis was a key player in the Lady Lions' first postseason appearance since 2014. In her career, she scored 31 goals, including 16 in 2024. She also scored 26 goals in her career, including 10 in her senior season. The Lady Lions finished third in the district with a record of 16-8-2.
In addition to being a member of the All-Academic team, Lewis was named All-District 15-5A Midfielder of the Year.
“I'm very excited about the opportunity to continue playing,” Lewis said. “I was a little hesitant because my confidence was down a little bit, but I'm glad I made the decision to continue playing. I'm looking forward to continuing to grow as a player and as a person.”
Lewis excelled on the field as well as in the classroom, finishing 34th in a class of over 430 students.
She plans to major in human performance.
Lewis credited her Lady Lions teammates for helping and encouraging her.
“We would like to congratulate our senior captain Yamilet Lewis on signing with West Texas A&M,” said Tyler coach Juan Lara. “She is an amazing young woman who exemplifies what it means to be a successful and dedicated student-athlete.
“Not only has she participated in soccer outside of school for many years, but she has also participated in several extracurricular activities and maintained her grades, which is an admirable trait in a young man.” She has grown into an influential student-athlete who inspires her teammates, coaches, and the Tyler High School program with her outstanding soccer skills, leadership, commitment, and dedication to the sport. makes her a great addition to the West Texas A&M soccer program.”
Also in attendance at the ceremony was her club coach and former John Tyler High School and SMU All-America player Daniel Hernandez.
Hernandez, who was also a kicker for the Lions and Mustangs and also played in MLS, is the coach of DKSC Hernandez in Dallas. Hernandez's younger brother, Nico, kicker on the Lions' 1994 state football championship team, was also in attendance. Both Hernandez brothers played on the Lions football and soccer teams.
Lewis was attended and signed by his family, including his parents Edgar and Janet Lewis, and siblings Edgar Lewis Jr., Leila Lewis and Eric Lewis.
Also in attendance at the ceremony were Lady Lions teammates, classmates, coaches and friends.
West Texas A&M is a public university. It is the northernmost campus of the Texas A&M University System and is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. It was founded in 1910 as West Texas State Normal University, one of seven state-aided teacher colleges in Texas.
The Lady Buffs compete in NCAA Division II and are members of the Lone Star Conference.