On Tuesday, May 6, Friendswood High School (FHS) proudly recognized 18 outstanding young women and men who have chosen to continue their academic and athletic careers at the collegiate level. These young people have showcased their dedication, talent, and hard work, earning them the opportunity to compete at the next level.
Rory Wilson, a graduating senior from FHS, has officially committed to Trinity University in San Antonio, where he will continue his academic and athletic journey. With over a decade of soccer experience, including standout performances at FHS and with Houston FC, Rory brings both skill and dedication to the field. At Trinity, he plans to major in business, combining his passion for finance with his commitment to collegiate soccer. His drive and focus make him a promising addition to the Trinity Tigers and the business world alike.
Caleb Allen will continue his academic and athletic journey at Blinn College, where he will join the Buccaneers football program. A three-year starter and respected team captain, Caleb brought leadership, toughness, and consistency to the field each week. His impact extended beyond the gridiron, as he maintained a high academic standard throughout his high school career—exemplifying what it means to be a true student-athlete.
Dyllan Baker will be continuing his academic and basketball career at the University of St Thomas.. Dyllan was a 4 year starter for the varsity basketball team and captain since his sophomore year. He helped lead the team to regional quarterfinals his junior year. Dyllan was first team all district his sophomore, junior, and senior year. All region district junior and senior year. Academic all district junior and senior year. Dyllan was District MVP his senior year along with tournament MVP in the Needville tournament and was voted top 25 in Houston for the Guy Lewis foundation. Best of luck Dyllan!
Luke Hinchcliffe is headed to Rome, Italy, where he will attend the prestigious Rome City Institute, majoring in International Business. He’ll be playing basketball on scholarship for the school’s elite program—with the incredible opportunity to try out for professional league teams across Italy. Luke extends his heartfelt thanks to Coach Russell and Joy for their unwavering support and guidance on this journey.
Dane Perry has committed to Blinn College, where he will continue his academic and athletic career as a member of the Buccaneers baseball program. Known for his passion for the game and unwavering work ethic, Dane has consistently demonstrated the dedication and heart it takes to succeed both on and off the field. His commitment reflects years of effort, perseverance, and love for the sport, and we are excited to see him take this next step in his journey. We look forward to watching all that Dane will accomplish in this next chapter at Blinn College and beyond.
Justin Holcomb is a Friendswood 12-year senior and has been playing baseball since he was 5 years old. He is excited to continue his baseball career next year at the Colorado School of Mines. He plans to study Petroleum Engineering and minor in Computer Science.
Drew Smith, a three-year letterman for Friendswood Baseball, will continue his athletic and academic journey at Galveston College, where he plans to major in business. Known for his strong performance on the field and commitment in the classroom, Drew exemplifies the balance of academic and athletic excellence. Congrats Drew and best of luck in your career as a Whitecap.
Caden Robertson will be continuing his academic and athletic career at Galveston College, where he will compete at the next level as a member of the Whitecaps baseball program. Caden’s commitment is a testament to his hard work, dedication, and passion for the game. His journey through Friendswood baseball has been marked by perseverance, growth, and a relentless pursuit of excellence—qualities that will serve him well as he takes this exciting next step.
Trevor Moore will continue his academic and athletic career at Blinn College, where he will join the Buccaneers baseball program. Trevor has been a dedicated and talented member of the Friendswood Baseball program, earning the respect of his coaches and teammates through his hard work and consistent performance on the field. His family is incredibly proud of all that he has accomplished and is excited for the new opportunities and experiences that await him at the next level. We look forward to seeing Trevor continue to grow and succeed both academically and athletically at Blinn College.
Cooper Harris is signing his commitment to play baseball at Sam Houston State University and as parents, we couldn’t be more proud of him. We’ve watched him grow from a little boy with a big dream into the dedicated, hardworking young man and athlete we always knew he could be. It’s been an incredible journey, and we’re so excited to see what the future holds for him as he takes this next step in his baseball career.
Eric McGill is a four-year member of the FHS baseball program, playing on varsity for two years and earning Second Team All District honors as a junior. Off the field, he is a member of the National Honor Society, volunteering for the local youth and Challenger baseball programs. Eric is committed to play baseball for the University of Texas at Dallas while pursuing a degree in mechanical engineering. Eric would like to thank his coaches and teammates at FHS and Marucci Elite for such a memorable baseball experience the past four years.
Tracy Linklater has had an amazing journey during her time wrestling for Friendswood High School. She formally joined the team her sophomore year and accomplished so much during the past 3 years. Tracy was a 2 time state qualifier and also wrestled for Team Texas in the National Duals. Good luck on your continuing journey at Schreiner University.
Jamie Paulder’s hard work and dedication led her to many accomplishments throughout her years in competitive cheerleading. Those include being a 5 time NCA national champion at level 4 and 5, intermediate and advanced high school cheer. She also helped bring FHS their first ever UIL state championship. She owes her success to God, her coaches, and family and will continue on to the University of North Texas.
Sarah Allen is a 12 year FISD student and danced for the Houston Rockets Little Dipper dance team for 3 years, was hired by a designer to dance down the runway at LA style week and performed as a backup dancer in Curtis Bralys music video One Day. She has won countless National Champion titles with her team and National solo Champion when she was 4 and Duet National Champion her sophomore and senior year. She loved her time as a Wranglerette and enjoyed being their sheriff her senior year. She is honored to have made Stephen F. Austin’s athletic dance team and thanks God for all of her blessings and accomplishments.
Bryce Hovorka signed with Louisiana State University in Shreveport to continue Olympic Weightlifting at the Collegiate Level. He joined the FHS Weightlifting Club his sophomore year. He has competed in two Texas State Weightlifting Championships, earning a Silver in 2024 and a Gold in 2025! He will be competing in his third USA National Weightlifting Championship this Summer in Colorado Springs, this will be his final competition as a Mustang! He will be pursuing a B.S. in Kinesiology working toward a Physical Therapy doctorate. Farewell Mustangs! Let’s Geaux LSUS Pilots!
Braxton Wright has accepted a scholarship to compete on the weightlifting team at Louisiana State University Shreveport. A dedicated and accomplished athlete, Wright is a three-time national qualifier and this year’s state champion, having been a key member of FHS Weightlifting team since its inception. He plans to major in Business Finance as he continues both his academic and athletic pursuits at the collegiate level.
Noah Leggio has accepted a scholarship to LSUS weightlifting. Noah was one of the first to join the Friendswood Mustang Weightlifting team its first year at FHS. Noah is a 3x state champion, 4x national qualifier, and 2025 best lifter in his age and weight division. He is looking forward to being a LSUS Pilot weightlifter and plans to study Kinesiology. Noah is thankful to all his coaches and family support in his future at LSUS.
Isabella Punchard has been signed as a thrower on the McNeese State University D1 track and field team. Always a quick learner, Isabella “Punch” Punchard switched from basketball in the middle of her junior year and started throwing shot put and discus. Through hard work and dedication, she excelled quickly and this year placed 1st in discus and 2nd in shot put in district. While also setting the school record for discus multiple times, she went on to again place 1st in area in discus as well as advance to regionals in shot put. In addition, she had the great honor to represent Friendswood High School at the Texas Relays in javelin.
FHS and the entire athletic community extend their heartfelt congratulations to these 18 athletes and wish them continued success in their academic and athletic endeavors.