Wylie rising senior Zachary Brumfield raises his index finger in the air after he broke the Wylie ISD Stadium record for fastest time in the boys 800-meter run. Photo by Tina Lopez / C&S Media
By David Wolman
Whether it was on the football field, cross-country course, volleyball or basketball court, wrestling mat, tennis court, golf course, or baseball and softball fields, Wylie High School athletes made their mark during the 2024-25 school year.
The Wylie News wraps up its three-part series highlighting the top athletic moments, student-athletes, teams and performances of the year. Categories for the inaugural C&S Media High School Sports Awards were selected by sports editor David Wolman, with winners announced over three weeks.
Part I (July 10) recognized the Biggest Story, Breakthrough Moment, Newcomer of the Year and Best Team.
Part II (July 17) featured the Best Game, Best Finish, Biggest Upset and Multi-Sport Athlete of the Year.
The final installment, published this week, includes Coach of the Year, Most Improved Athlete, Best Female Athlete and Best Male Athlete.
Here are this week’s winners.
Co-Coach of the Year: Heather Damron, Softball/Sherry Olivares, Volleyball
The Wylie softball and volleyball teams entered their respective seasons having to replace the bulk of their rosters because of losses to graduation.
For some teams, that could have caused a setback – but not for Wylie.
Despite returning just two starters from the previous season’s squad that went a perfect 16-0 in district play and reached the regional quarterfinals, Wylie’s softball team underwent a quick rebuild. Not only did the Pirates capture another district title – finishing as co-champions of District 9-6A– but they also made a playoff run that lasted three rounds. Wylie defeated Rockwall-Heath in bi-district, swept Temple in the area round, and fell to Conroe in a one-game playoff in the regional semifinals.
There were just as many questions entering the season for the Lady Pirates’ volleyball team, but it didn’t take Wylie to find their form.
Wylie earned a share of the District 9-6A championship and beat Rockwall-Heath 3-1 in the bi-district round of the Class 6A Division I playoffs for its first postseason win in four years. The team’s run continued later in the week, outlasting Waxahachie in a five-set thriller in the area round. The Lady Pirates’ season ended in the regional semifinals with a three set loss to Grand Oaks.
Most Improved Athlete: Maci Hatzenbuehler, Girls Soccer
Throughout her high school career, Hatzenbuehler has played forward for Wylie.
She continued in that role during her junior season—with a twist.
Wylie’s coaching staff asked her to also play midfield to accommodate a second formation the team this year. Her versatility helped pave the way for one of the Lady Pirates’ best seasons in recent memory.
Wylie opened the season with an 18-0 record, captured its first district title since 2022, won a playoff game and advanced to the area round.
Hatzenbuehler’s willingness to take on a dual role was noticed by the district’s other head coaches, who named her the most valuable player of District 9-6A. She finished the season with 12 goals and 12 assists — including 11 goals in district play. One of her standout performances including came Feb. 14, when she scored four-goals and an assist in Wylie’s an 8-0 win over North Garland.
Best Female Athlete: Ava Cook, Softball
After playing a limited role as a sophomore, Cook excelled as the full-time starter in right field during her junior year.
Batting leadoff, she turned in one of the most impressive offensive seasons in program history: 18 home runs (just one shy of Mary Stephens’ school record of 19), a .512 batting average, 72 RBIs, 62 hits and 20 stolen bases. Defensively, she committed only one error in 113 total chances for a .991 fielding percentage and helped turn seven double plays.
Cook was named District 9-6A MVP, earned a spot on the Texas Girls Coaches Association’s Class 6A All-State first team and was one of just 15 players named to the Texas High School Coaches Association Super Elite Team.
Best Male Athlete: Zachary Brumfield, Cross Country/Track and Field
Brumfield continues to cement his legacy as one of the best long-distance runners in Wylie High School history.
Though the Pirates did not qualify as a team for the state cross country meet, Brumfield returned to the Class 6A state meet as an individual after finishing sixth at the Region II-6A meet with a time of 15:44.78. That came just two weeks after winning the district title with a time of 16:03, helping Wylie secure its eighth straight district championship.
Despite an Achilles injury suffered before the state meet, Brumfield pushed through to place 46th in Round Rock with a time of 15:58.6.
His success continued in track and field. He broke the Wylie ISD Stadium record in the 800-meter run with a 1:54.77 at the area 9-6A/10-6A meet. A week earlier, he captured first place in the 800 and as part of Wylie’s 4×400-meter relay at the district meet.
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