Photo by Matt Smith Photography
Carroll's trophy case grew a little fuller this month.
Fresh off securing its record-setting 10th UIL Lone Star Cup, Carroll Athletics was also named the inaugural Class 6A recipient of the Texas Cup, a new statewide award presented by the Texas High School Athletic Directors Association (THSADA) to recognize the top overall athletic program in Texas.
The award was announced June 8 during the THSADA State Conference and honors one school in each UIL classification based solely on athletic achievement throughout the school year. Unlike the Lone Star Cup, which incorporates academics, robotics, spirit, debate, fine arts and other UIL activities, the Texas Cup focuses exclusively on athletic success.
Schools accumulate points through UIL-sanctioned team sports and individual sports, earning credit for district championships, playoff advancement and state-level finishes. The scoring system includes football, volleyball, basketball, soccer, baseball, softball, water polo, cross country, swimming and diving, wrestling, golf, track and field and team tennis.
Carroll's selection as the first-ever Class 6A champion came after a year of remarkable depth across Dragon athletics.
The volleyball program delivered the school's first state championship in program history, while football advanced to the Class 6A Division II state semifinals after another district title run. The boys cross country team captured a state championship behind distance standout Caden Leonard, and both soccer programs made deep postseason runs, highlighted by the girls' appearance in the state semifinals. Strong finishes in golf, swimming and diving, wrestling, basketball and other sports helped Carroll separate itself from the rest of the state's largest classification.
The award was created by THSADA to spotlight the role athletics play in the educational experience and to recognize schools that demonstrate sustained excellence across an entire athletic department. Founded in 1971, THSADA serves as the state's leading organization for athletic administrators.