Emilee Prado
Since 2011, the Carroll Athletic Department has inducted multiple honorees into its esteemed Hall of Honor. This year marks the addition of 12 new inductees, including Katya Muller Winslow. A dual-sports star, Katya excelled in both softball and golf for the Dragons between 2000 and 2004. Even though she hailed as an MVP of multiple district championship teams throughout her career, she shined brightest on the softball diamond, going on to play in college at the University of North Texas. Now as she is honored for her softball achievements, Katya looks back on her days in the dugout and the tee box with pride as she reflects on how being a Dragon helped make her who she is today.
I MOVED TO SOUTHLAKE… when I was in first grade. I grew up playing baseball and golf. I would go to Bob Moore’s Sports Center [in Colleyville] all the time because it had both the batting cages and the driving range there. It was my happy place. It was my life.
I STARTED PLAYING BASEBALL… with the boys in kindergarten. It was tough being the only girl. Some of the boys were nice. Some weren’t. I just had to learn to grow out of that phase and decide it was time for me to not be with the boys anymore. So in third grade, I joined a girls softball team started by my basketball coach. It was a pivotal step.
I MADE THE SOFTBALL AND GOLF TEAM… as a freshman. Both of my teams won district in all four years except for my senior year with softball. We made it to regionals every year as well.
I WAS REALLY LUCKY THAT… both my softball and golf teams were willing to share me because spring is the main season for both of those sports. Luckily I really didn’t miss one thing or the other. Sometimes I had to bring my softball uniform and change right after a golf tournament, but for the most part, I was able to juggle both teams and be there fully for the vast majority of both seasons. My softball and golf coaches were so understanding, and it was a huge gift to be able to do that.
I SAW A LOT OF SUCCESS… with both of my teams. In my freshman year, I was named newcomer of the year for both softball and golf. I was named defensive MVP my sophomore year, then in my junior and senior year, I made first team all-district for softball twice. On the golf side, I was named first team all-district my sophomore and junior year. I would have been named first team all-district my senior year as well, but I signed the wrong scorecard and accidentally disqualified myself.
THE CAMARADERIE WITH MY TEAM … was a big element to my success, especially in softball. I loved golf, but it’s often a lonely sport out on the putting green. But with softball, we all had so much fun playing together. Sentiment was always high. They just let me be me. I always looked forward to going to practice or games and being with my teammates.
WHEN I GRADUATED IN 2004… I went to the University of North Texas and became part of the pilot program for their own softball team. I loved being part of a new foundation and starting something from the ground up. When I graduated, I led in five different hitting categories and made first team all-conference in my last two years. This eventually led me to be inducted into UNT’s Athletics Hall of Fame in 2020.
BEING INDUCTED INTO CARROLL’S ATHLETIC HALL OF HONOR… is a full-circle moment for me. I was actually coached by Steve Keasler on the golf team, so to be presented the honor by him is very meaningful. I used to take swimming lessons at Wayne Moffat’s house. Jay was a softball superfan to us. I looked up to Stephanie Luce Ola during her days on the basketball team. There are so many ties and special bonds with all of us, and you don’t really realize it until you’re there with them all.
I AM REALLY LUCKY… to have been able to grow up and be a part of Southlake Carroll. To be recognized and be a part of this amazing group is really emotional and incredible. I’m so grateful to be part of this Dragon community.