TEMPLE, TX — The future of Lamar Middle School athletics is burning bright. On Friday, the Lamar coaching staff officially wrapped up the 2025-26 sports calendar by announcing the 7th-grade end-of-season awards. The ceremony honored the hard work, grit, and sportsmanship of the Lady Bearcats across the volleyball, basketball, and track and field programs.

From dramatic finishes on the court to dominant performances on the track, these young athletes showcased what it truly means to wear the blue and gold.

Dominance on the Volleyball Court

The Lady Bearcats volleyball program enjoyed a stellar year of growth and competitive fire, with standout players anchoring both squads.

A-Team Highlights

Alexandria Soto took home the coveted Most Valuable Player honors for the A-Team after anchoring the court all season. Abigail Medrano’s lethal serve earned her the Best Server nod, while Kealy Walker’s powerful net play secured the Hard Hitter award.

MVP: Alexandria Soto
Most Improved: Kaylee Ockleberry
Most Dedicated: Daniella Pescador
Go Getter: Caylee Flores
Best Server: Abigail Medrano
Hard Hitter: Kealy Walker
Coaches Award: Neveah McCubbins

B-Team Highlights

The B-Team saw tremendous depth this season, led by team MVP Elyana Scott. The coaching staff also recognized a powerful duo in Amaya Staples and Sienna Williams, who shared Most Improved honors after making massive strides from day one.

MVP: Elyana Scott
Most Improved: Amaya Staples & Sienna Williams
Most Dedicated: Miracle Kimbrough
Go Getter: Dre’Dynn Green
Best Server: Kenya Soto-Quinones
Coaches Award: Kaylynn Gile
Excellence in Volleyball: Jayla Anderson

Hoops and Hustle: Basketball Season Success
Winter brought high-energy action to the hardwood, where the Lady Bearcats combined suffocating defense with explosive offensive plays.

A-Team Highlights

Kaylee Ockleberry followed up her strong volleyball season by capturing the A-Team Basketball MVP award. J’Marie Naylor locked things down on the perimeter to win Best Defender, while Kelsey Gaines proved to be a scoring threat every night, earning the Hot Shot award.

MVP: Kaylee Ockleberry
Most Improved: Ava Bibb
Most Dedicated: Elyana Scott
Best Defender: J’Marie Naylor
Hot Shot: Kelsey Gaines
Miss Hustle: Miracle Kimbrough
Coaches Award: Elyena Morse
Excellence in Basketball: Havenne Waller

B-Team Highlights

For the B-Team, Ka’Leah Ward’s consistency and leadership earned her the MVP title. The relentless energy of Kendall Haynes was also a focal point all season, securing her the Miss Hustle designation.

MVP: Ka’Leah Ward
Most Improved: Yanel Gutierrez
Most Dedicated: Mia Ovieda
Best Defender: Kaylynn Gile
Hot Shot: Amaya Staples
Miss Hustle: Kendall Haynes
Coaches Award: Kealy Walker
Excellence in Basketball: Dre’Dynn Green

Setting the Pace on the Track

When spring arrived, the Lady Bearcats took their talents to the track and field, turning heads across the district with raw speed and strength.

Amaya Staples capped off an incredible multi-sport year by being named the Track MVP. Alexandria Soto’s ability to stack up victories across multiple events earned her the High Point award. In the field events, Kealy Walker proved unmatched, taking home the Best Thrower award, while Lanigh Stephen’s technical precision earned her Best Hurdler.

MVP: Amaya Staples
Most Improved: Elyana Scott & Havenne Waller
Most Dedicated: Sienna Williams & Ava Bibb
High Point: Alexandria Soto
Best Thrower: Kealy Walker
Best Hurdler: Lanigh Stephen

Coaches' Note: Congratulations to all the 7th-grade Lady Bearcats on an unforgettable 2025-26 season. Your dedication in the classroom and on the field has set a phenomenal standard for Lamar Middle School athletics!