TEMPLE, TX — The Lamar Middle School girls' athletic department officially closed the chapter on an unforgettable 2025-26 season on Friday, hosting their annual 8th-grade sports awards. It was a night dedicated to celebrating months of sweat, determination, and teamwork. However, the evening carried an extra layer of excitement as these young athletes prepare to hang up their blue and gold jerseys and make the highly anticipated transition to become the future Temple High School Tem-Cats.

From the cross country trails in the fall to the soccer fields in the spring, the 8th-grade class showcased phenomenal talent and heart.

Dominating the Courts and the Trails

The year kicked off with tremendous momentum. On the cross country trails, Latreasia Gamble took home Most Improved honors for her steady progress, while Juliett Shaw’s relentless work ethic earned her the Most Dedicated award.

When the action moved inside to the volleyball court, the Lady Bearcats proved to be a formidable force. The powerhouse A-Team was anchored by Team MVP Isabella Bischoff. Marie Davis-Johnson was recognized as the Best Server, while La Tearra Rivers took home the Hard Hitter award. Layla Ramirez’s relentless energy earned her the Go Getter title, Sh’iara Davis was named Most Improved, and Lyric Lott received the prestigious Coaches Award.

The B-Team enjoyed equal success, led by Team MVP Elida Higareda and Most Improved player Raelynn Turner. Delaney Smith (Best Server) and Geyssi Reyes (Hard Hitter) kept opponents on their toes, while Iriana Perez walked away with the Coaches Award. Recognizing overall dedication to the program, Katalyna Mendez and Ximena Rodriguez were honored with the Excellence in Volleyball awards.

Winter Hoop Dreams and Spring Speed

As basketball season arrived, the Lady Bearcats didn't skip a beat. Lyric Lott put on a masterclass all winter, rightfully earning the A-Team MVP. Ariyonna Love-Brown took the title of Hot Shot for her scoring prowess, and Kayliana Ward locked down the opposition as Best Defender. Marie Davis-Johnson continued her growth as Most Improved, La Tearra Rivers won Miss Hustle, and Isabella Bischoff picked up the Coaches Award.

For the B-Team, Carter Caldwell secured the MVP trophy after a spectacular season. Raelynn Turner picked up another Most Improved nod, Arianna Salinas was named Most Dedicated, and Sh’ara Davis earned Best Defender. Liani Winters rounded out the hoops awards as Miss Hustle.

When spring arrived, the Lady Bearcats hit the track running—literally. Latreasia Gamble capped off a stellar middle school career as Track MVP, and Lyric Lott proved her versatility by winning High Point honors. La Tearra (Most Improved), Carter Caldwell (Most Dedicated), Raelynn Turner (Best Thrower), and Delaney Smith (Best Hurdler) all took home hardware after a dominant track and field season.

Star Power on the Pitch

Soccer season allowed several multi-sport stars to shine brightly under the lights. Juliett Shaw put on an absolute clinic, sweeping both the overall Team MVP and Offensive MVP awards. Ximena Rodriguez anchored the backline as Defensive MVP, while Geyssi Reyes controlled the tempo of the pitch to win Midfield MVP. Elida Higareda was celebrated for her guiding presence with the Leadership Award, and Raelynn Tanner exemplified the grit of the program by winning the Heart of a Tem-Cat award.

Ultimate Honors: The Special Awards

The evening concluded with the presentation of the highest accolades Lamar Middle School can bestow upon its athletes.

The Kimmy Longbotham Award, given to the athlete who best exemplifies character, integrity, and school spirit, was proudly awarded to Elida Higareda.

Finally, taking home the crown as the 2025-26 Most Outstanding Athlete was Lyric Lott, whose name was called across multiple sports all year long, cementing her legacy as one of the most versatile and impactful Lady Bearcats in recent memory.

With their middle school chapters officially closed, these young women now look toward the future. If this season was any indication, the Temple High Tem-Cats are inheriting a deeply talented, incredibly driven group of freshmen ready to make an immediate impact at the high school level.

Congratulations to all the Lamar Lady Bearcats!