KATY, Texas — Aristoi Classical Academy made history over the weekend, capturing three state championships in the Texas Charter School Academic and Athletic League. The girls varsity flag football team, boys varsity volleyball team and the 7th/8th-grade boys flag football team each brought home state titles, marking a milestone for the school's athletic program.
Aristoi girls varsity flag football state championship make history
Aristoi
The Aristoi Classical Academy 2025-26 girls varsity flag football state championship team. This is the first year that there has been a girls flag football champion crowned.
The girls varsity flag football team secured the first-ever state title for any scholastic league in Texas, defeating IDEA Edgecliff 38-0 in the championship game. Coaches Courtney Garcia, Doug Thompson and coach/athletic director Terry Boling led the team to victory. The Lady Griffins advanced to the final after a decisive 36-12 win over IDEA Horizon Vista College Prep in the semifinals.
"This is such a special time for our Lady Griffins and our flag football program. Their hard work, commitment and teamwork have truly paid off, and their never-give-up attitude is truly inspiring, especially in a sport often dominated by men," coach Courtney Garcia said. "As their head coach, it brings me immense joy to see these young ladies play football with such grace and passion. This league has been a significant milestone in the progress of women in athletics, and I feel honored to be a part of it," Garcia added.
It's also a historic moment for Texas sports according to Boling.
"This weekend marks a historic moment, the first ever Texas Charter School Academic and Athletic League Girls Flag Football State Championship, and potentially the first state championship for girls flag football in Texas under any established scholastic league. Aristoi Classical Academy is proud to be part of this groundbreaking event. History is knocking at the doorsteps of Aristoi," Boling said.
Varsity Girls Flag Football Roster
- Emily Hovis
- Michelle Mathenge
- Selah Thompson
- Christiana Fleming
- Sarah Lajaunie
- Abigail Flores
- Rosie Grinestaff
- Juliana Blazek
- Ava Ulery Alina Bustillo
- Mia Moore
- Zel Sanchez
- Brooklyn Smith
Aristoi 7th/8th-grade boys flag football team wins state title
Aristoi
The 2025-26 Aristoi Classical Academy boys 7th and 8th grade state champion flag football team.
The 7th/8th-grade boys flag football team capped off the weekend with a hard-fought 38-27 victory over ILT Mansfield in the state championship game, following a dominant 41-0 semifinal win over Texas Empowerment. Coach Rob Oliphant led the team through the historic season.
"This State Championship is more than just a title; it is a testament to this team's unwavering grit and determination," Oliphant said. "While their talent often made games look easy, their true character shone brightest in the moments when players went down and hope seemed lost. In those crucial times, they dug deep, found strength within each other, and refused to give up."
Oliphant said the team's mantra this season was “never underestimate your opponent," and he instructed his team to "just give me your best and the score will take care of itself," He believes the team was successful because they stayed focused on "playing OUR game while remaining humble."
"The real, defining victory, for me, was watching them stop being individuals and forge themselves into a family," Oliphant said. "It took a while but this happened first during the season and then at State. That deep, unbreakable commitment was the final, essential piece to go all the way and win the State title."
Athletic Director Boling was also impressed with the teams grit and determination.
"The 7th/8th Grade Flag Football Team's victory was a proper grind, four quarters of grit, determination and teamwork that carried them to the end," Boling said. "I am grateful beyond words for the growth of these players, not only as athletes, but most importantly as individuals. What makes this weekend even more extraordinary is that two of our three state championship teams come from programs that are still very new to Aristoi. Their rapid rise is a testament to what can be achieved through hard work, vision and belief."
7th/8th-Grade Boys Flag Football Roster
- Andrew Dach
- Kaleb Sprouse
- Christian Vargas
- Danny Orta
- Dylan Wiltz
- Easton Dempsey
- Elias Moles
- Gabe Meyer
- Justice Nobles
- Michael Hansen
- Elijah Lacy
- Renzo D'Ambrosio
- Thadyn Eubank
Aristoi boys varsity volleyball are state champions
Aristoi
The state champion 2025-26 Aristoi Classical Academy boys volleyball team.
The boys varsity volleyball team also claimed a state championship, edging out Uplift Infinity in a five-set thriller under the guidance of coaches Russell and Ashley Stepp. The team reached the final after defeating Basis San Antonio Shavano in straight sets in the semifinals.
"The boys varsity volleyball championship was an emotional roller coaster from start to finish, showcasing resilience, composure and heart," Boling said.
Boling also expressed gratitude for the support from players, coaches, parents and the booster club.
"This is possibly the toughest team I've ever coached," coach Russell Stepp said. "It takes a lot of grit to pull off a reverse sweep, and even more to do it twice. I'm proud of all their hard work and effort over the years, and I'm grateful to the Aristoi community, coaches, and parents who supported these boys to a State Championship. It wouldn't have been possible without them."
"I am thankful for our players, our dedicated coaches and the countless parents who volunteered and supported these teams every step of the way. Our booster club is the best and I am thankful for the way they give to our athletes and coaches. This was an incredibly moving weekend for Aristoi, and seeing these moments unfold was truly a collective effort by all," Boling said.
Also Read: Aristoi Girls Cross Country Team finishes third at State
Varsity Boys Volleyball Roster
- Nate Sinitiere
- Aidan Bustillo
- Garrett Piercy
- Thomas Pozo
- Blake Rogers
- Chance Hodges
- John Oppermann
- Drew Laich
- Brody Zobac
- Grayson Hovis
- Cason Webb