Four seniors were picked as the winners of the Best Preps award, which is sponsored by the Tyler Paper and UT Health East Texas and spotlights one athlete in this area for each sport. The four seniors are Isabella Johnson (girls’ soccer), Sabrina Vela (girls’ basketball), Katherine Havens (girls’ golf) and Brinlee Pitts (girls’ track and field) and were nominated by their coaches.

“It’s an honor for our kids, coaches and school to participate in the Best Preps Tyler,” athletic director Mike Maddox said. “It gives coaches a chance to not only nominate but brag on their student athletes. Each nominee is representative of what a student athlete should be.”

Johnson was nominated for her excellence both athletically and academically. She will be graduating in the Top 10 of her class.

“I nominated Bella because when I think of her, she really puts as much into academic or possibly more than she does to athletics,” girls’ soccer coach Cody Bray said. “I couldn’t have picked a better young lady to represent our school and our soccer program.”

Vela has played varsity basketball for two years. She was picked for her leadership on and off the court.

“Sabrina is a very talented young lady,” Daniel Devisscher, head girls’ basketball coach, said. “I know that there are many other awards waiting for her as she follows the path that God has laid out for her life. I know that no matter what she chooses to do after high school, she will be successful. I know she will bless those around her and encourage them with wisdom and patience.”

Havens has played golf all four years in high school. She was picked because she has a high GPA and has spent a lot of time doing community service.

“She has been an excellent member of our team, and I wanted her to receive some recognition for all of her hard work, especially since their season was cut short,” girls’ golf coach Lindsay Kelly said. “I was excited for her and proud of her for winning. She truly deserved it.”

Pitts has advanced to state in pole vaulting during her time in high school. She was picked because of her hard work and dedication.

“She is very deserving and winning this helps end her senior year the right way,” Chad Cooper, girls’ track and field coach, said. “Brinlee has been a great part of our Lady Eagle Track team and we will miss having her very much.”

Each sport has a pool of athletes from various high schools in the area, and each coach nominates a player from his or her varsity team. In order to be eligible to receive a nomination, players must have a minimum of a 3.0 GPA and must also be involved in community service.

“To have such a quality group this year reflects on their daily actions and impact, especially during the pandemic,” Maddox said. “I’m proud not only of our kids but our coaches who continuously pour into our student athletes daily and made these nominations possible. Each of our nominees are deserving in every aspect of these awards.”

List of Students Nominated for the Best Prep Tyler Awards (from Lindale):

FOOTBALL–LUKE SANDIFER

VOLLEYBALL–ELIZABETH HUTCHENS

CROSS COUNTRY–COLTON TAYLOR AND BETHANY ROATT

BASKETBALL–KOBE SCOTT AND SABRINA VELA

BASEBALL–MATTHEW AUBUCHON

SOFTBALL–GRACIE SPEARMAN

TRACK–BRAYSON CAMPBELL

SOCCER–SOLOMON SABIOA AND ISABELLA JOHNSON

GIRLS GOLF–KATHERINE HAVENS

TENNIS–JOHN NILSON AND TAYLLOR LANE