EmbeddedFont, CalibriMSFontService, sans-serif;" xml:lang="EN-US">The EmbeddedFont, CalibriMSFontService, sans-serif;" xml:lang="EN-US">Jack Yates EmbeddedFont, CalibriMSFontService, sans-serif;" xml:lang="EN-US">Lions faced a daunting task EmbeddedFont, CalibriMSFontService, sans-serif;" xml:lang="EN-US">on Wednesday evening as they EmbeddedFont, CalibriMSFontService, sans-serif;" xml:lang="EN-US">opened District play againstEmbeddedFont, CalibriMSFontService, sans-serif;" xml:lang="EN-US">Furr High School, EmbeddedFont, CalibriMSFontService, sans-serif;" xml:lang="EN-US">a team thatEmbeddedFont, CalibriMSFontService, sans-serif;" xml:lang="EN-US"> has qualified for the pEmbeddedFont, CalibriMSFontService, sans-serif;" xml:lang="EN-US">layoffsEmbeddedFont, CalibriMSFontService, sans-serif;" xml:lang="EN-US"> in three out of the last five seasonsEmbeddedFont, CalibriMSFontService, sans-serif;" xml:lang="EN-US">.
EmbeddedFont, CalibriMSFontService, sans-serif;" xml:lang="EN-US">The EmbeddedFont, CalibriMSFontService, sans-serif;" xml:lang="EN-US">LEmbeddedFont, CalibriMSFontService, sans-serif;" xml:lang="EN-US">ady EmbeddedFont, CalibriMSFontService, sans-serif;" xml:lang="EN-US">Lions EmbeddedFont, CalibriMSFontService, sans-serif;" xml:lang="EN-US">enteredEmbeddedFont, CalibriMSFontService, sans-serif;" xml:lang="EN-US"> Barnett StadiumEmbeddedFont, CalibriMSFontService, sans-serif;" xml:lang="EN-US"> as theEmbeddedFont, CalibriMSFontService, sans-serif;" xml:lang="EN-US"> first EmbeddedFont, CalibriMSFontService, sans-serif;" xml:lang="EN-US">soccer EmbeddedFont, CalibriMSFontService, sans-serif;" xml:lang="EN-US">team to represent Yates in a EmbeddedFont, CalibriMSFontService, sans-serif;" xml:lang="EN-US">competitive game since 2013.EmbeddedFont, CalibriMSFontService, sans-serif;" xml:lang="EN-US">The LionsEmbeddedFont, CalibriMSFontService, sans-serif;" xml:lang="EN-US"> ultimately fell in their first game of the seasonEmbeddedFont, CalibriMSFontService, sans-serif;" xml:lang="EN-US">, but tEmbeddedFont, CalibriMSFontService, sans-serif;" xml:lang="EN-US">he outcome is merely a footnote in a journey that might have never beenEmbeddedFont, CalibriMSFontService, sans-serif;" xml:lang="EN-US"> if not for EmbeddedFont, CalibriMSFontService, sans-serif;" xml:lang="EN-US">the stuEmbeddedFont, CalibriMSFontService, sans-serif;" xml:lang="EN-US">dEmbeddedFont, CalibriMSFontService, sans-serif;" xml:lang="EN-US">ents that took the field on Wednesday.
EmbeddedFont, CalibriMSFontService, sans-serif; font-variant-ligatures: none !important;" xml:lang="EN-US">"It took a lot of hard workEmbeddedFont, CalibriMSFontService, sans-serif; font-variant-ligatures: none !important;" xml:lang="EN-US">, bEmbeddedFont, CalibriMSFontService, sans-serif; font-variant-ligatures: none !important;" xml:lang="EN-US">oth mentally and physically, learning how to get to the ballEmbeddedFont, CalibriMSFontService, sans-serif; font-variant-ligatures: none !important;" xml:lang="EN-US">. FEmbeddedFont, CalibriMSFontService, sans-serif; font-variant-ligatures: none !important;" xml:lang="EN-US">or a lot of us - this was the EmbeddedFont, CalibriMSFontService, sans-serif; font-variant-ligatures: none !important;" xml:lang="EN-US">first timeEmbeddedFont, CalibriMSFontService, sans-serif; font-variant-ligatures: none !important;" xml:lang="EN-US"> playing soccer,” said Dior Bowie, a freshman at Yates. “So, this is good for us."
EmbeddedFont, CalibriMSFontService, sans-serif; font-variant-ligatures: none !important;" xml:lang="EN-US">Bowie was one of the many EmbeddedFont, CalibriMSFontService, sans-serif; font-variant-ligatures: none !important;" xml:lang="EN-US">freshmenEmbeddedFont, CalibriMSFontService, sans-serif; font-variant-ligatures: none !important;" xml:lang="EN-US"> in Yates’ lineup on WednesdayEmbeddedFont, CalibriMSFontService, sans-serif; font-variant-ligatures: none !important;" xml:lang="EN-US">;EmbeddedFont, CalibriMSFontService, sans-serif; font-variant-ligatures: none !important;" xml:lang="EN-US"> and like many of her teammates, she was motivated to play the sport by her coach, EmbeddedFont, CalibriMSFontService, sans-serif; font-variant-ligatures: none !important;" xml:lang="EN-US">Page L. Morris, who EmbeddedFont, CalibriMSFontService, sans-serif; font-variant-ligatures: none !important;" xml:lang="EN-US">also coaches track and volleyball.
EmbeddedFont, CalibriMSFontService, sans-serif; font-variant-ligatures: none !important;" xml:lang="EN-US">"Our coach, she is the main reason (we play). If it wasn't for EmbeddedFont, CalibriMSFontService, sans-serif; font-variant-ligatures: none !important;" xml:lang="EN-US">her,EmbeddedFont, CalibriMSFontService, sans-serif; font-variant-ligatures: none !important;" xml:lang="EN-US"> we would not be on this field,” Bowie added. “She motivated a lot of us to get our heads together and prepare mentally for this sport. Most of us didn't want to play, she made sure we were prepared and that we were ready."
EmbeddedFont, CalibriMSFontService, sans-serif; font-variant-ligatures: none !important;" xml:lang="EN-US">Morris, like many of her players, was also making her debut in the sportEmbeddedFont, CalibriMSFontService, sans-serif; font-variant-ligatures: none !important;" xml:lang="EN-US"> on WednesdayEmbeddedFont, CalibriMSFontService, sans-serif; font-variant-ligatures: none !important;" xml:lang="EN-US">. The IB History Teacher has EmbeddedFont, CalibriMSFontService, sans-serif; font-variant-ligatures: none !important;" xml:lang="EN-US">the support of Houston Dynamo EmbeddedFont, CalibriMSFontService, sans-serif; font-variant-ligatures: none !important;" xml:lang="EN-US">FC EmbeddedFont, CalibriMSFontService, sans-serif; font-variant-ligatures: none !important;" xml:lang="EN-US">and specifically Dynamo Academy coach and former EmbeddedFont, CalibriMSFontService, sans-serif; font-variant-ligatures: none !important;" xml:lang="EN-US">Dynamo EmbeddedFont, CalibriMSFontService, sans-serif; font-variant-ligatures: none !important;" xml:lang="EN-US">midfielderEmbeddedFont, CalibriMSFontService, sans-serif; font-variant-ligatures: none !important;" xml:lang="EN-US"> Ricardo Clark. The Dynamo legend has worked with Morris and boyEmbeddedFont, CalibriMSFontService, sans-serif; font-variant-ligatures: none !important;" xml:lang="EN-US">s’EmbeddedFont, CalibriMSFontService, sans-serif; font-variant-ligatures: none !important;" xml:lang="EN-US"> head coach EmbeddedFont, CalibriMSFontService, sans-serif; font-variant-ligatures: none !important;" xml:lang="EN-US">Duane Clark to create training plans and EmbeddedFont, CalibriMSFontService, sans-serif; font-variant-ligatures: none !important;" xml:lang="EN-US">build EmbeddedFont, CalibriMSFontService, sans-serif; font-variant-ligatures: none !important;" xml:lang="EN-US">the foundation needed to prepare the players for their first season of competitive play.
EmbeddedFont, CalibriMSFontService, sans-serif; font-variant-ligatures: none !important;" xml:lang="EN-US">"EmbeddedFont, CalibriMSFontService, sans-serif; font-variant-ligatures: none !important;" xml:lang="EN-US">TEmbeddedFont, CalibriMSFontService, sans-serif; font-variant-ligatures: none !important;" xml:lang="EN-US">hey have been very supportive with us. They have helped me build practice plans, answering all of my questions, running me through drills, creating a good base that I did not have,” Morris said. “At first, I was likeEmbeddedFont, CalibriMSFontService, sans-serif; font-variant-ligatures: none !important;" xml:lang="EN-US">,EmbeddedFont, CalibriMSFontService, sans-serif; font-variant-ligatures: none !important;" xml:lang="EN-US"> 'I don't know what I'm doingEmbeddedFont, CalibriMSFontService, sans-serif; font-variant-ligatures: none !important;" xml:lang="EN-US">.EmbeddedFont, CalibriMSFontService, sans-serif; font-variant-ligatures: none !important;" xml:lang="EN-US">' EmbeddedFont, CalibriMSFontService, sans-serif; font-variant-ligatures: none !important;" xml:lang="EN-US">NEmbeddedFont, CalibriMSFontService, sans-serif; font-variant-ligatures: none !important;" xml:lang="EN-US">ow, I'm not perfect, I don't know everything, but I am growing, and I am glad to have a support system backing me up.”
EmbeddedFont, CalibriMSFontService, sans-serif; font-variant-ligatures: none !important;" xml:lang="EN-US">That EmbeddedFont, CalibriMSFontService, sans-serif; font-variant-ligatures: none !important;" xml:lang="EN-US">support EmbeddedFont, CalibriMSFontService, sans-serif; font-variant-ligatures: none !important;" xml:lang="EN-US">system EmbeddedFont, CalibriMSFontService, sans-serif; font-variant-ligatures: none !important;" xml:lang="EN-US">includesEmbeddedFont, CalibriMSFontService, sans-serif; font-variant-ligatures: none !important;" xml:lang="EN-US">Dynamo CharitiesEmbeddedFont, CalibriMSFontService, sans-serif; font-variant-ligatures: none !important;" xml:lang="EN-US">, whichEmbeddedFont, CalibriMSFontService, sans-serif; font-variant-ligatures: none !important;" xml:lang="EN-US"> facilitated more than $15,000 in donations EmbeddedFont, CalibriMSFontService, sans-serif; font-variant-ligatures: none !important;" xml:lang="EN-US">ofEmbeddedFont, CalibriMSFontService, sans-serif; font-variant-ligatures: none !important;" xml:lang="EN-US"> new gear and equipment for both EmbeddedFont, CalibriMSFontService, sans-serif; font-variant-ligatures: none !important;" xml:lang="EN-US">teamsEmbeddedFont, CalibriMSFontService, sans-serif; font-variant-ligatures: none !important;" xml:lang="EN-US"> last fall. EmbeddedFont, CalibriMSFontService, sans-serif; font-variant-ligatures: none !important;" xml:lang="EN-US">The contributions EmbeddedFont, CalibriMSFontService, sans-serif; font-variant-ligatures: none !important;" xml:lang="EN-US">continued earlier this monthEmbeddedFont, CalibriMSFontService, sans-serif; font-variant-ligatures: none !important;" xml:lang="EN-US"> as Dynamo Charities worked with Yates to mow and paint the traininEmbeddedFont, CalibriMSFontService, sans-serif; font-variant-ligatures: none !important;" xml:lang="EN-US">g EmbeddedFont, CalibriMSFontService, sans-serif; font-variant-ligatures: none !important;" xml:lang="EN-US">field priorEmbeddedFont, CalibriMSFontService, sans-serif; font-variant-ligatures: none !important;" xml:lang="EN-US"> to the first training session of the season.
EmbeddedFont, CalibriMSFontService, sans-serif; font-variant-ligatures: none !important;" xml:lang="EN-US">Morris had to recruit, train and prepare for the first game all within a three-month window. She is driven by her playersEmbeddedFont, CalibriMSFontService, sans-serif; font-variant-ligatures: none !important;" xml:lang="EN-US">,EmbeddedFont, CalibriMSFontService, sans-serif; font-variant-ligatures: none !important;" xml:lang="EN-US"> who are going beyond their comfort zoEmbeddedFont, CalibriMSFontService, sans-serif; font-variant-ligatures: none !important;" xml:lang="EN-US">ne to play a sport EmbeddedFont, CalibriMSFontService, sans-serif; font-variant-ligatures: none !important;" xml:lang="EN-US">that was out of sight and out of mind in Houston’s Third Ward for nearly a decade.
EmbeddedFont, CalibriMSFontService, sans-serif; font-variant-ligatures: none !important;" xml:lang="EN-US">"It has been a crash course, it definitely has. COVID has made it more interesting, but I am grateful for the learning processEmbeddedFont, CalibriMSFontService, sans-serif; font-variant-ligatures: none !important;" xml:lang="EN-US">,” Morris said. “EmbeddedFont, CalibriMSFontService, sans-serif; font-variant-ligatures: none !important;" xml:lang="EN-US">I'm excited to see the growth, because it is a process. EmbeddedFont, CalibriMSFontService, sans-serif; font-variant-ligatures: none !important;" xml:lang="EN-US">I appreciate that fact that they are learning different ways to communicate when your emotions are high, following instructions in high intensity situations, just learning how this can carry over into their future. So, that is the part that brings me joy. I know it's a process, but it is worth it."
EmbeddedFont, CalibriMSFontService, sans-serif; font-variant-ligatures: none !important;" xml:lang="EN-US">The process and season will EmbeddedFont, CalibriMSFontService, sans-serif; font-variant-ligatures: none !important;" xml:lang="EN-US">continueEmbeddedFont, CalibriMSFontService, sans-serif; font-variant-ligatures: none !important;" xml:lang="EN-US">onEmbeddedFont, CalibriMSFontService, sans-serif; font-variant-ligatures: none !important;" xml:lang="EN-US"> Saturday EmbeddedFont, CalibriMSFontService, sans-serif; font-variant-ligatures: none !important;" xml:lang="EN-US">atEmbeddedFont, CalibriMSFontService, sans-serif; font-variant-ligatures: none !important;" xml:lang="EN-US"> noon EmbeddedFont, CalibriMSFontService, sans-serif; font-variant-ligatures: none !important;" xml:lang="EN-US">as they face Washington High School at EmbeddedFont, CalibriMSFontService, sans-serif; font-variant-ligatures: none !important;" xml:lang="EN-US">Cowart Stadium.EmbeddedFont, CalibriMSFontService, sans-serif; font-variant-ligatures: none !important;" xml:lang="EN-US"> Dynamo and Dash fans are all encouraged to drop by and EmbeddedFont, CalibriMSFontService, sans-serif; font-variant-ligatures: none !important;" xml:lang="EN-US">cheer on EmbeddedFont, CalibriMSFontService, sans-serif; font-variant-ligatures: none !important;" xml:lang="EN-US">the players and coaches from Yates as they continue their development.
