In Dripping Springs, youth sports are a vital part of growing up, shaping kids into strong, well-rounded, respectful individuals. Across soccer fields, football stadiums, cheer mats, volleyball courts, and beyond, kids are winning in ways that go well beyond the scoreboard.
For many families, it’s not so much that they chose sports; sports chose them. Jeff and Kara Shaw note that their son seemed born to be an athlete: “As soon as he could walk, he was running.” Youth athletics quickly became a lifestyle defined by weekend tournaments, long drives, and unforgettable friendships. “The sport becomes your life,” they say. “But we wouldn’t change that for the world.”
“One Powerful Experience”
From learning to lose with grace to celebrating hard-earned wins, athletics boosts self-esteem and helps kids grow into capable, confident young adults.
“Youth sports are about building character and motivating our children to be the best they can be, on and off the field,” share Derek and Kristina Even, parents to three young multi-sport athletes. “It’s about instilling the desire to work toward a goal.”
Kids feel the impact too. Dripping Springs High School varsity football player Hudson Whitenight, 16, who wants to play in the NFL one day, appreciates how his sport blends “teamwork, physical intensity, and mental toughness into one powerful experience.”
“Sports can shape who you are,” echoes DSHS varsity cheerleading captain Charlotte Parker, 17. “They teach you how to work hard, how to lead, and how to care about something bigger than just yourself.”
“Teammates Become Lifelong Friends”
One of the greatest gifts of youth sports is friendship. Through years of training, competing, and traveling together, both players and parents form lifelong bonds. Varsity football player Gage De Los Santos, 17, shares, “My favorite thing about my sport is the relationships that come with being on the team.”
The strong ties among teammates teach a larger lesson about loyalty and solidarity: “Being a good teammate makes you a good friend,” says Kristina, whose children have learned to celebrate their peers.
And that connection and support keeps athletes pressing forward. “Nobody can win alone,” says nationally ranked DSHS varsity volleyball player Henley Anderson. “My teammates and friends get me excited to be in the gym every day.”
“I Can Do Hard Things”
Every child needs to learn that success comes from consistent effort and perseverance. Youth sports offer kids a dynamic training ground to begin handling pressure, managing time, and staying disciplined.
It’s not easy, and the kids get it. Rising middle-schooler Logan Brecher, a multi-sport athlete, says athletics has given him a strong work ethic: “The only way to meet your goals is to work hard and never quit.”
A-Jay Even, 7, explains with refreshing honesty: “Sports have taught me to never give up, even when you are hot and tired.”
And by meeting challenges, young athletes learn to believe in themselves. At just 5 years old, cheerleader Hope Szkotak claims her power: “I can do hard things,” she states.
“Pure Happiness”
Competition is a powerful motivator and a key part of youth sports, the thrill of the game often bringing out the best in kids. “Challenges and competing are so fun for me!” says 11-year-old Alyana Even.
Parents cherish these moments as well. “The victories are truly priceless,” says Loni Thompson. “Whether it’s watching your child’s team pull off a close win, seeing them score, or witnessing a solo tackle, they’re all moments that bring immense joy.”
Dripping Springs Pop Warner president and youth football coach Matt Brecher sees it too. “That look of excitement on a player’s face when they make a great play or win a big game is pure happiness. In that moment, nothing else matters. In that moment, they are greatness.”
These experiences form core memories that inspire kids long after the final score is posted. Cash Thompson, 11, remembers scoring his first touchdown: “It felt great to have done something good for my team. It also made me want to keep working harder so I could do it again.”
“Fight Through Adversity”
Perhaps even more valuable than winning are the lessons learned in defeat. “It sounds crazy, but I’ve enjoyed watching my kids fight through adversity in sports,” says Eric De Los Santos, DSHS varsity football defensive coordinator and head powerlifting coach. “I believe those lessons will serve them far better than any touchdown, home run, goal, or medal.”
Whether it’s an injury or a tough loss, facing and overcoming challenges builds character. It’s in these hard times that young athletes develop the perseverance, strength, and determination that will guide them long after the game is over.
At just 13, volleyball player Lynnlee Kelly views setbacks as fuel for growth, learning from her mistakes and working to improve. “When I lose, I study the game and my errors and practice harder,” she says.
Sarah Whitenight says her kids have learned to handle disappointments: “Sports has given them confidence and taught them how to bounce back from failure.”
“Never Miss a Game”
Behind every athlete is a network of support, especially from parents. Managing schedules, logistics, and emotions is no small feat.
The Even family embraces the chaos and considers sports an opportunity to connect. “It’s how we enjoy spending our time,” says Kristina. “Sports are about bonding.”
Even amidst the hustle, parents agree on the value. Loni reflects, “You definitely have to be flexible and ride out the challenges that surface, but it is so worth it in the end.”
And kids notice. Lina Even, 9, says, “My mom and dad cheer for me a lot, coach me, and help me to not feel nervous.”
To young athletes, having their parents show up is a powerful reminder that their effort matters and that they’re never alone on the journey. Hudson shares, “My family never misses a game, and they are always there to support me.”
“Coaches Make a Difference”
Along with supportive families, Dripping Springs is blessed with passionate coaches who care deeply about their players. “Coaches make a difference,” states Coach Brecher. “What we do matters.”
Henley, 17, agrees that a good coach can make a tremendous impact. “A coach that lifts you up, makes you confident in who you are, and understands how to help deal with the pressure is what I value most,” she says. “An influential coach is someone who you have a respectful personal connection with, which creates more trust and helps you overcome adversity and grow into an even better athlete.”
DSHS boys soccer coach and DSYSA girls soccer academy coach Billy Kiaune is committed to building authentic relationships with his high school players, engaging with them on and off the field. “I make it a point to speak with almost every player during the week, usually with good, fun banter,” he says
With a true connection to their athletes, coaches often feel the highs and lows just as intensely as the kids do. Reflecting on the breakthrough moments, Coach Brecher shares, “When a player is struggling, and then they finally make a big play, you see it in their eyes—it’s like magic. That’s what keeps me coaching.”
“Let it be Fun!”
While structure and competition are part of the experience, fun is the heartbeat of youth sports. “Youth sports need to be fun,” emphasizes Coach De Los Santos. “Kids need the opportunity to fall in love with the game or sport.”
Coach Kiaune agrees: “Enjoyment is essential.” His practices often start with a few “dad jokes” to get his youth team laughing and relaxed. “I love being goofy and silly with them,” he says.
And fun makes athletes better. “Enjoying your sport is the motivation to come back every day,” says Henley. “When you are having fun, you stop overthinking or critiquing yourself and you play with confidence.”
“The Whole Town Showed Up”
Dripping Springs celebrates its youth teams with unmatched community spirit, creating unforgettable moments for athletes and spectators alike. Game days unify the town and draw families and friends together with one shared purpose: to cheer for their home team.
DSHS varsity cheerleader Emery Ciechanowicz, 16, reflects, “My favorite memory is Friday night football games. Before and after games, I am super excited and get a huge adrenaline rush.”
Canyon Shaw, 17, knows the feeling, recalling the thrill and pride he felt when the DSHS varsity soccer team played in the state finals. “It was so cool to see the whole town come out to support us,” he says. In that stadium, everybody was chasing the same goal until the final whistle blew.
“Soak It All In”
Alas, these moments are rare and fleeting. Time moves quickly, and parents urge others to enjoy it while it lasts. When it’s all said and done, “the car rides, the game days, the friendships—it all adds up to something really special,” shares Camille Parker, whose daughter will graduate from DSHS next year.
Coach De Los Santos looks ahead to his son Gage’s upcoming senior year with emotion. “This season will be extra special,” he says. “He’s been with me on the field since first grade. Walking out on the field with him every practice and every game has been a dream come true. I’m going to be more intentional about soaking it all in.”
“More Than a Game”
From sideline cheers to early-morning games, heartbreak to celebration, youth sports are shaping future leaders, teammates, and friends. And with every season, the Dripping Springs family at large continues to show up—rain or shine, win or lose—to lift up their children and community.
Whether they’re pushing through challenges, connecting deeply with others, or simply enjoying the moment, these kids are learning far more than how to play. They’re learning how to live.
Pull quote #1 “Confidence isn’t about being perfect. It’s about staying strong when it matters most.” - Hudson Whitenight
Pull quote #2 “Life often rewards hard work—and sometimes it doesn’t—but both life and sports always teach a lesson worth learning.” - Eric De Los Santos