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In 2025, Johnson County was spoiled by the abundance of talented student-athletes across the six teams in the Times-Review’s girls soccer All-Johnson County team.
Four of the six teams featured in the all-county team competed in a highly competitive 8-5A district.
Out of all the potential candidates, one stood above the rest as the district MVP after leading all schools in goals and breaking the single-season goal record at Centennial. The All-Johnson County MVP is Katie Bailey.
“To end my entire soccer career with these awards is a perfect way to close it out,” said Bailey. “Remembering all the hard work and dedication I have put into this sport, this was just an amazing way to end.”
At 29 goals and 15 assists, the senior Lady Spartan propelled Centennial to an 18-2-1 overall record and co-district championship after winning 13-of-14 against some of the toughest competition in DFW.
“My mindset was absolutely the greatest skill I improved this year,” said Bailey. “Focusing on staying positive and trying to take in every moment took a lot of pressure off and brought me back to the real reason I play soccer. These girls motivated me to give my absolute all every time I stepped on the field, but I also was never afraid of messing up because I knew, regardless, they would be there for me.”
Bailey is hanging up the cleats and heading to the University of Connecticut to major in biology. She will be on a pre-med track to become a pediatric surgeon.
For this superlative, these two young ladies made it a mission to find the back of the net for their teams by any means necessary.
The All-Johnson County Co-Offensive Players of the Year are Cleburne’s Zyri Ellison and Burleson’s Logan Tate.
Ellison led the Lady Jacket charge as the junior striker scored 25 goals and had 14 assists in Cleburne’s bi-district championship season.
In her first career playoff game against Paschal, Ellison scored the team’s second goal, ultimately becoming the game-deciding score for the Lady Jackets’ first postseason win since 2012.
“I’m truly honored to represent Cleburne on the attacking side,” said Ellison. “I’m proud of what I’ve accomplished so far, but I’m not done yet.”
Recognizing that 2025 was a big step in the right direction for Cleburne, Ellison admits she can do more entering her senior year and wants to improve her consistency, become more confident under pressure and grow as a leader under the guidance of first-year head coach Benjamin Henry.
Tate made a huge leap in her sophomore year with the Lady Elks as the switch from defensive to attacking midfielder led to 25 goals and 12 assists.
In charge of making the position change, Burleson Head Coach Laura Bailey saw the difference in Tate’s confidence in the final third of the season.
“She wasn’t just looking to create opportunities, she was finishing them,” said Laura.
Over the next two years, Laura hopes Tate steps boldly into her potential as a player and a leader.
“I want to see her raise the standard, push herself beyond comfort zones, and become the kind of competitor who inspires those around her,” said the Lady Elks head coach. “With her talent and drive, she has the opportunity to be a game-changer and I am excited to see her take full ownership of that role and leave a lasting legacy in this program.”
With how electrifying the scoring was among the teams, it may be difficult to remember just how dominant the defensive side was this year.
The All-Johnson County Co-Defensive Players of the Year are Godley’s Morgan Cummings and Joshua’s Kaitlyn Rush.
Cummings was named captain of the team in her sophomore year after the Ladycats failed to win a game the previous season.
Being the leader of a young program paid off for the senior center back in 2025, by not only claiming Godley’s first-ever postseason win, but going further than any other Johnson County team.
Named the District 6-4A Defensive MVP, Cummings held down the line for the Ladycats and even put up offensive numbers with two goals and seven assists.
Cummings has signed to play for Hill College next year.
Joshua Head Coach Jeff Brooks called Rush’s senior season “superb” after the Lady Owl anchored a defense that only allowed four goals in district play.
Much like Cummings, Rush earned all-district Defensive MVP in Joshua’s co-district title win and bi-district championship.
Truly honored by the award, Rush made sure to emphasize the hard work and dedication of her entire team.
“This achievement wouldn’t have been possible without the relentless support and commitment from everyone on the back line,” said Rush. “Each practice, every game, and all the strategies we developed together played a crucial role in our success. I’m grateful for my teammates, who pushed me to be better and who shared in the challenges and triumphs throughout the season. This award is a testament to our collective effort, and I’m proud to represent our team in this recognition.”
Right beside Ellison was the senior midfielder who did it all for the Lady Jackets. The All-Johnson County Midfielder of the Year is Cleburne’s Kayla Abbott.
With 16 goals and 15 assists, Abbott’s final season went out with a bang as she leaves behind a golden ball for the program.
“Hearing that I’m at the top of the list for this award is one of the greatest things an athlete can hear,” said Abbott. “Putting a title on top of all your hard work is such a great feeling and I couldn’t be more grateful.”
Looking back on the season, the All-District Utility Player of the Year expressed her immense gratitude to the group of girls she played with and is incredibly proud to say they all go to Cleburne High School.
This Lady Owl is a familiar name to the Times-Review and 2025 All-Johnson County teams when she earned Defensive Player of the Year in basketball. In soccer, Joshua’s Chloe Griswell is the All-Johnson County Newcomer of the Year.
“I’ve had so much fun and love all my teammates on both teams this year,” said Griswell. “I enjoy both and I really do think it’s good for athletes to cross-train. Certain skill sets from one sport often help me be successful in the other.”
Despite the struggles of overlapping seasons, Griswell received the right help from Brooks in making a smooth transition.
The sophomore midfielder has played soccer for much of her life; however, she took up the challenge of playing in different positions to improve all aspects of her game and assist the Lady Owls.
Griswell’s 17 goals and 10 assists were enough to win All-District Offensive Newcomer of the Year.
“I knew coming into the Joshua soccer program that they were a strong program,” said Griswell. “I just hope to help contribute to the playoff streak and a deeper playoff run in the next season.”
2025 marked a new beginning for the Alvarado Lady Indians with first-year head coach Katy Castanuela at the helm.
Facing growing pains in their first season, the Lady Indians looked to their sophomore keeper, who came into the year with something to prove, to battle through a tough district.
The All-Johnson County Goalkeeper of the Year is Alvarado’s Madeline Oster.
In 16 games, Oster totaled 88 saves and took much of the brunt of offensive attacks from Life Waxahachie and Godley.
“Training with my dad, working with my select coach, and having teammates who never took it easy on me really helped me grow and succeed in the position,” said Oster. “I’m grateful for everyone who pushed me to get better every day and to have a team who had my back no matter the score at the end of a game.”
Regardless of the record, it gave Alvarado a clear picture of what they need to work on moving forward, Oster noted. She’s proud of 88 saves but is determined to beat that number next season.
The impact on players goes beyond the field and out of a group of coaches that excel in that aspect, Centennial’s head coach thrives on it. The All-Johnson County Coach of the Year is Heather McMahan.
“I like to think of myself as a coach who values building strong foundations while guiding my players to think critically and make smart, informed decisions,” said McMahan. “I also invest heavily in building real relationships with my players. I want them to feel seen, not just as athletes, but as people.”
McMahan set up the Lady Spartans for success, leading to a record-breaking 105 goals scored for the program. An 18-win year with a co-district title and bi-district title came to an end in the second round against Colleyville Heritage, the 5A Div. I state runner-up.
Honored to be recognized among such talented coaches and teams, McMahan said it’s even more special knowing how hard the players worked day in and day out.
“They bought into the process, supported each other, and stayed locked in through the highs and lows of the season,” said McMahan. “I’m proud not just of the results, but of the way they represented Centennial with heart and character.”
In a pack of worthy programs, no other made waves quite like the All-Johnson County Team of the Year — Godley Ladycats.
In its sixth year of existence, Godley finally made it over the hump for its first playoff win over Gatesville. The Ladycats went on to become area and regional semifinal champions before frustrating the Randall Lady Raiders in a narrow 1-0 defeat, the only goal they allowed in their final eight games.
Along with Cummings winning defensive MVP, the Ladycats also took home All-District Offensive MVP (Arynn Long) and Defensive Newcomer of the Year (Gracelyn McMullen). Long and McMullen achieved that as freshmen.
First team All-Johnson County selections — Cleburne’s Tai Dang and Kaitlyn Griffith; Godley’s Arynn Long, Gracelyn McMullen, Stephanie Favela, Rylie Graves, Sophia Hodges, Lexi Tyler and Kaylie Fabela; Joshua’s Hazel Curs, Kynli Miller, Hannah Day, Kameron Tatum and Kennedy Gortney; Burleson’s Annalynn Chavarria; Centennial’s Jewel Valcik, Alexis Castor, Mardie Frye and Alyssa Yeoman.
Second team All-Johnson County selections — Joshua’s Lauren Ellis, Avery Gortney and Cori Hunnel; Burleson’s Makenna McAlpin and Mckinley Burger; Centennial’s Claire Gambrell, AK Slattery and Emery Tatum.
All selections made by the Times-Review were based on stats, honors and accolades submitted by coaches.
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Four of the six teams featured in the all-county team competed in a highly competitive 8-5A district.
Out of all the potential candidates, one stood above the rest as the district MVP after leading all schools in goals and breaking the single-season goal record at Centennial. The All-Johnson County MVP is Katie Bailey.
“To end my entire soccer career with these awards is a perfect way to close it out,” said Bailey. “Remembering all the hard work and dedication I have put into this sport, this was just an amazing way to end.”
At 29 goals and 15 assists, the senior Lady Spartan propelled Centennial to an 18-2-1 overall record and co-district championship after winning 13-of-14 against some of the toughest competition in DFW.
“My mindset was absolutely the greatest skill I improved this year,” said Bailey. “Focusing on staying positive and trying to take in every moment took a lot of pressure off and brought me back to the real reason I play soccer. These girls motivated me to give my absolute all every time I stepped on the field, but I also was never afraid of messing up because I knew, regardless, they would be there for me.”
Bailey is hanging up the cleats and heading to the University of Connecticut to major in biology. She will be on a pre-med track to become a pediatric surgeon.
For this superlative, these two young ladies made it a mission to find the back of the net for their teams by any means necessary.
The All-Johnson County Co-Offensive Players of the Year are Cleburne’s Zyri Ellison and Burleson’s Logan Tate.
Ellison led the Lady Jacket charge as the junior striker scored 25 goals and had 14 assists in Cleburne’s bi-district championship season.
In her first career playoff game against Paschal, Ellison scored the team’s second goal, ultimately becoming the game-deciding score for the Lady Jackets’ first postseason win since 2012.
“I’m truly honored to represent Cleburne on the attacking side,” said Ellison. “I’m proud of what I’ve accomplished so far, but I’m not done yet.”
Recognizing that 2025 was a big step in the right direction for Cleburne, Ellison admits she can do more entering her senior year and wants to improve her consistency, become more confident under pressure and grow as a leader under the guidance of first-year head coach Benjamin Henry.
Tate made a huge leap in her sophomore year with the Lady Elks as the switch from defensive to attacking midfielder led to 25 goals and 12 assists.
In charge of making the position change, Burleson Head Coach Laura Bailey saw the difference in Tate’s confidence in the final third of the season.
“She wasn’t just looking to create opportunities, she was finishing them,” said Laura.
Over the next two years, Laura hopes Tate steps boldly into her potential as a player and a leader.
“I want to see her raise the standard, push herself beyond comfort zones, and become the kind of competitor who inspires those around her,” said the Lady Elks head coach. “With her talent and drive, she has the opportunity to be a game-changer and I am excited to see her take full ownership of that role and leave a lasting legacy in this program.”
With how electrifying the scoring was among the teams, it may be difficult to remember just how dominant the defensive side was this year.
The All-Johnson County Co-Defensive Players of the Year are Godley’s Morgan Cummings and Joshua’s Kaitlyn Rush.
Cummings was named captain of the team in her sophomore year after the Ladycats failed to win a game the previous season.
Being the leader of a young program paid off for the senior center back in 2025, by not only claiming Godley’s first-ever postseason win, but going further than any other Johnson County team.
Named the District 6-4A Defensive MVP, Cummings held down the line for the Ladycats and even put up offensive numbers with two goals and seven assists.
Cummings has signed to play for Hill College next year.
Joshua Head Coach Jeff Brooks called Rush’s senior season “superb” after the Lady Owl anchored a defense that only allowed four goals in district play.
Much like Cummings, Rush earned all-district Defensive MVP in Joshua’s co-district title win and bi-district championship.
Truly honored by the award, Rush made sure to emphasize the hard work and dedication of her entire team.
“This achievement wouldn’t have been possible without the relentless support and commitment from everyone on the back line,” said Rush. “Each practice, every game, and all the strategies we developed together played a crucial role in our success. I’m grateful for my teammates, who pushed me to be better and who shared in the challenges and triumphs throughout the season. This award is a testament to our collective effort, and I’m proud to represent our team in this recognition.”
Right beside Ellison was the senior midfielder who did it all for the Lady Jackets. The All-Johnson County Midfielder of the Year is Cleburne’s Kayla Abbott.
With 16 goals and 15 assists, Abbott’s final season went out with a bang as she leaves behind a golden ball for the program.
“Hearing that I’m at the top of the list for this award is one of the greatest things an athlete can hear,” said Abbott. “Putting a title on top of all your hard work is such a great feeling and I couldn’t be more grateful.”
Looking back on the season, the All-District Utility Player of the Year expressed her immense gratitude to the group of girls she played with and is incredibly proud to say they all go to Cleburne High School.
This Lady Owl is a familiar name to the Times-Review and 2025 All-Johnson County teams when she earned Defensive Player of the Year in basketball. In soccer, Joshua’s Chloe Griswell is the All-Johnson County Newcomer of the Year.
“I’ve had so much fun and love all my teammates on both teams this year,” said Griswell. “I enjoy both and I really do think it’s good for athletes to cross-train. Certain skill sets from one sport often help me be successful in the other.”
Despite the struggles of overlapping seasons, Griswell received the right help from Brooks in making a smooth transition.
The sophomore midfielder has played soccer for much of her life; however, she took up the challenge of playing in different positions to improve all aspects of her game and assist the Lady Owls.
Griswell’s 17 goals and 10 assists were enough to win All-District Offensive Newcomer of the Year.
“I knew coming into the Joshua soccer program that they were a strong program,” said Griswell. “I just hope to help contribute to the playoff streak and a deeper playoff run in the next season.”
2025 marked a new beginning for the Alvarado Lady Indians with first-year head coach Katy Castanuela at the helm.
Facing growing pains in their first season, the Lady Indians looked to their sophomore keeper, who came into the year with something to prove, to battle through a tough district.
The All-Johnson County Goalkeeper of the Year is Alvarado’s Madeline Oster.
In 16 games, Oster totaled 88 saves and took much of the brunt of offensive attacks from Life Waxahachie and Godley.
“Training with my dad, working with my select coach, and having teammates who never took it easy on me really helped me grow and succeed in the position,” said Oster. “I’m grateful for everyone who pushed me to get better every day and to have a team who had my back no matter the score at the end of a game.”
Regardless of the record, it gave Alvarado a clear picture of what they need to work on moving forward, Oster noted. She’s proud of 88 saves but is determined to beat that number next season.
The impact on players goes beyond the field and out of a group of coaches that excel in that aspect, Centennial’s head coach thrives on it. The All-Johnson County Coach of the Year is Heather McMahan.
“I like to think of myself as a coach who values building strong foundations while guiding my players to think critically and make smart, informed decisions,” said McMahan. “I also invest heavily in building real relationships with my players. I want them to feel seen, not just as athletes, but as people.”
McMahan set up the Lady Spartans for success, leading to a record-breaking 105 goals scored for the program. An 18-win year with a co-district title and bi-district title came to an end in the second round against Colleyville Heritage, the 5A Div. I state runner-up.
Honored to be recognized among such talented coaches and teams, McMahan said it’s even more special knowing how hard the players worked day in and day out.
“They bought into the process, supported each other, and stayed locked in through the highs and lows of the season,” said McMahan. “I’m proud not just of the results, but of the way they represented Centennial with heart and character.”
In a pack of worthy programs, no other made waves quite like the All-Johnson County Team of the Year — Godley Ladycats.
In its sixth year of existence, Godley finally made it over the hump for its first playoff win over Gatesville. The Ladycats went on to become area and regional semifinal champions before frustrating the Randall Lady Raiders in a narrow 1-0 defeat, the only goal they allowed in their final eight games.
Along with Cummings winning defensive MVP, the Ladycats also took home All-District Offensive MVP (Arynn Long) and Defensive Newcomer of the Year (Gracelyn McMullen). Long and McMullen achieved that as freshmen.
First team All-Johnson County selections — Cleburne’s Tai Dang and Kaitlyn Griffith; Godley’s Arynn Long, Gracelyn McMullen, Stephanie Favela, Rylie Graves, Sophia Hodges, Lexi Tyler and Kaylie Fabela; Joshua’s Hazel Curs, Kynli Miller, Hannah Day, Kameron Tatum and Kennedy Gortney; Burleson’s Annalynn Chavarria; Centennial’s Jewel Valcik, Alexis Castor, Mardie Frye and Alyssa Yeoman.
Second team All-Johnson County selections — Joshua’s Lauren Ellis, Avery Gortney and Cori Hunnel; Burleson’s Makenna McAlpin and Mckinley Burger; Centennial’s Claire Gambrell, AK Slattery and Emery Tatum.
All selections made by the Times-Review were based on stats, honors and accolades submitted by coaches.
Continue reading...
