PLAYER OF THE YEAR
McKayla Paulson, Mansfield, Sr., Midfield
The Texas A&M signee was instrumental in Mansfield’s stellar season, going 22-2-1 before getting upset by Coppell in the second round of the UIL playoffs. Over her varsity tenure, Paulson has been a key cog in helping Mansfield become one of the area’s better programs – winning 44 games over the past two seasons alongside fellow seniors Sidney LeRoy and Landry Bender.
Recent winners
Newcomer of the year
Addie McCain, Wylie East, Fr., MF
Notable: 16 goals, 14 assists
About McCain: The District 21-4A newcomer of the year, McCain slid right into the starting lineup as her team's attacking midfielder, starting 26 of 27 games as a freshman. Wylie East advanced to the Class 4A final – the school's best-ever showing in a team sport – beating perennial powers Frisco Wakeland and Highland Park to advance to the state tournament.
Did you know?: Addie is the younger sister of two-sport star Garrett McCain – a Wylie East senior who has signed with Oklahoma State's baseball program. Addie is already receiving college interest, from programs such as Texas A&M, TCU, Arizona and Pepperdine.
Recent winners
Coach of the year
Eric Ramirez, Hebron
Notable: Hebron went 24-2-2 under Ramirez, winning its first state title by knocking off two-time defending 5A champs Plano West in the final, 1-0 (4-3 in a shootout). Over a five-game stretch during the playoffs, Hebron beat four teams that finished the year in the SportsDayHS rankings, including No. 1 Southlake Carroll.
About Ramirez: Ramirez, 42, started the girls program at Hebron in 1999. Prior to this season's run, his teams had made the regional final five times, but had never advanced to state. The 2004 SportsDay coach of the year, Ramirez has a career record of 250-50-27 in 17 seasons.
Did you know?: Ramirez was a soccer standout in high school at El Paso Burges and coached at Hurst L.D. Bell and Denton Ryan before coming to Hebron.
