Freeman High School takes the field for varsity football for the first time in 2026, headlining a season that has all nine Katy ISD campuses competing across four sports.
"It's our first varsity season, and we are fired up to have something to play for," Freeman head football coach Eric Robinson said in the district's fall sports preview, published Monday, Aug. 31.
The Golden Eagles are not new to firsts.
Freeman's softball team earned the statewide 2025 Grant Teaff Beyond the Game Team Award for community service in its inaugural season. Cross country head coach Juan Jordan said his squad enters a new district and division with the strongest team the program has fielded.
Football and volleyball seasons are already underway across the district. Katy High opened with a 28-17 win over Atascocita on Saturday, Aug. 29, according to MaxPreps. The Tigers are ranked No. 25 in Texas. Taylor beat Oak Ridge 21-14 on Thursday, Aug. 27, according to the Houston Chronicle.
Katy head football coach Gary Joseph, who has compiled a 168-14 record and five state championships in 44 years with the program according to the Katy Times, said he wants to see his players and coaches rise to match the school's traditions. Two Tigers earned spots on the Touchdown Club of Houston's preseason All-Greater Houston team: offensive lineman Isaac Coughran and linebacker Cade Haug, ABC 13 reported.
Across the district, coaches pointed to offseason work and returning experience. Mayde Creek head coach Mike Arogbonlo said 2026 marks the first year since his arrival that the Rams completed a full offseason of preparation. Taylor head coach Chris Babin credited nine months of structural changes for building his team's confidence. Jordan High head coach Mike Rabe said his squad's work ethic and chemistry stood out during summer workouts.
Volleyball
Seven Lakes head volleyball coach Amy Cataline returns eight seniors and said she expects them to lead. At Freeman, head coach Katherine Parker said the program has its first senior class, calling them the builders of the Golden Eagle legacy. Tompkins head coach Allison Merrell said her players embody the program's motto, "Nobody Plays Harder." Mayde Creek head coach Sarah Jones said her returners want to prove the team can compete with anyone.
Cross country and team tennis
Katy High cross country coach Jason Reed said the girls team's third-place finish at the 2024 state meet proved his runners belong at the top. The team returns a core group with state-title aspirations. The Katy Times confirmed the girls team earned the bronze at state.
Team tennis programs are reloading. Taylor head coach Kristen Samuelson said the Mustangs graduated 15 or 16 seniors and will field a young roster. Cinco Ranch head coach Nolan Rush enters his second year. Paetow has a new head coach in Jordan Castro, and Seven Lakes head coach Minh Phan said he sees a deep playoff run ahead.
Katy High travels to Dickinson on Friday, Sept. 4, at 7 p.m. Taylor visits Fort Bend Austin the same night at 7 p.m.
