The UIL Impactful Leader Scholarship honors graduating senior athletes across Texas who exemplify leadership, resilience, and a commitment to their teams and communities. These students have not only achieved success in their UIL sport, but have also inspired others through their character, perseverance, and service.
Here are our 2025-2026 scholarship winners for Team Tennis, Water Polo, Cross Country, and Marching Band:
Team Tennis
Emma Fling – Yoakum High School
Emma’s dedication spans athletics, music, and leadership. A standout in basketball and tennis, she consistently puts her team first while demonstrating discipline and focus. Beyond sports, Emma serves as drum major for her marching band and leads in Student Council and PALs, balancing multiple responsibilities with excellence.
“Emma is the definition of a well-rounded student, athlete, musician, and leader.”
Henry Das – Southwest High School
Henry exemplifies leadership through consistency, integrity, and dedication. As team captain of the Southwest Dragon Tennis program, he leads by example, balancing academics, athletics, and class president responsibilities with remarkable focus.
“Henry leads with heart, sets high standards, and makes everyone around him better.”
Water Polo
Luke Walker – Ridge Point High School
Luke quickly became the heartbeat of Ridge Point’s water polo program. Known for his humility, consistency, and mentorship of underclassmen, he leads by example both in and out of the pool. His leadership strengthens team spirit and inspires others to get involved, embodying service and integrity.
“Luke leads the Texas Way by showing pride in his program, strengthening team spirit, and inspiring others to get involved.”
Audrey Derdeyn – Westwood High School
Audrey’s energy and dedication make her a true team leader. Starting water polo as a junior, she quickly rose to captain, relentlessly motivating and supporting her teammates. From designing team shirts to representing her school in the homecoming parade, Audrey gives her all to everything she does.
“Audrey is one in a million — a servant leader and a star whose passion and heart shine in everything she does.”
Cross Country
Brooklyn Dotts – Boswell High School
Brooklyn was nominated for her resilience, selflessness, and unwavering commitment to her team. Her leadership has created a culture of unity, belief, and compassion that will continue to impact Pioneer Cross Country for years to come.
“Brooklyn embodies everything it means to be a leader: overcoming adversity, inspiring others, and setting a lasting standard of excellence.”
Andrew Malan – Frisco Lebanon Trail High School
Andrew has been a driving force for his team since joining Lebanon Trail as a freshman. His determination, work ethic, and ability to elevate those around him make him a cornerstone of the program. Balancing academics and athletics with excellence, Andrew inspires teammates with his perseverance and team-first mindset.
“Andrew pushes others to be better, often arriving early and staying late to lead by example.”
Marching Band
Kimaya Joshi – Liberty High School
As Drum Major for three consecutive years, Kimaya demonstrates exceptional leadership, commitment, and service. Always the first to volunteer, she embodies school spirit and community involvement, making a lasting impact on her band and beyond.
“Kimaya’s dedication to her school, band, and community is a shining example of servant leadership.”
Jonas Castaneda – Plainview High School
Jonas exemplifies perseverance and empathy, overcoming challenges like dyslexia while consistently lifting others up. His quiet confidence and supportive nature make him a leader who inspires by example.
“Jonas’s leadership isn’t about being the loudest voice — it’s about inspiring and supporting others every step of the way.”
Stay tuned as we continue to spotlight more 2025–2026 UIL Impactful Leader Scholarship recipients throughout the year. If you have a Texas student athlete you’d like to nominate for another UIL sport, submit your application.
