Being on a varsity high school sports team is a great accomplishment for anybody, but it is especially admirable for a freshman to make the team. This year, four of Azle’s athletic programs have welcomed freshmen to their fall-season varsity teams.

In volleyball, freshman Abbie Yochum is dedicated to getting the best out of her first season. She said she plans on ending her first fall season with new friends, skills and a greater passion for volleyball.

“I know I’m younger, but I still think that I need to work as hard and push myself to be my best, no matter what my age is,” Yochum said. “I’m excited to see how I can experience it because I’m here for the next three years.”

Football’s new freshman running back King Stephens said he has big aspirations for his first season and future football career after he scored three touchdowns in the first game of the season against Abilene Cooper.

¨My season has been pretty good, with four touchdowns, 180 [rushing] yards, and being 5-0 on the season,” King said. “I know there’s some hatred and some people like to talk down on me, but that only pushes me to play harder.”

Running back coach Jason Vines said that Stephens is the first freshman running back he’s had that’s made varsity since he started coaching 22 years ago.

“King has been fun,” Vines said. “He’s learning how to play with more upperclassmen. It’s been really neat watching him grow and learn, our team has been good for him, and he knows he’s got to work hard.”

Freshman Hudson Carroll has played tennis for two years and has secured his spot on varsity. Hudson said he looks forward to building closer relationships with his fellow players and becoming indispensable to the team.

“I would say Jayden Saez, Story Hilliard, and Addie Torgesen are my role models on the team,” Hudson said. “I like how Story glorifies God, how she’s playing, and with Addie, her hard work, and with Jayden, his kindness.”