Lake Travis Cavaliers wide receiver Patrick Colby (4), defensive back Michael Griffin (6) and wide receiver Lark Sidle (3) pray over the trophy as they celebrate their 13-7 victory over the Brennan Bears in the Class 6A Division I second-round playoff game at Matador Stadium in Seguin, Nov. 21, 2025.
Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman
Family, friends and football. These are just a few things many of us are thankful for as Thanksgiving arrives this week. So far this fall, we have seen the best — literally  — in Central Texas high school sports with Austin-area state champions crowned in cross-country and volleyball.
But for at least one day, we get to tap the brakes to celebrate the most meaningful parts of our lives.
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Recently, the American-Statesman reached out to several area high school athletes and coaches. One question only:
What are you most thankful for?
Westlake basketball player Tamia King in Austin, Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2025.
Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman
‘Notice the beauty in everything’
What I’m most thankful for is the people around me and the world around me. I’ve been so blessed to have my family and friends who always support me and are there for me. I’m also thankful for the world around me because there are so many little things that are truly beautiful. From just trees outside to seeing a group of people smiling and talking to each other. I really try to remind myself to notice the beauty in everything, and I’m really grateful that I can live life with this perspective.
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— Tamia King, Westlake basketball player
Mya Cheatum, Cedar Park High School, Aug 6, 2025.
Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman
‘The people who surround you truly do shape you’
Anderson volleyball player Elaine Harrison in Austin, Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2025.
Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman
Marquis Murry II (2) leaps for the Westwood pass against Stony Point Oct. 20, 2023, at Dragon Stadium. Stony Point turnovers led to a Westwood runaway, as the visiting Warriors post the 49-20 district victory.
Paul Knight/Special to American-Statesman
The most important things I’m grateful for this Thanksgiving are my family and friends. They have always supported me in my life, on and off the court, and as I’ve gotten older, especially my senior year, I realized the people who surround you truly do shape you. For example, growing up my parents have always taught my siblings and I success is only truly achieved by how much hard work and belief you have in yourself as well as how much you’re willing to put out. I’ve taken that to heart with me and I’ve seen that reward with my volleyball commitment, my academics and the opportunities I’ve been blessed with in my community as well as being able to use it and show others.
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— Mya Cheatum, Cedar Park volleyball player
‘They all help me stay grounded in who I am’
As Thanksgiving approaches, there is certainly a whole lot that I am thankful and grateful for. I am most thankful for my family, friends, coaches and teammates. Each of these groups impact different areas of my life, but they all help me stay grounded in who I am. I am grateful for the way they all hold me accountable, encourage me, and teach me, but most importantly I am thankful for the way they are there for me when I need them most.
— Blake Cannatti, Westlake basketball player
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Westlake basketball players Joel and Blake Cannatti in Austin, Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2025.
Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman
‘They are always there for me’
I am most thankful for my friends and family. They are the reason I am the person I am today and I am thankful for their impact in my life and the way they are always there for me. I think community is important and impacts people in more ways than they may know or show, and my community has had a positive impact on who I am and along my journey as well.
— Joel Cannatti, Westlake basketball player
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‘They are my ‘whys.’Â Â Â
I am thankful for my relationship with Jesus Christ and my wife and family. They have meant to much to me. They are my “whys.”
— Jason Glenn, Austin ISD athletic director
New Austin ISD athletic director Jason Glenn took over his new job in July. His office includes a display of helmets of all the NFL teams the former linebacker played for.
Provided by Jason Glenn
‘I will eat like it’s my last meal’
I’m counting down the days until Thanksgiving. It’s the one time I can truly turn off the world. No thoughts of school, work, teams, players or even the kids’ schedules. It’s just pure, unadulterated family time and feasting. I will eat like it’s my last meal and not worry about anything else at all. We’ll be out playing football in the yard, not worrying about a single thing (except Texas vs A&M on Friday). Just zero stress and worrying about saving room for a third helping of absolutely everything minus the healthy stuff. Pecan Pie and naps as well.
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— Travis Dalrymple, Westwood tennis coach
‘They are the biggest constant in my life’
What am I most grateful for? My family. I don’t know what I would do without them. They are the biggest constant in my life and I love getting to support them and I love when they support me. I don’t know how I would get through life without my three little brothers to annoy all the time.
— Addison Lundquist, Rouse volleyball player
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Andres Vega receives a kiss from his mother, Jasmine Carbajal, at his home in Austin, Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2025. Vega, a student-trainer for the LBJ football and basketball teams, has extreme heart failure and is in need of a heart transplant.
Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman
‘We’re not done with this journey’
I’m grateful for my family. They’ve stuck to my side for what I’m going through now (needing a heart transplant). I’m grateful for them and everyone around me who has continued to bless me and care for me. That means so much because of what I’ve been through every step of the way. We’re not done with this journey.
— Andres Vega, LBJ student trainer
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‘I couldn’t do anything without them’
I’m most thankful for my family and for God. I couldn’t do anything without them. My family supports me and takes great care of me. I’ve felt their support ever since I started playing sports. No matter how I’d perform in a game, they’d always congratulate me, even if it was a poor game for me. That means a lot to me.
— Ben Duncum, Lake Travis football player
Ben Duncum, from Lake Travis, competes in the shot put during the 6A UIL State Track and Field Championship at Mike A. Myers Stadium in Austin, May 3, 2025.
Sara Diggins/American-Statesman
‘My dad has been there my whole life’
I’m thankful for my family, my team and everyone who helped me get to where I am today. My dad has been there my whole life to support me and made sure I was good.
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— Marquis Murry, LBJ football player
‘There to support me no matter what’
I’m thankful for so many things in my life, but especially for my family and friends who are always there to support me no matter what. My parents have helped shape the person I am and continue to push me to be better every day. I’m also grateful for basketball and everything it’s brought into my life, the lessons it’s taught me and the people it’s led me to meet, who are now my best friends. Lastly, I’m very thankful for the opportunities I’ve been given to do the things I love and be able to pursue my dreams.
— Presley Zager, Lake Travis basketball player
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‘Especially thankful for my health’
I am most thankful for my loved ones. Every single person I have encountered is a loved one to me. I am grateful to meet wonderful people. Especially thankful for my health. Things happen and I’m grateful to be living to see 17 years of age.
— Lauren Smith, Crockett basketball player
Crockett basketball players Lauren and Aliyah Smith in Austin, Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2025.
Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman
‘I love them more than life itself’
As basic as it sounds, I’m truly the most thankful for my family. Without them I wouldn’t be the person I am or have the discipline I do now. My family is always there for me, and I can count on them no matter what. I love them more than life itself.
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— Aliyah Smith, Crockett basketball
McCallum football player Nash Wegner in Austin, Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2025.
Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman
‘They are always there for me no matter what’
I am most thankful for my family. They have given me so much and I am so grateful that they are always there for me no matter what. Ever since I was a little kid, they have always supported me, funded all of my sports and schooling, and I have enjoyed so many moments with them. All of this encouragement they give me means the world to me. I would not be where I am without the support I have received from my family.
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— Nash Wegner, McCallum football player
‘My family was there for me no matter what’
I’m grateful for my family because when I was 10, I had a near fatal ATV accident, and during my recovery my family was there for me no matter what.
— Daniel Rybarski, Rouse football player
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Rouse football player Daniel Rybarski in Austin, Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2025.
Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman
‘The purpose that makes every long day worth it’
This Thanksgiving, I’m especially grateful for my family, good health, and the incredible community I get to be part of every day at Lake Travis High School. Coaching here has reminded me how special it is to be surrounded by people who care deeply, not just about winning games, but about growing together, supporting one another and representing something bigger than ourselves. I’m thankful for the players who pour their hearts into every practice and match, for the parents who show up with endless support, and for a community that makes Lake Travis feel like family. There’s something powerful about watching young athletes push past challenges, celebrate each other’s success, and grow into strong, confident women. That’s what I’m most thankful for, the people and the purpose that makes every long day worth it.
— Brandace Boren, Lake Travis volleyball coach
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‘I would be a complete mess without her’
I am most grateful for my mom and her pushing me to push my best self. I would be a complete mess without her and she has shaped my life into something great.
— Elaine Harrison, Anderson volleyball player
Lake Travis Cavaliers defensive back Michael Griffin (6) raises the trophy as the Cavs celebrate their 13-7 victory over the Brennan Bears in the Class 6A Division I second-round playoff game at Matador Stadium in Seguin, Nov. 21, 2025.
Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman
‘I love the game. I’ve always been around it’
Thanks: I’m grateful for family and I’m grateful for football. I have all these people coming out here to support me playing the game I love. I love the game. I’ve always been around it. My dad (Michael Griffin) was in the NFL for 10 years.
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— Michael Griffin, Lake Travis football player
Hendrickson basketball player Trinity Jackson-Wilkins in Austin, Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2025.
Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman
‘I can tell how much she truly cares for me’
I’m most thankful for my mom. She has sacrificed so much for me to have a good life. She’s always willing to help me on silly little projects such as , senior overalls, and somehow always knows exactly how I want them. We have a similar sense of humor and have the best of times on our little side quests together. I can tell how much she truly cares for me. I love her so much and I’m so thankful for her.
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— Trinity Jackson, Hendrickson basketball player