Sophia Rogers - Duchesne Academy of The Sacred Heart

Cover photo courtesy of Duchesne Academy

Town & CountrySPORTSSPORTS

SEPTEMBER 2019

Sophia Rogers:

Love Means Nothing and EverythingALSO

What Is Training for Warriors?—page 8

A Heart for Football and Family—page 12

Town & Country SPORTS SEPTEMBER 2019 Town & Country SPORTS SEPTEMBER 20192 3

PUBLICATION TEAMPUBLISHER: Amy Dukes

CONTENT COORDINATOR: Rhonda TexterDESIGNER: Donna Johnson

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER: Scott Jackson, R. Scott Jackson Photography

CONTENT CONTRIBUTING INTERN: Esha GargCONTENT CONTRIBUTING INTERN: Osahon Irabor

CONTENT CONTRIBUTOR: Gregory Dial, Jr.

SPONSORSHIPS & ADVERTISINGContact: Amy Dukes

Email: [email protected]: 713-557-8057

SUBMISSIONS/STORIES/PHOTOSIf you have local events, photos, student written

essays or story ideas about young athletes or teams in the Spring Branch/Memorial area that

you would like to see featured in Town & Country Sports, please send your submissions to

[email protected].

CONTENT SUBMISSION DEADLINES Content Due: Edition Date: September 25 NovemberOctober 25 December

Insurance | At State Farm, Mark Williams brings 44 years of ex-perience as an insurance agent, proudly serving the Spring Branch/Memorial area. He helps people manage the risk of everyday life and recover from the unexpected. Mark and his team look forward to tak-ing care of all your insurance needs! To meet Mark, call 281-584-0900.

Orthopedic Surgery | The Orthopedic Sports Clinic is a new generation orthopedic surgery practice located in the Memorial Villages of West Houston committed to providing the highest level of orthopedic care and injury prevention education to their patients. They specialize in non-operative and operative sports and spine conditions, as well as non-sports related orthopedic injuries. For information, visit www.orthopedicsports.com or call 713-464-0077.

Any content, resident submissions, guest columns, advertisements and advertorials are not necessarily endorsed by or represent the views of Best Version Media (BVM) or any municipality, homeowners associations, businesses or organizations that this publication serves. BVM is not responsible for the reliability, suitability or timeliness of any content submitted. All content submitted is done so at the sole discretion of the submitting party. © 2019 Best Version Media. All rights reserved.

Hey Sports Fan,

AN EXCLUSIVE PUBLICATION SERVING THE YOUNG ATHLETES OF GREATER MEMORIAL

Go Team!

EXPERT CONTRIBUTORSTo learn more about becoming an expert contributor, contact BVM

at [email protected] or 713-557-8057.

There is much to love in this issue. Did you know that love means nothing in tennis? But tennis sure means a lot to our Featured Athlete, Sophia Rogers. Read about her mastery of the court on page 4. Be sure to check out our Scholar Athlete of the Month and learn why Noah Cox has a heart for football and family on page 12. Want to find ways to spread love around? Discover how Eileen Dong founded Hope Pyx Global to help survivors like herself get the support they need, and how you can help.

Do you know what we would love? As school sports get underway this month, be sure to send us story ideas, photos of your players, or just say hello. We love hearing from our readers as much as we love sharing stories of incredible young athletes in the Spring Branch and Greater Memorial area. We look forward to an amazing school year full of athletic successes.

AMY DUKESPUBLISHER

RHONDA TEXTERCONTENT COORDINATOR

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BY RHONDA TEXTER

ALL IMAGES COURTESY OF DUCHESNE ACADEMY

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

In addition to her education and her tennis, Sophia also makes time to help others through volunteering, as community service is one of the goals at Duchesne. “I have always volunteered at the food bank and occasionally at a senior care home,” she says. “However, this summer I started helping others by doing something I love. I recently started teaching tennis to 5 to 7-year-olds this summer at NJTL (National Junior Tennis League). It is a free class for kids in the city of Houston. I was inspired to do this when I traveled out of the country for tournaments to places like the Dominican Republic and realized not everyone had the same opportunities I was given. This opened my eyes and made me want to teach kids the sport I love and which has given me so much. I really enjoy working with kids and making sure they have fun.”Part of the reason Sophia loves tennis is the support she receives from her family and her teammates. “I have a really great and supportive (school) team,” she says, “which had a big part in the outcome at state when it was just the five of them cheering louder than the 40 people from the other school.” She credits her father as her biggest inspiration, sharing that he pushes her to achieve goals she did not think were possible. “He is the one who really got me into tennis, and he supports me so much. My mom has also helped me reach my goals by always being there to cheer me on.”Sophia’s attitude of gratitude goes beyond the court. While she wants to pursue tennis at college, where she is interested in engineering and politics/international affairs, she hopes to someday serve her country. “It has provided me with so many wonderful opportunities that I am grateful for, and I want to give back,” says Sophia. Great things are in store for a girl who loves her country, her family and teammates, and her sport. Love, indeed, is everything.


“You have to stay strong mentally and encourage

yourself, because you are the only person on your team.”

F or the uninitiated, the scoring system in ten-nis can be a mystery. It seems to be a random collection of numbers and words (15, 30, 40,

deuce, advantage). Perhaps the strangest aspect of scoring tennis is using the word “love” to indicate zero points or no score. For tennis dynamo Sophia Rogers, however, love isn’t nothing; it is every-thing she feels about her favorite sport.A 16-year-old junior at Duchesne Academy of the Sacred Heart, Sophia grew up playing “mini-tennis” with her father in her driveway. “I loved playing with my dad,” she says. “He was kind of my role model, so I wanted to play tennis just like him.” Her parents encouraged both Sophia and her twin brother Dawson to play sports, so she began taking lessons and attending summer camps. “My brother, like many other people, switched between sports a lot, but from a young age I decided to focus my attention on tennis.”When Sophia was around 10 years old, she and her dad had a conversation about whether she wanted to take tennis more seriously. She decided then to commit to tennis and started playing every day. As she began playing tournaments, she enjoyed it so much that she knew tennis would be her lifetime sport.Sophia describes tennis as a challenging sport that is almost like a physical chess match, because you have to run a lot and strategize. She adds that it is a lot of mental work too, which also requires practice. “You have to stay strong mentally and encourage yourself, because you are the only person on your team,” she says.Sophia’s mental toughness and strong practice ethic have already earned her some impressive awards. Last season alone, she took the State Championship title in singles, ranked 1500 on the 18s and under internationally with the International Tennis Federation, was named VYPE Magazine’s Private School Female Tennis Player of the Year. She also earned Varsity Tennis MVP during her freshman and sophomore years.Sophia’s accolades aren’t limited to tennis. She also earned Cross Country MVP her freshman year and Middle School Athlete of the Year. “I have always loved all sports,” she explains, “because I love competition. So, I have run cross country since sixth grade just for fun.”Along with her athletic accomplishments, she is also on the Honor Roll at Duchesne. “Keeping up the balance between school and tennis is not easy,” says Sophia. “I train four hours every day. On top of that, I have tournaments on the weekends, and sometimes they are out of state. This year, I even played a few tournaments out of the country.” School is very important to Sophia, and she maintains her grades despite the hours she trains. Fortunately, her school is very cooperative with her tennis schedule, so she is able to make both training and good grades possible.

Sophia Rogers:

Love Means Nothing and Everything


CALENDAR of EVENTS

September 6, Fri.SQUARE FIT: BABY BOOT CAMP@The Square at Memorial CityMemorial City MallEnjoy a free class aimed at moms of all fitness levels: pregnant moms, new moms and moms with one or more stroller-aged children.Time: 9:30-10:30amCost: Free

September 7, Sat.GRILLING UP GREEK COOKOFF AND VENDOR FAIR@St. Basil the Great Greek Orthodox Church1100 Eldridge Pkwy.More than just a cook-off, it’s fun for the whole family and admission is free. There will be food, entertainment, a kid zone and craft vendors.Time: 10am-5pmFree Admission

September 8, Sun.MUSIC CONCERT@CityCentre800 Town and Country Blvd.Join Chapelwood United Methodist Church in the plaza for the Beyond the Horizon Concert Series. Enjoy uplifting and inspirational music from James Kelly while dining on the surrounding patios, or join Chapelwood’s Children’s Ministry for games and activities.Time: 5-7pmCost: Freecitycentrehouston.com/events

September 8, Sun.SWIFT NIGHT OUT@Spring Branch Silos10510 Westview Dr.Join Houston Audubon in counting the swelling numbers of Chimney Swifts migrating through Houston. Meet by Sky High Sports in the southwest corner of the lot near the detention pond. The closest guess of the number of swifts will win a fun prize. Bring lawn chairs, bug spray and binoculars.Time: 7pmCost: Free713-932-1639

September 15, Sun.NUTCRACKER AUDITIONS@Allego Academy of Dance12680 Goar Rd.Allegro Ballet of Houston will be hold-ing auditions for its full length produc-tion of The Nutcracker. The Nutcracker is open to all ages. The production includes beautiful costumes, props, and scenery; dancers will be performing along with professional guest artists and alumni dancers.Time: 2-3pm (age 7-8)3:30-4:30pm (age 9-11) 5-6pm(age 12+)281-496-4670

September 20, Fri.PARACHUTE PLAY TIME@CityCentre800 Town and Country Blvd.Join for toddler-friendly fun! Young children are encouraged to learn and develop as they play movement games,

participate in song and dance, and experience the famous 20-foot rainbow parachute.Time: 10am-12pmCost: Free

September 28, Sat.TWRC WILDLIFE CENTER’S 2ND ANNUAL 5K WALK/RUN@Nottingham Park14205 Kimberley Ln.Join us for TWRC Wildlife Center’s 2nd Annual Run Wild Run 5K Walk/Run. There will be raffles, awards for top run-ners and best costumes, face painting, and much more.Time: 8amCost: $35-125

September 28, Sat.OKTOBERFEST ART MARKET@Plazas at the Parkway1127 Eldridge Pkwy.Art Is An Outdoor Market’s next community event is our Oktoberfest Art Market. Join over 50 artists, farmers, and artisans for family friendly fun.Time: 11am-6pmCost: Freeartcellarhouston.com

Tue.-Thurs. All Month LongFALL SOCCER CLASSES@HIT!1544 Campbell RoadHIT! Indoor is teaching a soccer fundamentals class for kids ages 3-5. We plan to develop the physical and mental aspects of soccer while giving plenty of individual attention. It will be a fun class,

and we will prepare them to succeed in league soccer. May require parent assistance based on your player.Time: 2-2:45pmCost: $30/classwww.hitindoor.com

Tues. & Thurs. All Month LongFALL BASEBALL/SOFTBALL CLASSES@HIT!1544 Campbell RoadThe classes are for children 6-12 years old (split into groups by age and ability) and cover the essentials of batting and fielding. Next best thing to getting a private lesson. The classes are run by coaches and high school assis-tants.8-class pack discount available.August 19th - November 21st:Time: 3:30-5pmCost: $40/classwww.hitindoor.comt Thursdays All Month LongFAMILY STORYTIME@Blue Willow Bookshop14532 Memorial Dr.Come one, come all for a storytime featuring books and activities for everyone in the family! Encourage your family’s love of reading through this cross generational literacy experience.Time: 10-10:30amCost: Free281-497-8675

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Parents often watch their kids compete in sports or do training programs and wonder, “What if I could have done

that as a kid? It would have been so much fun.” New exercise programs have evolved over the past few years that are giving more mature athletes a chance to have some of that fun, while pushing their fitness to high-er levels. There’s an effective, safe, motiva-tional and fun adult group exercise program for all levels, and it’s called Training for Warriors (TFW).Don’t let the name scare you; but rather challenge you to bring out the warrior from within. TFW defines a warrior as anyone prepared to work hard, develop oneself and take on his or her particular challenges in life. The fun and exciting workouts of the TFW system are designed to help you develop the muscular strength and mental fortitude needed to take on those challenges and reach your fitness goals. The TFW system began 20 years ago as a fitness program

originally created for some of the best combat and MMA athletes in the world. Today, the training methods of the TFW system can benefit anyone looking to lose fat, build muscle and feel good.TFW encompasses a signature warm-up protocol, speed training, strength training, endurance training, flexibility work and nutrition, all based on a comprehensive evaluation process. The most unique and valuable component of the system is its motivational approach and family environment. While TFW is not designed as a sport or competition, it does focus on you competing against yourself, bettering your body, mind and spirit.In TFW, we choose to use traditional strength training exercises such as the squat, dead lift, moderate overhead presses, pull up, bench press, and other body weight

functional moves. All of these exercises are easy to learn and can be modified by using different forms of resistance to make the lifts

What Is Training for Warriors?BY JEFF BIEHL, FITNESS DIRECTOR AT MEMORIAL ATHLETIC CLUB

more appropriate for each individual participant’s background or limitations. Having this variety makes traditional strength training safer and more effective.TFW workouts are organized so each day has a different focus. During a typical week, TFW recommends two days of interval training and two days strength training. If you only do strength training, you will only be strong, and if you only train aerobically or anaerobically, you will have a hard time building strength. We all know that a strong body makes us less vulnerable to injuries and increases our metabolism.Finally, the foundation element of the TFW program is its comprehensive evaluation process. What you don’t track, you can’t measure! If you don’t check your body weight, circumferential body measurements, body fat, flexibility, strength and endurance, how will you know if you are improving, and how will you know where to start? What’s your resting heart rate, how flexible or inflexible are your glutes, how many correct push-ups can you do, and how you do currently look in the mirror?If you are ready to make a change or are interested in trying a FREE TFW class at Memorial Athletic Club, please contact us at www.fitmactrainingforwarriors.com

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TTi SoccerSoccer Is Serious Fun

BY LEE CULLIP, SPORTING DIRECTOR THE TECHNICAL INSTITUTE

While soccer is considered the world’s most popular

sport, more children are playing soccer in the U.S. than ever before, with millions of boys and girls playing the sport across the country. In fact, 30 percent of American households contain someone playing soccer, a figure second only to baseball. So, how can soccer programs in the U.S. keep pace with the growing popularity of the sport?After leaving the Houston Dash as Assistant Coach, I was set to take a contract with the Naisten Liiga Club, the premier division of women’s soccer in Finland. However, my heart longed to stay in the community and serve players that wanted more than club and/or high school soccer experiences. This desire led to the birth of The Technical Institute (TTi Soccer), helped since inception by wonderful people in the community that wanted to see us be successful.Founded in 2015, TTi Soccer is a multi-faceted soccer program designed and dedicated specifically toward helping each and every player achieve their absolute best. We develop a program that is specific to your goals and build the technical and tactical literacy every player requires from youth to professional to be their best.TTi Soccer’s home base is at The Regis School of Sacred Heart in Houston, where we also coach the school team. Our second campus is at Glenn York Elementary in Pearland, and our third campus opened this year in Beaumont. TTi Socer also

enjoys great relationships with Christ the King Presbyterian Church, Alvin ISD, Kwikgoal, New Balance and SBMSA that continue to flourish.In 2018, we found our current structure, which guides players from Development Center for ages 5-8 to Pre-Formation for ages 9-12, The Institute for ages 13-14, and finally the College Process, which prepares high school players for college-level soccer and beyond. Players can attend a session every day almost, Sunday-Friday, and expect professional, structured and deliberate content in that session.TTi Soccer also offers a full festival and full camp schedule, with six camps per year, and college series and a 5 v 5 Internal League in the summer months. This year we have 8-10 different colleges coming into TTi. There is no extra cost, as all of these events and activities are all included in our monthly cost, as well as a full New Balance uniform.In 2019, we introduced training “blocks” with a focus on different elements of the game throughout the year in four distinctive blocks and utilizing interactive Independent Development Plans (IDP). We have increased our use of Heart Rate Monitors and our GPS Units in training, giving the players even more feedback and information to help them with their journey.At TTi Soccer, we recommend assessing your enjoyment, commitment and academic calendar before arranging your schedule around sports.

BUSINESS Profile

Ultimately sports should be fun, serious fun, but fun. We believe soccer is perfect in its imperfections and will lead you to a lifetime of friendship, memories and joy.Lee Cullip lives with his wife, Anne-Marie, two children, Imogen (3) and Jude (1), Stamford the dog, and George the cat. According to Imogen, there is also a triceratops named Cowboy that lives in the backyard. For more information about TTi, visit www.ttisoccer.com or email Lee at [email protected].

Town & Country SPORTS SEPTEMBER 2019 11

13-year-old Addison Lanning is a multi-sport athlete who is currently an eighth grader at Memorial Middle School. Addy plays volleyball for the MMS Eagles and in 7th grade helped take her team to victory by winning District. She also plays club for Houston Skyline Juniors Volleyball throughout the school year. At 5’ 11” she finds little difficulty playing at the net at both middle and right side.Addy also plays left post for the Memorial Middle School basketball team. In the spring, she throws shot put and discus for the track and field team, and last season won first place in District. Outside of school Addy is an active member of National Charity League.Academics are important to Addy and she’s currently enrolled and excelling in Pre-AP courses. After she graduates from high school, she would like to play volleyball for either Texas A&M University or Baylor University and study medicine.

MIDDLE SCHOOL

MVPsBY RHONDA TEXTER

Addison LanningMila Crosser has had a love of sports and competition since she could walk. This 12-year-old seventh grader at West Briar Middle School plays softball for WBMS, SBMSA and for the MAGSA Tournament Team, STORM, where her favorite position is catcher.While Mila had a fear of the water when she first joined her neighborhood summer swim league, she now has cravings for chlorine. She hopes to swim for WBMS this year. If they had accepted sixth graders on the team last year, she would have been in the water before you heard the whistle.Mila will also be joining the WBMS Cheer Team this year. She is loud and proud of her school and can’t wait to cheer on the athletes at the games.A love for sports, happenings, and animals is what drives Mila to do well in school. She has always said she would love to study veterinary science at Texas A&M, but watching the Astros, her love of sports, and watching Julia on the AT&T Network could lead her to a broadcasting career. Only time will tell, but in the meantime, we will enjoy watching her on the field, in the water, and on the sidelines cheering on WBMS athletes.

Mila Crosser


Off the Field Scholar Athlete of the Month

A Heart for Football and Family

Town & Country SPORTS SEPTEMBER 201912

Noah CoxAfter watching his older brothers play football while growing up in Indiana, the desire to follow their example was unavoidable for Northbrook High School’s Noah Cox. Starting at the early age of five, athletics have always been in Noah’s life. Whether it was the backyard for tackle football, or the neighborhood court for pickup basketball games, Noah has found success during his career at every level.

After moving to Houston, with his mother and four siblings, the desire and determination to compete and be the best did not change. Noah says the love of football was nurtured while at Spring Oaks Middle School in Spring Branch ISD. After enduring bouts with bullying, Noah was able to overcome this challenge with the support of his athletic coaches. He gives credit to them for giving him thoughtful advice on how to handle the situation positively and also directed him to become more dedicated to the sport of football and work on his personal goals. During this time Noah’s body went through a transformation that has helped his athletic development

and confidence in his personal abilities.

This desire to be the best translates to the football field and the classroom for Noah. During his sophomore year, he received an Academic Excellence in English award and has already begun his preparation for his upcoming junior year with the Northbrook Raiders Varsity Football Team.

Noah is praised by his football coaches because of his work ethic, and there has even been chatter about him being a potential D1 college scholarship recipient. When asked where he prefers to attend college to play football, his answer was Texas Southern University & Prairie View A&M. When asked why, Noah explained, “Before my mom began to date her boyfriend, who is my father figure, she worked three jobs just to take care of all us, and now she has the freedom to attend all my games and cheer me and my older brother Jalen on the field. I want to be close to home so the family can come and support me, but more than anything, I just want to see my mama smile.”

BY GREGORY DIAL, JR.

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Grilling Up GreekBY JODY POLLOS

Join the fun at the Grilling Up Greek event on September 7, 2019 held at St.

Basil the Great Greek Orthodox Church located at 1100 Eldridge Parkway. More than just a cook-off, it’s fun for the whole family and admission is free.One of the highlights of the event, the Steak Cookoff Competition is sanctioned by the Steak Cookoff Associations. You’ll meet the grill masters who are competing for a chance to win the championship in Dallas and find out the secrets to their success. Want to compete? Register online at steak-cookoffs.com/event-3291580/Attendees.Come shop our variety of vendors. Shopping is both indoors and outdoors. There will also be free “I.D. a Kid” kits given to families sponsored by our

Prudential vendor. This is something every parent should have.You can also have your photo taken with Everet Bear, the spokesbear for the Joe Joe Bear Foundation, which provides the comfort of a Joe Joe teddy bear to children suffering long term or critical illnesses.Enjoy music by JPAPA Productions, voted Best of Wedding in 2018 and 2019 by The Knot. If you have an upcoming event, be sure to stop by and talk with John Papasideris. Food and drinks will be available for purchase. For more information on the event, sponsorship or vendor opportunities, email us at [email protected] or follow Grilling Up Greek on Facebook.

SEPTEMBER 7 STEAK COOKOFF COMPETITION


John Griffin ‘22 (center) finished 6th at USA Fencing’s July Challenge over 300 top fencers from North and South America.

Congrats to Stratford Football’s Bryce Keith on competing in the VTO All American challenge and coming home with 2nd team all American for tight ends.

The Northbrook Raiders at the 2019 Spring Spirit Summer Football Camp.

Congratulations to rising sophomore Megan Xie and her teammates and coaches at Houston Skyline for winning a national championship at USA Volleyball in 15 Open.

Stratford High senior Drew Murdock finished 3rd in the Houston Golf Association city Junior Match Play at Cypress Lakes. Murdock’s caddie today was Stratford Football legend Mike Gandolfo of the 1988 State Finalist Team.

Memorial High School Varsity Cheer went and showed out at NCA camp. Spirit Stick Day 1 and a Superior rating throughout the camp.

Congratulations to 3d Texas 2020 and senior Memorial LAS players Sam Gauss, Greg Tingleaf, Luke Chapman, Ben Bradshaw and Sean Kennedy for winning the 2019 Denver Shootout.

Congrats to Memorial’s Claire Bryant, Team USA’s U20 Pan American gold medalist in Costa Rica.

BY GREGORY DIAL, JR.

SPORTS PHOTOGRAPHY BY JULIAN MIMMS OF JMIMMS PHOTOGRAPHY

Spring BranchSPORTS LINE


Off the Field

Are you ready to start the new school year with an incredible new hair color?

Try the amazing Aveda color treatments available at Josephine’s Day Spa.

What makes Aveda different?Aveda color products are 96% naturally derived, and only 4% are the hair color dyes. Most companies use synthetic ingredients for the pH stabilizers, solvents, and surfactants, while Aveda uses coconut, soy, and palm oil.

What makes it last compared to other color companies?Aveda uses green tea extract technology and sunflower oil that allow its hair color to last. The green tea creates a larger dye molecule allowing Aveda to create a broad-er spectrum of color with less synthetics compared to other companies. Sunflower oil is in all Aveda color products to help with fading caused by UV rays. By nature, sunflowers rotate with the sun and are resistant to its UV rays, allowing our color to be more sun fade resistant.

Will highlights ruin my hair?Highlights are largely misunderstood. In the past, highlights (or frosting) was done mainly with aggressive lighteners which, over time, can compromise the hair. At Josephine’s, we are able to achieve very personalized highlights with options other than lighteners. When we do use lighteners, Aveda lighteners are enriched with organic sunflower oil, jojoba oil, and castor oils, which maintains the hair’s condition. Your hair’s health is always our first priority, so be assured that our stylist will always have the best option in mind for you.

I never colored my hair before and I want to try something subtle.Wanting to try something new has never been easier with Aveda’s color options ranging from permanent to demi. What is the difference, you ask? Permanent dyes penetrate the inner most part of the hair shaft, called the cuticle, to alter the natural melanin in the hair, permanently changing the hair color. Demi hair color slightly embeds itself just under the cuticle, help-

ing to shift or enhance natural color for four to six weeks. This option is great for guests not wanting the full commitment of permanent color. At Josephine’s, our col-orists are trained in Aveda to personalize our guests’ hair color. This is what sets our line apart. We truly customize the color for every guest. If our guest wants a certain shade of brown, we create that specific shade of brown, while other brands are already premixed. So whether you want your new color to whisper or scream, we can customize it for you.

My hair color has faded or looks dull; what can I do?Aveda’s shine/gloss treatment is a 5-minute service that will infuse pure moisture and shine into the hair lasting for 20 washes, allowing for radiant shine and manageability and helping to repair damaged hair, as well. That is built across all of our glossing options, which can also enhance the previous hair color to bring back its vibrancy.Michelle Ma is an Artistic Colorist and Master Stylist at Josephine’s Day Spa with over 15 years’ experience. Treat yourself to new back-to-school hair color using amazing Aveda products. Make an appointment by calling 281-870-0083 or visiting josephinesdayspa.com. Josephine’s Day Spa is located at 1127 Eldridge Parkway, suite 100.

Fabulous Back-to-School Hair Color

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Michelle Ma, Artistic Colorist

By Designer Stylist Adriana Farkas

By Michelle Ma, Artistic Colorist

By Designer Stylist Adriana Farkas

HELPING Hands

awareness speech at the movie screening jointly with UNICEF and University of Houston Downtown (UHD) was a great success.HPG has received recognition from Congress, as well as from the City of Houston. It was also mentioned in the World Hall of Fame. It has been broadcasting in multiple languages throughout the international communities to bring awareness and empowerment. HPG will be hosting another conference in October at UHD, while the new awareness song is being released.

Stay tuned for upcoming events, how to download the song and to learn more about how to get involved, please go to:

www.hopepyxglobal.org

www.FB.me/HopePyxGlobal

www.instagram.com/HopePyxGlobal

www.twitter.com/HopePyxGlobal

www.LinkedIn.com/in/Hope-Pyx-Global

No Shame, No BlameDomestic Abuse and Human

Trafficking in the Asian CultureBY EILEEN DONG

Domestic abuse is a pattern of behaviors used by one

partner to maintain power and control over another partner in an intimate relationship.Domestic abuse does not discriminate. Anyone of any race, age, sexual orientation, religion or gender can be a victim—or perpetrator—of domestic violence. It can happen to people who are married, living together or who are dating. It affects people of all socioeconomic backgrounds and education levels.Domestic abuse includes behav-iors that physically harm, arouse fear, prevent a partner from doing what they wish or force them to behave in ways they do not want. It includes the use of physical violence, threats and intimidation, emotional abuse and economic deprivation, etc. Many of these different forms of domestic violence can occur at any one time within the same intimate relationship.Human trafficking is a form of modern-day slavery. This crime occurs when a trafficker uses force, fraud or coercion to control another person for the purpose of engaging in soliciting labor or services against his/her will. While Houston, Texas is one of the most diverse cities in the United States, it is also the number one port in the entire nation for human trafficking. Statistics shows that victims of domestic abuse are more likely to be trafficked, due to the similarities in terms of the controlling aspect.Eileen Dong, Founder of Hope Pyx Global is a survivor of

domestic abuse. In the Asian culture, a victim might stay in an abusive relationship because of a concept of honor or shame. Honoring the Asian heritage, while also trying to honor their sense of freedom and justice in the Western culture, they see getting help as bringing dishonor to his family and not an act of empowerment. Therefore, women do not dare to speak up, neither is there an Asian voice who understands their culture.As a survivor, Eileen is here to break the silence. “If you build it, he will come.” She has founded Hope Pyx Global (HPG), a 501(c)3 non-profit, dedicated to families from all backgrounds who are victims and survivors of domestic abuse, human trafficking, etc. through empowering victims and survivors, advocating for the safety of survivors, promoting accountability for abusers and fostering a community response to abuse. HPG delivers its mission by providing diversified continuum of services.Eileen Dong successfully launched HPG in 50 days, releasing the first PSA in 16 days with 8,400 combined social media views alone and highest post reach of 1,380 in five days.HPG co-hosted the domestic violence awareness conference in 47 days, followed by the #DVAM365 campaign in 10 days, as well as the Christmas event for the survivors in 102 days. In 58 days HPG became part of Houston 20’s anti-human trafficking coalition. Eileen’s recent human trafficking

HELPING HANDS IS PROUDLY SPONSORED BY CHRISTIAN BROTHERS AUTOMOTIVE


Don’t Let Sports Be Your Only College Investment

BY CRAIG PARKS, HOUSTON WEALTH MANAGEMENT

Houston families are serious about sports. Like many of you, I have

spent countless hours on the sidelines coaching or watching my children learn, practice and play various sports. It is not uncommon for a local team of eight-year-olds to already have two or three families who are convinced that they must start playing club sports year round to fulfill their child’s athletic potential.

In a recent conversation I had with one of these devoted sports parents, I learned that they believed that their personal and financial commitment to the sport was necessary to play later in high school, as well as get a scholarship for college. The couple hadn’t started any college savings, but considered their cost for the sport as an investment for college. They went on to admit that club sports for their two children cost them annually between $2,500-$8,000 per year for club fees, tournament fees, uniforms, travel, coaching and other related expenses.

College is ExpensiveAs a financial planner serving families in our area I help clients plan for the high costs of college. According to The College Board, the projected annual cost of a four-year college education for a child who is currently age eight will be $36,455/year at a public college and $82,406/year for a private college. While scholarships (athletic and academic) and grants are ideal when available, they are often not enough. Successful strategies instead combine scholarships, savings and college loans to pay the costs of higher education.

Invest in a Tax-Advantaged 529 Plan

529 college plans are a great way to save and invest for college. Section 529 was added to the Internal Revenue Code by legislation in 1996 authorizing “qualified

tuition programs,” giving state programs both their popular name and favored federal tax status. 529 plans can be used to meet the costs of qualified colleges nationwide, as well as limited K-12 tuition, on a tax-free basis if used to pay qualified expenses. Every state has at least one 529 plan available.

A characteristic of 529 plans that I appreciate as a financial planner is their ownership. Parents own their accounts (better for financial aid calculations) and designate a beneficiary for each account. If one child doesn’t go to college or doesn’t need the funds, the parent can change the beneficiary to any family member, including a parent! The flexibility and potential for tax-free growth makes 529 plans excellent savings vehicles.

Don’t Rely on Athletic ScholarshipsUpon hearing that parents considered sports expenses a college investment, I researched their claim and the results are not good. According to Scholarshipstats.com, just over 7% of high school athletes

(1 in 14) went on to play a varsity sport in college, and less than 2% of high school athletes (1 in 54) went on to play at NCAA Division I schools. The average 2017 Division I scholarship was $19,766 for men and $23,861 for women over 14 and 15 major sports, respectively. The average athletic scholarship awarded by all colleges (Divisions I, II and III) averages about $6,000 per year for both male and female athletic scholarship awards. This data shows that banking on athletics to pay for college is likely a losing long-term investment.

Get Your Financial House in Order Today

I liken college payments to buying a new car every year, for four (or more) years in a row! Your time between now and the due date for the first tuition payment will pass quickly. Putting it all down on paper, using relevant software, or working with a financial planner like me to develop your plan today may be critical. Your plan should include appropriate strategies for both investment management and debt reduction as you sprint toward your college saving goals! As one of my high school coaches liked to say, “Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity.” In the end, scoring your plan’s goals may be the most important milestones you will ever achieve, on or off the field!Craig Parks established Houston Wealth Management in the Energy Corridor to deliver honest and trustworthy financial advice to his clients. You can contact him with any questions at [email protected] or call 281-372-8410.

Off the Field

Healthy Food HacksWhether your goal is to drop a few pounds, boost your energy or just eat a little healthier, we all love a good healthy food hack, right? I find making small changes to my favorite foods and recipes is more sustainable than crash dieting. Keep reading for a few of my favorite healthy food hacks.

RICE BOWL HACKCauliflower is everywhere these days, making cameo appearances to lighten up everything from gnocchi and pizza crust to “mashed potatoes” and fried rice. The riced, frozen stuff is so

convenient and can be used for many applications. If you’re looking for a healthier rice bowl (but don’t want to cut out the grain completely), try swapping half the white or brown rice out for cauliflower rice. This way, you get the flavor and chewiness but you slash the carbs in half.

PROTEIN COFFEE HACKHere is one you may have seen circulating on social media. If you love coffee and are watching calories, listen up. Swing by your favorite coffee shop and order two shots of espresso over ice in a large cup. Pour in your favorite protein shake (I like Premier Protein in the caramel flavor). It’s as easy as

that. It tastes like an iced caramel latte and won’t break the calorie—or actual—bank. This can be done at home if you own an espresso machine. I have a milk frother, and I can tell you this works well hot, too. The protein shake becomes creamy and frothy. You won’t believe it’s healthier for you.

CHIPS & GUAC HACKAn avocado contains about 30 grams of fat. While this is mostly healthy fat, it is still a considerable amount, especially when it’s easy to down a whole one in the form of guacamole without batting an eye. Lighten up guacamole by incorporating nonfat Greek yogurt in a ratio

of three parts avocado to one part yogurt. Not only does the yogurt provide a nice tang, it adds volume without any fat. For dippers, consider baked plantain chips, tortilla chips made from beans or slices of crunchy jicama.

SUB SHOP HACKYou can still be healthy while eating fast food, and here is proof. Order a 6-inch vegetable sub without cheese on whole

wheat bread. Then, go crazy with the vegetables! Finish with some honey mustard or light mayonnaise and there you have it: a healthier fast food option. Bonus: At many sub shops, this sandwich rings in at right around five bucks.

EGGLESS EGG SALAD HACKSay what now? That’s right! You can make eggless (even vegan!) egg salad. This hack is quick, tasty and perfect to whip up for a summertime lunch on the deck. Simply drain and rinse a can of

chickpeas and mash them in a bowl with a fork. Add in salt and pepper, a couple tablespoons of vegan mayo, lemon juice, maybe a dab of mustard and a scoop of pickle relish—whatever you typically put in egg salad. Serve it in between two slices of bread or on a bed of lettuce and chow down. This is so good; I find I prefer it to classic egg salad. Bonus: chickpeas have more than twice the protein that eggs do.

By Kady Parker

2820

Town & CountrySPORTSSPORTS

Sophia Rogers - Duchesne Academy of The Sacred Heart

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