Seven seniors announce college commitments

On Nov. 11, seven Dripping Springs High School seniors announced their commitments to continue their athletic careers at the collegiate level. Baseball players Brennan Frickel and Cameron O'Banan, basketball player Ally Beck, lacrosse player Charles Hunt, golfer Samantha Miethke, soccer player Charleigh Phipps, and softball player Madyson Torres signed National Letters of Intent. Below is information on each student-athlete.

Ally Beck, Basketball, Trinity University (San Antonio)

A four-year varsity letterwinner, Ally Beck was named to the All-District First Team as a sophomore. Twice that year she earned all-tournament honors. After a junior-year injury, she has been chosen as a team captain this year. Beck holds the school record for the most three-pointers in a game (6), and sank a total of 76 treys that season. In her career, she has averaged 11 points, 4 rebounds, 3 steals, 3 assists and one block per game. She is the daughter of Jennifer and Michael Beck. Coach: David Norris.

Brennan Frickel, Baseball, University of Houston

Brennan Frickel has earned three letters as the Tigers' shortstop and has been a leader both offensively and defensively for the Tigers. He started all 40 games in 2019, helping lead the Tigers to the regional quarterfinals. Brennan hit .302 as a sophomore and led the team in both doubles and home runs. He has played summer ball with the Lonestar Baseball Club. The son of Amie and Chris Frickel, Brennan has been involved with the Unified Champions program at DSHS and also coaches youth baseball with the Dripping Springs Youth Sports Association. He plans to major in business. Coach: Chris Payne.

Charles Hunt, Lacrosse, VMI (Virginia Military Institute)

Charles Hunt has committed to further his academic and athletic career as a Keydet at the Virginia Military Institute (VMI) where, upon graduation, he will commission as a second lieutenant in the United States Army. Charles is a two-sport varsity athlete lettering in basketball in his junior and senior seasons and in lacrosse all four years. Charles began his lacrosse career as the JV team Most Valuable Player before being called up to varsity and has been a threeyear starter. He has been a Texas Top 99 All-Star and a Best of Texas All-Star while leading the Tigers. He is the son of Emily Manoguerra and Dean Hunt. Coach: Bill Cafferata.

Sam Miethke, Golf, Concordia University

Samantha (Sam) Miethke is the current captain of the Lady Tiger golf team and ranks among the top five all-time female golfers at DSHS in both 18- and 36-hole scoring. She placed third individually at the 2019 District Championships with a low round of 78, leading DSHS to the team title. Sam has multiple top-10 finishes at tournaments, including two top-five placements over her two-year varsity career. She earned academic all-district honors as well. The daughter of Sonja Keen and John Miethke, Sam participates annually with her church’s youth mission trip, as well as other community service activities. She plans to major in business. Coach: Jason Wahlers.

Cameron O'Banan, Baseball, University of Texas

A three-year letterwinner as a pitcher and centerfielder, Cameron O'Banan was named to the All-District Second Team in 2019 after starting in 35/40 games and helping lead the Tigers to a regional quarterfinal appearance. That spring he led DSHS in batting average, RBI, and stolen bases. Cameron, who twice has earned academic all-district honors, also has been a starter for the Tiger football team and has participated in track. A long-time member of the Longhorn Baseball Club, Cameron is the son of Lisa and Roy O'Banan. He plans to major in business management. Coach: Chris Payne.

Charleigh Phipps, Soccer, Texas Lutheran University

Charleigh Phipps is a four-year letterman who has earned academic all-district honors every season at DSHS. The Lady Tigers' goalie, she was a key part of the 2019 team that competed in the state tournament and finished as state semifinalists. In the 2020 COVID-shortened season, Charleigh allowed just two goals in 22 games. When the season was cancelled, DSHS was 21-1 overall and 14-0 in the district and was ranked second in the state. Charleigh has been a football manager for four years and is the lead football manager this season. She is the daughter of Kristen and Steven Phipps. Coach: Bailee Perrine.

Madyson Torres, Softball, Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts

Madyson is a one-year letterwinner who will be competing for the starting position as catcher. In last year's COVID-shortened season, Madyson's early statistics included a home run, two RBI and a .154 batting average. She also played summer softball with the Austin Texas Twisters and was part of three local tournament championships. The daughter of Candace and Eugene Torres, Madyson was invited to and played in the Triple Crown Select All-Star Game in Colorado. She plans to major in Sports Medicine. Coach: Wade Womack.