TYLER, Texas — The pressure was on in Round Rock. The Grace Cougars were taking on an undefeated Katy St. John XXIII team in the TAPPS Division II state championship game. To add to the mix of stress and excitement, the game hadn't been settled after regulation and a pair of overtimes and was set to crown the next champion in penalty kicks.
After a clutch save by senior goalkeeper Claire Stoermer, it was up to the legs of sophomore midfielder Cesa Sabillon. With ease, she nailed the game winning PK, as her teammates rushed the field. There was only one issue: Sabillon herself didn't even know she scored the game winner.
"I didn't realize I scored the goal to win. I just thought I scored the goal to keep going," said Sabillon. "So, I didn't really feel much pressure which is a great thing. Then I went up there and made it. When I turned around, I saw they were all running at me."
It was a massive tournament showing for the sophomore. The day prior to her game winner, she scored a pair of goals, including another game winner, in a 3-2 double overtime winner in the semifinals against Austin Regents.
Her play during those two days earned her a well-deserved spot on the all-tournament team, as well as a permanent spot in Grace history.
"I don't think it's hit me yet actually. I still can't believe it. It's incredible to be a part of this team and a part of this family and this community," said Sabillon. "Just to bring it back home and celebrate and be loved by everyone is an amazing feeling."
Her teammates shared a similar sentiment, knowing that they are now forever etched in the Grace record books as state champions. It's the third TAPPS Girls Winter Soccer state title for the Cougars, and their first since the 2017-18 season.
Without a doubt, it's a game and especially a season that the girls and head coach Chris Hemphill will certainly never forget.
"It's something that you just don't win on the state championship day. You have to put a lot of days together. What makes this group so special is that they were willing to do that," said Hemphill. "To share this experience with people that you love, and people that love you, it just makes it so much more fulfilling and so much more of a blessing to be a part of it."