John Altes
With over 26 years of dedicated experience in education and coaching, Coach John Altes brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to our athletic program. He currently teaches Delta and Physical Education, and he plays a crucial role as our Defensive Coordinator and Defensive Line coach for football, as well as the Head Coach for wrestling and a Track coach.
A proud graduate of Crockett High School, Coach Altes continued his academic and athletic journey at St. Edward's University, where he earned his bachelor's degree, followed by a master's degree from Concordia University. His extensive background as an athlete includes participation in football, basketball, baseball, and track, providing him with a well-rounded perspective on coaching and athletic development.
Outside of school, Coach Altes enjoys riding motorcycles, spending quality time with his family, and listening to music. His commitment to fostering student-athletes' growth both on and off the field is a testament to his dedication and expertise in shaping young lives through sports.
Moria Altes
Coach Moria Altes is a dedicated Special Education Resource Inclusion teacher with 2 years of experience. In addition to her teaching role, she coaches Wrestling, where her enthusiasm and commitment to student-athletes are evident.
Originally from Austin, Texas, Coach Altes has a diverse athletic background from her high school days, where she excelled in Volleyball, Basketball, Softball, and Track. Her passion for sports continues outside of school as she enjoys both playing and watching various sports.
Coach Altes is guided by the quote, “Try to leave the world a little better than you found it,” by Robert Baden-Powell, which reflects her dedication to making a positive impact in the lives of her students and athletes.
Tanner Berg
Tanner Berg is currently in his 4th year of teaching and 3rd year of coaching. He teaches Math Inclusion and serves as a coach for Freshman Boys Basketball and is the Co-Head Boys and Girls Golf coach.
Originally from Cypress, Texas, Tanner attended Cy-Fair High School before pursuing higher education at the University of Houston. His athletic background includes two years of Varsity Basketball at Cy-Fair High School and collegiate experience with one season each at Concordia University Texas and Kansas Wesleyan University.
Outside of school, Tanner enjoys golfing, hiking, and staying fit.
Cody Cartagena
Born and raised in El Paso, Texas, Coach Cody Cartagena is a graduate of the University of Texas at Austin, and is Crockett High School's Head Swim coach with a passion for nurturing young swimmers. With over eight years of competitive swimming experience from his youth, and a background in tennis from an early age through high school, he brings a wealth of knowledge and enthusiasm to the pool. Currently entering his second year teaching AP English 3 and English 3, Cody combines his love of reading with his passion for teaching swimming.
Coach Cartagena is dedicated to fostering a positive and growth-oriented environment for his students and athletes. Outside of school, he enjoys traveling, hiking, and seeing a new film at Alamo Drafthouse every Saturday.
Tyler Darland
Tyler Darland is in his 2nd year of teaching and coaching. He teaches World Geography and U.S. History while serving as an Assistant Football Coach, Co-Head Boys and Girls Golf Coach, and Assistant Wrestling Coach.
Tyler hails from Plano, Texas, where he attended Plano Senior High School and participated in athletics. He continued his education at Texas A&M University. With a strong background in sports, Tyler focused on football, playing tackle football from the age of six until his high school graduation.
Outside of school, Tyler enjoys hiking, cooking, and playing golf. He lives by the motto: "Never give up! Failure and rejection are the first steps to succeeding."
Taylor Davis
Coach Taylor Davis brings five years of teaching experience and four years of coaching expertise to our school. She currently teaches Health Education and leads our cheerleading program, where her enthusiasm and background in cheerleading greatly benefit our students.
Originally from New Braunfels, TX, Coach Davis graduated from New Braunfels High School and continued her education at Texas A&M University. She has an extensive background in cheerleading, having cheered for both sideline and all-star teams over the course of eight years.
Outside of school, Coach Davis enjoys bouldering, paddle boarding, and walking her dogs. She is married and shares her life with two beloved dogs. Her passion for cheerleading and commitment to her students make her a dynamic and supportive presence in both the classroom and on the sidelines.
Evan Gannaway
Coach Evan Gannaway brings six years of teaching and coaching experience to our school, where he currently teaches Film and leads our tennis program as head coach. His background in tennis, combined with his expertise in film, allows him to offer a unique perspective both on and off the court.
A proud graduate of Crockett High School, Coach Gannaway continued his education at the University of North Texas, where he honed his skills and passion for both his subjects and his sport. His athletic career has been dedicated to tennis, where he has competed and coached at various levels.
Outside of his professional responsibilities, Coach Gannaway enjoys engaging in board and card games, reflecting his strategic and analytical approach to both teaching and coaching. His commitment to fostering a positive and dynamic learning and athletic environment is evident in all he does.
Lorie Henry
Coach Lorie Henry brings 26 years of experience to her role as an educator and coach. She currently teaches PE with a focus on Outdoor Adventure and Lifetime Sports and Fitness, and she serves as the Head Volleyball Coach, where her expertise and passion for the sport shine.
Born and raised in San Antonio, TX, Coach Henry graduated from Clark High School before earning her degree from the University of Texas at Austin. Her athletic background includes playing volleyball, basketball, swimming, and running track prior to high school. Throughout high school, she concentrated on volleyball, demonstrating her commitment and skill in the sport.
Outside of her professional responsibilities, Coach Henry enjoys spending time with her family and vacationing at the beach or in the mountains. Her dedication to both teaching and coaching is matched by her love for exploring new places and creating lasting memories with her loved ones.
Shar Huq
Coach Shar Huq brings four years of teaching and coaching experience to our school, where he currently instructs Algebra 2 and Physics. As the head coach for our tennis program, Coach Huq combines his passion for the sport with his expertise to inspire and develop our student-athletes.
A proud Austin native, Coach Huq attended Bowie High School before earning his degree from the University of Texas at Austin. His athletic background is rich and varied, including football, basketball, volleyball, and primarily tennis. He competed at the varsity level in tennis and currently holds a 4.0 NTRP rating in USTA.
Outside of school, Coach Huq enjoys exploring new foods and cooking, as well as engaging in all things tennis-related. His dedication to both his students and athletes is evident in his commitment to fostering growth and excellence both in the classroom and on the court.
Kent Laughlin
Coach Kent Laughlin brings 11 years of experience in teaching and coaching to our school. He currently teaches PALS and DELTA, and he serves as the Head Baseball Coach, where he leverages his extensive background to lead and mentor our student-athletes.
A product of Crockett and Austin High Schools, Coach Laughlin continued his academic journey at Saint Edward's University. His athletic career includes competitive experience in both baseball and cross country, showcasing his dedication and versatility in sports.
Outside of his professional life, Coach Laughlin enjoys a variety of hobbies, including golf, fishing, and woodworking. His passion for coaching and commitment to student development are matched by his enthusiasm for these activities, contributing to his well-rounded approach to both life and athletics.
Alec Paramski
Coach Alec Paramski brings a decade of teaching and coaching experience to our school. He currently teaches Special Education and SCORES, and he is the Head Coach for Boys Basketball, where his leadership and expertise significantly impact our athletic program.
Originally from Antioch, Illinois, Coach Paramski pursued higher education at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi. As a high school athlete, he excelled in football, basketball, and baseball, showcasing his versatility and commitment to sports.
Outside of his professional responsibilities, Coach Paramski enjoys various activities related to sports and fitness, reflecting his lifelong dedication to athletic development. His experience and enthusiasm make him a valuable asset to both our students and our basketball program.
Max Oriani
Coach Max Oriani brings three years of teaching and coaching experience to our school, where he currently teaches Special Education English and serves as the Head Coach for Boys Soccer. His deep-rooted passion for soccer and education helps him make a significant impact on and off the field.
A native of Austin, TX, Coach Oriani graduated from Crockett High School, where his family has a strong athletic legacy—his older brother played football and his younger sister excelled in basketball at Crockett as well. He continued his soccer journey with 17 years of club soccer experience and a year of club soccer at Texas State University.
In addition to his commitment to soccer, Coach Oriani enjoys disc golf and reading. His favorite soccer clubs include Liverpool FC, Austin FC, and Club Atlas. He believes in the power of hard work, which is encapsulated in his favorite quote: “It’s hard to beat somebody that never gives up.”
Coach Oriani’s dedication to developing student-athletes and fostering a supportive environment makes him a valued member of our team.
Adrian Marquez
Coach Adrian Marquez is a dynamic addition to our school with one year of teaching experience and a strong background in athletics. He currently teaches Elementary Physical Education at Joslin and serves as a coach for both football and baseball.
Coach Marquez graduated from Crockett High School in 2016, where he was a standout athlete with three years as a Varsity Football Letterman and two years in baseball. He continued his education at Texas State University, further developing his skills and passion for sports.
Outside of his professional role, Coach Marquez enjoys a range of activities including fishing, running, weight training, reading, and hiking. His dedication to coaching and educating the youth is driven by his belief in pursuing dreams and overcoming obstacles, as highlighted by his favorite quote from *Pursuit of Happiness*: “Don’t ever let someone tell you you can’t do something. Not even me. You got a dream, you got to protect it. People can’t do something themselves, they want to tell you you can’t do it. You want something, go get it. Period.”
Born and raised in South Austin, Coach Marquez cherishes time spent with family and friends and is committed to making a positive impact on the next generation of athletes and students.
Shannon Reed
With 21 years of teaching and 11 years of coaching experience, Coach Shannon Reed is a seasoned educator and coach who currently teaches Precalculus and College Prep Math. She is also actively involved in coaching football and men's basketball, bringing her extensive knowledge and enthusiasm to both roles.
A lifelong resident of Austin, TX, Coach Reed graduated from Austin High School before earning her Bachelor’s in Math from the University of Texas at Austin. She furthered her education with a Master’s in Education from Grand Canyon University. Her athletic background includes high school volleyball, basketball, and softball, and she played two years of college basketball at Temple College in Temple, TX.
Outside the classroom and sports arena, Coach Reed enjoys reading, camping, and playing board games. She values family time and shares her passion for teaching and coaching with her father, Don Holland. Coach Reed is married with three kids, a dog, and two guinea pigs, creating a lively and loving home environment.
A firm believer in perseverance, Coach Reed’s favorite quote is: “Don’t give up. Don’t ever give up.” – Jim Valvano. Her dedication to her students and athletes reflects this commitment to resilience and hard work.
Matt Valdez
Coach Matt Valdez is a dedicated educator and coach with four years of experience at our school. He teaches On-Level and AP U.S. Government and is actively involved in coaching football, girls basketball, and track & field.
Originally from Lubbock, Texas, Coach Valdez attended Coronado High School, where he competed at the varsity level in both football and track & field. He continued his academic journey at Texas Tech University, where he laid the foundation for his career in education and coaching.
Outside of his professional roles, Coach Valdez enjoys spending quality time with his family, trail running, and grilling. As a proud father of two daughters, he embraces his role as a "girl dad" with enthusiasm and love.
Coach Valdez lives by the quote, "In life we don’t get our goals, we get our standard," which reflects his commitment to high standards and continuous improvement in both his personal and professional life. His dedication to his students and athletes is evident in all he does, making him a valuable member of our team.
Darrick Norton
Coach Darrick A. Norton brings an impressive 26 years of experience in teaching and coaching, with 20 years dedicated to the Austin Independent School District. He currently teaches Street Law and serves as the Head Football Coach, where his extensive background and leadership significantly impact our athletic program.
Originally from Erskine, MN, Coach Norton graduated from Marion High School before earning his degree from St. Edward's University. He continued his education with a Master’s in Education from Concordia University in Austin. Coach Norton also played college football and basketball, showcasing his athletic versatility and dedication.
Outside of his professional responsibilities, Coach Norton enjoys RVing, allowing him to explore and unwind. His passion for teaching and coaching, combined with his extensive experience, makes him a valued and respected member of our school community.
Megan Miller
Coach Megan Miller is a dedicated educator and coach with 20 years of experience in teaching and coaching. She currently teaches ESL English, Health, and Speech, and she serves as the coach for JV Girls' Basketball and Track, where her enthusiasm and commitment are evident.
Originally from PG County, Maryland, Coach Miller attended high school in Dripping Springs, Texas. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Social Work from UT Austin, a Master’s in Curriculum & Instruction of Bilingual Literacy from UT Arlington, and a Master’s in School Counseling from Lamar University. Her diverse educational background enhances her ability to connect with and support her students.
Coach Miller's passion for sports began in 5th grade with basketball, and she has continued to play and coach throughout her life. Outside of school, she enjoys growing succulents, reading, couponing, and watching reality TV.
She is married with three children, several bonus kids, and two grandchildren, who are the center of her world. Her favorite quote, "Don't talk about it, be about it!" reflects her proactive and driven approach to both her personal and professional life.
Joel Parker
Coach Joel Parker is a dedicated educator with five years of teaching experience and two years of coaching. He currently teaches US History, AP Macroeconomics, Government, and Athletics, and serves as an Assistant Coach for Boys Soccer.
Originally born in Massachusetts and raised in Texas, Coach Parker moved to Bryan/College Station before attending high school at Alief-Elsik outside Houston. He continued his education at Stanford University in California and has called Austin home for the past 25 years.
Coach Parker has a broad athletic background, having participated in various team sports at the youth level, as well as swimming. He also played JV soccer in high school, which informs his current role as an assistant soccer coach.
Outside of his professional life, Coach Parker enjoys board games, music, and spending time with his family. He is the proud father of two sons. His commitment to both teaching and coaching reflects his passion for fostering growth and development in his students and athletes.
Don Holland
Coach Don Holland is a veteran educator and coach with an impressive 38 years of experience. He currently teaches in the DELTA program and coaches Girls Cross Country and Track, where his extensive background and dedication make a significant impact.
A proud alumnus of Franklin D. Roosevelt High School in Dallas, Coach Holland continued his education at the University of Texas at Austin. His athletic background includes participation in football, basketball, baseball, and tennis at the high school level, reflecting his versatility and commitment to sports.
Outside of school, Coach Holland enjoys motorcycle traveling and solving crossword puzzles. He has been happily married for 54 years and is a devoted father of three and grandfather of eleven. His commitment to responsibility and accountability is a cornerstone of his teaching and coaching philosophy, guiding both his personal and professional life.
Stephanie Pierson
Coach Stephanie Pierson is a dedicated educator with 13 years of experience - she is currently teaching Lifetime Fitness and Wellness. She also serves as the Head Softball Coach, where her extensive athletic background and passion for sports greatly influence her coaching.
Originally from Terrell, Texas, Coach Pierson graduated from the University of Texas at Tyler, where she received a basketball scholarship. Her athletic experience spans multiple sports, including softball, basketball, volleyball, and track, showcasing her versatility and commitment to athletics.
Outside of school, Coach Pierson enjoys working out, playing recreational co-ed softball, and personal training adults and student-athletes across various sports. She was recently inducted into the Terrell High School Athletic Hall of Fame in 2023, a testament to her outstanding contributions to sports.
Coach Pierson lives by the words of Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me,” and believes that hard work always pays off. She also emphasizes the importance of living each day to the fullest and finding joy in all things.
Alberto Porras
Coach Alberto Porras is in his fourth year of coaching and is passionate about both education and athletics. He currently teaches Algebra 1 and Geometry while serving as the Offensive Line Coach for Football and as an Assistant Varsity and JV A Coach for Boys Soccer.
Hailing from McAllen, TX, Coach Porras graduated from McAllen Memorial High School and earned his degree from The University of Texas at Austin in 2020. His athletic background includes playing football, soccer, and wrestling in high school, which provides him with a well-rounded perspective on sports and coaching.
Outside the classroom and field, Coach Porras enjoys reading, drawing, lifting weights, and playing the guitar. As the oldest of three and a first-generation Latinx college graduate, he values the opportunity to serve as a role model and mentor. He is also proud to sponsor the Senior Class of 2025 and the National Honor Society (NHS) at Crockett ECHS.
Living by the words of Proverbs 27:17, “Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another,” Coach Porras believes in the power of mutual growth and support. His dedication to both his students and athletes reflects his commitment to fostering a positive and encouraging environment.
Corry Perez
Coach Corry Perez is a dedicated educator and coach with 7 years of experience. He currently teaches AVID 1 and is actively involved in coaching Football and Boys Track, as the Head Track coach.
Originally from Austin, Texas, Coach Perez graduated from Reagan High School and attended Blinn Junior College. His impressive athletic background includes a decade of playing semi-pro football, where he earned three championships, as well as six years of Arena Football experience. Additionally, he competed in football, basketball, and track during high school.
Outside of school, Coach Perez enjoys the simple pleasure of watering his grass, reflecting his appreciation for patience and dedication. His guiding principle is, “Stay ready, so you never have to get ready,” embodying his commitment to preparedness and excellence in all aspects of life.
Bryce Hilber
Coach Bryce Hilber is a passionate Special Education Teacher with 2 years of teaching experience and 6 years of coaching. He is involved in coaching both Football and Baseball, where his dedication to sports and student-athletes is evident.
Originally from Columbus, WI, Coach Hilber graduated from Columbus High School before attending the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh. His athletic background includes playing football and baseball at the high school level, which has greatly influenced his approach to coaching.
Outside of school, Coach Hilber enjoys golfing and spending time on the water. His commitment to both his students and athletes reflects his belief in the importance of balance and personal growth.
Samantha Ramirez
Coach Samantha Ramirez is a dedicated ESL English teacher and Head Women’s Soccer coach, with 3 years of experience in education and athletics. Her passion for teaching and coaching shines through in her work with students and athletes alike.
A proud graduate of Wylie East High School and Texas Woman's University, Coach Ramirez has a strong background in soccer. She played Varsity soccer throughout her high school career and continued her athletic journey with Division 2 college soccer.
Outside of school, Coach Ramirez enjoys reading and painting, reflecting her creative side and commitment to personal growth. She lives by the motto, “Last one best one!” which drives her dedication to continuous improvement and excellence in all she does.
Jacob Hillis
Coach Jacob Hillis brings 3 years of experience in both teaching and coaching to his role. He teaches Social Studies Special Education and serves as the JV Girls Soccer Coach.
Originally from Nashville, TN, Coach Hillis attended Kingwood High School in Houston before graduating from Texas A&M University. His athletic background includes 4 years of high school soccer and 8 years of football, providing him with a solid foundation in both individual and team sports.
Outside of school, Coach Hillis enjoys traveling and exploring the outdoors. He is guided by the belief, “A good coach will make his players see what they can be rather than what they currently are,” a quote by Ara Parseghian, which inspires his coaching philosophy and dedication to his athletes.
Liz Livingston
Liz Livingston is in her 7th year of teaching and 4th year of coaching. She teaches Inclusion Algebra II, Geometry, and Math Models. In her coaching role, she serves as an Assistant Coach for Freshman Volleyball and Softball.
Originally from Arlington, Texas, Liz attended Lamar High School before continuing her education at Sul Ross State University. Her athletic background includes playing volleyball and softball at both the high school and collegiate levels, bringing a wealth of experience to her coaching roles.
Outside of school, Liz enjoys spending time with friends and family and loves traveling.
Jennifer Shuttlesworth
Jennifer Shuttlesworth is the Head Coach for the Girls' Basketball team and an Assistant Coach for Track at Crockett High School, where she also serves as the Athletic Coordinator. With 22 years of experience in coaching and education, Jennifer is deeply committed to guiding student-athletes towards both athletic and personal success.
Jennifer hails from Lubbock, Texas, where she graduated from Lubbock-Cooper High School. She went on to earn both her Bachelor of Arts and Master of Education degrees from Sul Ross State University. Her athletic background includes playing Basketball and competing in Track and Cross Country at the high school and collegiate levels.
Before transitioning to her current role, Jennifer taught US History, a subject she enjoyed deeply. Now, as Athletic Coordinator, she plays a key role in overseeing the athletic programs and supporting student-athletes across various sports.
Outside of her professional responsibilities, Jennifer enjoys reading, watching TV, traveling, and spending quality time with family and friends. She also loves exploring new culinary experiences. She lives by several mantras, with the #1 being: "It's only when you stop trying that you truly fail."
Jennifer is proud to have been a part of Crockett for the past 15 years, a period during which she has been surrounded by remarkable individuals and a supportive community. She is passionate about her role and looks forward to continuing her journey with the Crockett family.
Maria Lopez
Hi, my name is Maria Lopez and I've been at David Crockett High School since August 2020. I was born in San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato, Mexico and was raised in Dublin, TX. I graduated from Tarleton State University with my bachelor's degree and Dallas Baptist University with my master's. I love athletic training because it consists of everything I love and enjoy—sports, learning, and building long-lasting relationships.
She has been involved in Athletic Training at the High School level for 13 years, with a focus on Sports Medicine and Athletic Training. Her background includes competitive experience in cross country, track, and Drill Team at the varsity level, which enhances her understanding and approach to working with student-athletes.
Outside of her professional life, she is passionate about hiking, reading, going to the movies, gardening, and attending live music events. These activities allow her to unwind and stay connected to her interests. She looks forward to contributing to the success and well-being of our students and continuing to foster a positive environment at our school.
Kelsey Ogg
I grew up in Alvarado, TX. In high school, I was a middle hitter/blocker in volleyball and also ran the 200m, 400m, and 4x400m relay. I graduated first in my class, so I understand the importance of working hard on and off the court! I went on to get my Bachelor's of English Language Arts from The University of Texas at Austin; I started as an English teacher at Crockett, but moved over to AVID six years ago and fell in love with the program. I now teach the AVID Elective and also serve as our Site Coordinator!
In addition to my teaching role, I have been coaching JV Volleyball for 4 years. In my spare time outside of school, I love lifting weights and staying active. I spend a lot of time outdoors (especially by the pool), hanging out with my two kids, and watching bad reality/dating shows. My high school coach always said, "Hard work beats talent when talent doesn't work hard," and I still use that quote to remind myself and my athletes to stay dedicated, focused, and motivated.
Daniel Vela
Daniel Vela was born and raised in Mission, Texas. While attending The University of Texas at Austin, he received a B.S. in Kinesiology and Health-Exercise Science. Coming from the nationally recognized UT Athletic Training Program, Daniel has been part of many elite teams such as Texas Rowing, Texas Football, and Texas Track & Field. He has had the opportunity to work alongside UT’s top-tier medical staff and served as part of their sports medical personnel.
Daniel has been working as a High School Athletic Trainer for 1 year, focusing on athletic training where he pushes his athletes to meet their top athletic potential. He is passionate about sport rehabilitation and sport performance training, ensuring that all patients or athletes he works with receive individualized elite-level rehabilitation or training programs tailored to their specific needs.
In his free time, you can catch Daniel off the lakes in Austin enjoying a nice day of fishing! He is also a huge movie buff, so you might see him at local theaters watching new films.
in Athletic Training and a B.S.