The Canyon Eagles’ incredible 2025 team tennis season came to an end Thursday evening under the lights at Baylor University’s Hurd Tennis Center in Waco. Facing off against a talented and battle-tested Wimberley squad, the Eagles fell 10-4 in the UIL Class 4A state championship match. Though the result wasn’t the fairy-tale ending Canyon had hoped for, it capped one of the most memorable seasons in program history.
Canyon’s four points came from familiar faces who have been steady contributors all year. The doubles team of Hadlee House and Addie Johnson picked up a win in girls doubles, while Lawson Posey and Liliana Veneklasen fought hard to secure a point in mixed doubles. On the singles side, Carter Neighbors handled business in boys singles, and Olivia Neighbors notched a win in girls singles. Those victories reflected the depth and determination that defined Canyon’s season — grit from top to bottom, no matter the opponent.
Before the championship matchup, the Eagles had put together an impressive playoff run that showcased just how strong this group really was. On Wednesday, Canyon dominated Texarkana Pleasant Grove 10-0 in the state semifinals, punching their ticket to the title match in commanding fashion. That semifinal sweep was the latest chapter in a postseason run filled with statement wins.
Under the leadership of head coach David DeLeon, the Eagles took down a series of quality opponents to reach the state tournament. Along the way, they knocked off Graham, Brock, Vernon, and Seminole to advance to the regional finals. There, in Abilene, Canyon delivered one of the season’s defining moments — a victory over defending state champion and cross-town rival Randall to clinch their spot in Waco. That win was not just about bragging rights; it symbolized how far Canyon’s program has come in recent years.
Randall, of course, has been a powerhouse in Texas Class 4A tennis, winning state titles in 2022 and 2023. In fact, Wimberley’s 2023 title came at Randall’s expense, making Thursday’s final matchup a showdown between two programs chasing continued success at the state’s highest level. Though Wimberley ultimately claimed this year’s crown, Canyon’s ability to compete toe-to-toe with the Texans on such a big stage speaks volumes about the Eagles’ progress.
With the loss, Canyon finishes the 2025 team tennis campaign as Class 4A state runner-up, wrapping up the season with a stellar 26-3 overall record. This marks just the second state tournament appearance in school history, the first since 2018, when Canyon reached the finals before falling to Fredericksburg.
DeLeon’s group may not have hoisted the trophy this time, but their consistency, chemistry, and sheer competitiveness have solidified Canyon as a program to watch. For a team that blends experienced leaders with promising young talent, this season feels less like an ending and more like a launching pad.
Now, as fall turns to winter, Canyon will shift gears toward the individual spring tennis season, where many of these same players will look to build on their success and chase more hardware.
Whether it’s the doubles teams that carried them through clutch moments or the singles players who refused to quit, the 2025 Canyon Eagles have set a new standard — one built on teamwork, resilience, and belief.
