McKinney, Texas - On Friday, January 10, 2025, the McKinney ISD Athletics Department inducted the Hall of Honor Class of 2025 during its annual celebration of the figures who have helped construct and carry forward the legacy of excellence that exemplifies MISD athletics.
The Hall of Honor recognition spotlights the most outstanding and impactful players, coaches, teams and community contributors from eras past to recent memory who have made a significant contribution to MISD athletics. Inductees are chosen by the Hall of Honor committee, made up of current and former coaches and previous inductees. Selection for the Athletics Hall of Honor is the highest honor awarded in MISD athletics.
Senior Class Inductee
Don Cates
Cates played a pivotal role on McKinney High School football teams in 1970 and 1971. Voted team MVP, he was a linebacker, end, placekicker, and punter for the Lions, who posted a 15-5 record in his junior and senior seasons. After graduation, Cates enjoyed a 30-year career in landscape irrigation in the Metroplex.
More about Don Cates
High School: McKinney High School (1968-72)
Sport(s): Football
Honors: 1971 Class 3A All-State linebacker; team MVP; classmates voted him Mr. McKinney High School as a senior
By the Numbers: Spearheaded a Lion defense that surrendered just 51 points in the 1971 season
Modern Era Inductees
Eric Herbel
Herbel was the unequivocal leader of McKinney North’s first-ever football teams to qualify for the state playoffs in 2005 and 2006. He set most every passing record in yards and touchdowns during his time. He was also an all-district member of the Bulldogs’ basketball team that advanced to the regional tournament in 2007.
More about Eric Herbel
High School: McKinney North High School (2004-07)
College: Texas Christian University
Sport(s): Football, Basketball
Honors: District MVP in football as a junior and senior
By the Numbers: After graduation, held the school records for passing yards in a game (374), a season (2,544) and career (4,953) and passing touchdowns in a game (4), season (31), and career (50)
Ross Matiscik
Matiscik is the first McKinney Boyd alum to earn a starting role for an NFL team. He transitioned from an all-state linebacker for the Broncos to dual role player in college and, eventually, to an All-Pro and two-time Pro Bowl deep snapper for the Jacksonville Jaguars.
More about Ross Matiscik
High School: McKinney Boyd High School (2011-15)
Sport(s): Football, Baseball
Honors: District Defensive MVP; Honorable Mention All-State linebacker; District Newcomer of the Year; three-time All-District linebacker; Academic All Big 12, 2016 and 2017; 2023 AP All-Pro and 2023 and 2024 AFC Pro Bowl deep snapper
By the Numbers: 52 starts at inside linebacker and deep snapper at Baylor University; 233 total tackles, 12 sacks, 4 interceptions, and 26 tackles for a loss in three seasons for McKinney Boyd.
Samantha Means
Means was the first McKinney North student-athlete to win an individual state championship when she claimed the gold at the 2006 4A state cross country meet. Means also set a state record in the 3200 meters and finished third in the state 1600 meters.
More about Samantha Means
High School: McKinney North High School (2003-07)
College: Southern Methodist University
Sport(s): Cross Country, Track
Honors: 2007 Cross Country Association Runner of the Year; six-time All-State selection; eight-time school MVP
By the Numbers: Set state record in the 4A 3200 meters (10:38) and ran 5:03 in the state 1600 meters; ran 17:38 in 5,000 meters
Legends Class Inductee
Philip Wood
Wood was the starting quarterback and all-state safety on the 1967 McKinney High School football team that advanced to the state semifinals. Not only a two-way player on the field, Wood excelled on the basketball court and the track, qualifying for regionals in both hurdles races.
More about Philip Wood
High School: McKinney High School (1964-68)
College: Rice University
Sport(s): Football, Basketball, Track
Honors: All-State defensive back (1967); led the Lions’ football team in scoring and rushing
By the numbers: Part of MHS defense that recorded eight shutouts on the 1967 football team that finished 11-2-1, losing to eventual state champion Brownwood, 14-3; led Rice University in passing in 1970
Coach Inductee
Alan Pocock
Pocock can be credited with essentially starting and sustaining the boys soccer program at McKinney High School. He led the Lions for the better part of three decades and set the standard for coaching in the sport for McKinney ISD. Six times Pocock was named District Coach of the Year.
More about Alan Pocock
Coaching: McKinney High School (1992-2021)
By the numbers: Career coaching record of 344-194-97; teams won six district championships, made the playoffs 18 times, reaching regional semifinal in 2013 and the regional final in 2000.
Legacy: Was the coach when the Lions qualified for the playoffs for the first time in 1993; former players who have become coaches include MNHS head boys coach C.J. Shelton, MBHS head girls coach Elias Ramos, and MHS head boys coach Matt Ellis; inducted in to the TASCO Hall of Fame in 2018; District Coach of the Year in 2000, 2007, 2009, 2011, 2012 and 2016
Contributor/Supporter Inductee
Will Hodges
Hodges, a proud graduate of Gonzales High School, has had some part in McKinney ISD athletics for 40 years. He was a long-time assistant coach under fellow Hall of Honor inductee Ron Poe at MHS before transitioning to administration. He now spends his days walking, watching MHS basketball and doting on his two grandchildren.
More about Will Hodges
Different hats: After a high school and college football playing career, Hodges was an assistant coach, an assistant athletic director, and an assistant principal; post-retirement he spent 15 years as a radio color analyst for McKinney ISD football and basketball broadcasts.
Legacy: Hodges’ son, Jake, an MHS graduate, was named head basketball coach for the Lions in 2024 after serving as an assistant coach at McKinney North and head coach at Sherman
Team Inductee
2011 McKinney Boyd Volleyball
The 2011 McKinney Boyd Lady Broncos established a program record for victories with a 45-7 record and advancing to the Class 5A state championship match against Coppell. Boyd rolled through its district schedule without a loss, swept its first three playoff opponents, and dropped only two sets in the five playoff matches before the state final.
More about the 2011 McKinney Boyd Volleyball Team
The coaches: Kelly Arbabi, Laura Brasch, Krystle Cabrera
The players: Haley Dickschat,Emma Meyer, Kelly Koop, Drew Darling, Kaley Seaber, Maddie Burleson, Megan Mollett, Mackenzie Wells, Krista Bukovec, Hayley Onofrey, Brantlee Reid, Ally Cobb, Caitlyn Mills, Tori Turck, Jade Marano, Brittany Phelan
How they got there: Undefeated District 10-5A champions; defeated Dallas Skyline (bi-district), Bryan (area), Sachse (region quarterfinal), Georgetown (region semifinal), Austin Westlake (region final), Cypress Falls (state semifinal)