The mythical national championship was wonderful. It gave The Woodlands great exposure on a big stage.

But there’s nothing like good ol’ fashion state championship hardware. That’s for real.

“It’s flattering, and it’s a compliment, and we’re on the map and other high schools get to see,” said coach Leslie Madison, who led the Highlanders to their first state title last year. “But the one that’s most special is the one we earned, meaning we played and we won it. That’s the state championship.

“We’ll take both, but the state championship, to me, means more.”

The Highlanders went 45-0 en route to the Class 5A title in Madison’s 10th year. And with all the accolades and accomplishments, she was most impressed by how so many talented girls came together. click here for complete story