Firecrackers HTX Elite

Whew, what a week! 🔥

We had four Firecrackers HTX Elite girls representing the Houston Astros at the Nike RBI World Series in Florida. 🧨🥎

We would’ve had another Firecracker at the Nike RBI World Series, but unfortunately, Makala Brown had to be replaced because of an injury.

So, what did she do with her time off, you ask?

Well… she may have saved an elderly man’s life. ❤️

While out shopping with her mom, Tisheka, Makala spotted an elderly man passed out on the floor. While othersMekele Brownd, Makala immediately sprang into action, directing the adults around her to call 911.

The man had a significant gash on his head and may have struck it when he fell. When an elderly person suffers a fall and head injury, getting help quickly can be critical.

Mekele and Tisheka, you haven’t just raised an amazing athlete—you’ve raised an incredible young person. Makala recognized that someone needed help, took action, and didn’t hesitate to step up when it mattered most.

Makala is a senior and All-District infielder at Cypress Springs High School and is committed to continue her softball career at Monroe University. 🥎🎓

Well done, Makala! 👏🏾👏🏾

That’s what being a Firecracker is all about. 🧨❤️

Kennedy Gray and her dad Jermaine pose with the ball she hit out for an extra innings walk-off 2-run shot to send the Astros RBI team to to tomorrow’s Nike RBI World Series championship. 🚀 🧨

One of our own, Natalie Russo, was named one of 100 athletes that helped shape Houston athletics for the 2025-26 school year. Congratulations Natalie 🧨

Congratulations to Coach Mekele Brown! Along with five of our Firecrackers players, he helped lead the Astros Youth Academy to victory in today’s Nike RBI Southwest Regional Tournament Championship. 🏆

With the win, they have earned a trip to Vero Beach, Florida, to compete in the Nike RBI World Series.

Representing Firecrackers were Maya Hanks, Kennedy Gray, Kourtney Jones-Caldwell, Makala Brown, and Stephanie Smith.

We are proud of each of you and wish you the best of luck in Vero Beach. Bring home some more hardware! 🥎💪🏆

Our 2026 graduates ❤️🧨
Gabby Villarreal Milby High School
Crystianna Coleman Iowa Colony High School
Kourtney Jones-Caldwell Hightower High School
Xaida Bettis Spring High School
Autumn Foster Lamar High School

Alliance Southern Championship 🥎

🚀🧨💣 Congratulations to Xianne Bettis on an absolute no-doubter over the left-center field power alley! The ball jumped off her bat and never looked back. That shot would’ve cleared Fenway Park’s Green Monster with ease. Power on display! 💥🥎

This is becoming a habit! Congratulations to Natalie Russo who went yard today at day 1 of the Alliance Southern Championship in College Station 🧨🥎💣

Heck of a fight on Day 3 in Philly! 🥎🔥So incredibly proud of our 7 FCHTXElite girls for putting it all on the line in the championship game at the Jennie Finch Classic. Heads high for the Astros Youth Academy in partnership with MLB and the actual Houston Astros.

It was an incredible tournament run to close out an unforgettable week against elite national competition!

Next stop: College Station this week 🧨

📸 Left to Right:
• Stephanie Smith (Dulles High School)
• Amiyah Lee (Hightower High School)
• Natalie Russo (Cypress Lakes High School)
• Xianne Bettis (Spring High School)
• Maya Hanks (Almeta Crawford High School)
• Makala Brown (Cypress Springs High School)
• Kennedy Gray (Ridge Point High School)