San Jacinto Christian Academy multi-sport standout Harlie Brabham recently received the ultimate honor being named the 2025 Greater Ford Dealers Private School Female Athlete of the Year for all classifications.
To break down how big award this is for Brabham, there were seven female athletes across the state of Texas to win this honor from Class 6A to the private school level including Oklahoma signee Aailiyah Chavez in Class 5A from Lubbock Monterey.
“I was very surprised to win this award,” Brabham said. “It was such an honor to get an award like this especially when you see the other names on this list. I was also shocked to be chosen out of all of the private school athletes. I think this shows across the state there are some elite female athletes and this is truly special. It makes me feel good to know I put in all of the work and to see it pay off.”
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Recently graduated from SJCA, Brabham was honored by Ford during a recent Amarillo Sod Poodles game where she was presented her trophy from Gene Messer general manager Shane Qualls and Brabham threw out the first pitch.
Brabham, who will attend Oklahoma State University in the fall, was stellar in the classroom at SJCA, and leaves the Lady Patriots athletic program with quite the legacy.
On the volleyball court, Brabham was a four-time All-District selection as well as an All-State selection this past year.
“I’m so happy for Harlie to get an honor like this,” SJCA head volleyball coach Katie Little said. “She is an outstanding young woman and an outstanding athlete. Harlie is such a competitor and a hard worker in anything she does. She has such a great drive and what an honor this is for San Jacinto Christian Academy.”
On the basketball court, Brabham helped the Lady Patriots to three state tournament appearances and was a four-time All-State selection ending her career with over 1,500 points and 850 rebounds.
Then there is the tennis court where Brabham shined the most. Brabham was a tremendous tennis player winning three state championships in girls doubles with three team tennis state titles.
“I had a great time in high school,” Brabham said. “I loved playing sport and getting this award is a tremendous way to end my high school career end. I’m not usually about awards it’s always about being a great teammate but this felt really good.”
Brabham’s mother, KiKi, who was also her head basketball coach, couldn’t be prouder of what her daughter accomplished. KiKi has been with Brabham the entire time and knows the work that has been put in.
“As a coach it’s been great to see the success Harlie has had and the team has had,” KiKi Carthel-Brabham said. “We have made it to the TAPPS state tournament the past three seasons in basketball. It’s great to see our players be recognized for that success. As a parent, it’s awesome to see because I’ve watched Harlie devote so much time into any sport she’s played at a very high level. She is very driven and a very nice way to finish her high school career. We’re very thankful to Ford and how they honored her.”
2025 Greater Ford Dealers Female Athlete of the Year winners
Class 6A: Adelynn Rodriguez, Eastwood High School
Class 5A: Aaliyah Chavez, Lubbock Monterey High School
Class 4A: Valerie Hunt, Monahans, High School
Class 3A: Hannah Wells, Coahoma High School
Class 2A: Zoey Welch, Roscoe High School
Class 1A: Mattie Dollar, Newcastle High School
Private School: Harlie Brabham, San Jacinto Christian Acadamy