Alice Lady Coyotes honor teammate in emotional home court celebration

On Friday night the Alice Lady Coyotes turned a regular district matchup into a tribute, taking the court to honor #24 Ariel Lichtenberger in an emotional display of team unity and community support. The pregame and in-game tributes put the spotlight on a teammate and community member, and drew a packed gym of families, classmates and longtime Coyotes supporters.

The contest itself became secondary to the larger purpose: players fed off one another and leaned into the moment, visibly channeling the tribute into focused play and camaraderie. Coaches and teammates used the night to reinforce shared bonds, and the crowd’s reaction underscored the role high school athletics play as a civic gathering point in Jim Wells County. Community presence was evident throughout the evening, with students, parents and alumni filling the stands and contributing to a charged, supportive atmosphere.

Beyond the emotion, the event highlights how local institutions — the school, athletics program and community groups — organize and mobilize around people who matter to Alice residents. School-scheduled tributes like this can strengthen trust between families and the district, but they also raise practical questions about how schools support student well-being after difficult events and how athletic programs balance competitive goals with pastoral responsibilities. Visible public support at games contributes to community cohesion, but it also signals expectations that district leaders and school boards maintain clear policies for counseling, crowd safety and event coordination.

For voters and civic-minded residents, nights like this are a reminder that local decisions about school funding, mental health services and extracurricular programming have tangible effects on everyday life. Turnout for home games can mirror broader civic engagement: parents who regularly pack the gym are more likely to attend school board meetings, volunteer, and influence local priorities. Elected trustees and administrators should take note that investing in school supports and transparent event policies matters to constituents beyond wins and losses on the scoreboard.

The takeaway? Show up for your neighbors, hold school leaders accountable for student supports and turnout, and treat the gym as more than a scoreboard — it’s where our community checks in on one another. Our two cents: back the kids, ask questions at board meetings, and keep the Coyotes faithful connected.