Granbury ISD is proud to announce the newest members of the district’s Athletic and Academic Hall of Fame for the Class of 2026. These distinguished honorees represent the very best of Pirate tradition—athletes, coaches, educators, community leaders and alumni whose achievements have left a lasting impact on Granbury and beyond.
This year’s Athletic Hall of Fame inductees include former Granbury Pirate and longtime football coach Kevin Atkinson, record-setting Lady Pirate volleyball coach Tammy Clark, standout volleyball player Aubrey Ezell Nichols, state championship soccer coach Larry Mayo, professional bullfighter Frank Newsom and longtime Voice of the Pirates David Youker. The 1997–98 Granbury High School Lady Pirate Basketball Team will also be inducted following its historic 32–4 season and appearance in the Class 4A Region I championship game.
The Academic Hall of Fame welcomes longtime Granbury educators and community servants Willie and Wanda Crossland, Granbury High School graduate and local dentist Dr. Ashley Tello, and longtime community partner Hood County Children’s Charity Fund.
The Class of 2026 will be formally recognized before the Granbury High School Homecoming football game on Friday, October 23, at Pirate Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. Learn more at granburyisd.org/homecoming.
Granbury ISD is proud to recognize these outstanding individuals, organizations and teams for their extraordinary accomplishments and the lasting inspiration they continue to provide to students, staff and the Granbury community.
Athletic Hall of Fame
KEVIN ATKINSON (Athletic)
Coach Kevin Atkinson’s induction into the Granbury ISD Athletic Hall of Fame honors a lifetime of leadership rooted in the values he first learned as a standout athlete in Granbury. As an All-District defensive back for the Granbury Pirates, Kevin distinguished himself with toughness, instinct, and a relentless competitive spirit — qualities that would define his future in coaching.
After graduating from Granbury High School in 1988, Kevin continued his football journey at Northwest Missouri State and then transferred to Stephen F. Austin State University, where he played for the Lumberjacks and further developed the discipline, work ethic, and football IQ that shaped his career.
Kevin carried the spirit of Pirate Nation into a distinguished coaching path across Texas. He served as Head Coach at Keller High School, Denton High School, and Marcus High School, earning statewide respect for building programs grounded in accountability, unity, and character. His teams reflected his own values — disciplined, resilient, and committed to doing things the right way.
Across every stop, Coach Atkinson’s greatest impact has been on people. He is known as a mentor who invests deeply in young men, a leader who strengthens communities, and a coach whose influence extends far beyond Friday nights. His induction celebrates a Granbury Pirate who went out into Texas, made a difference, and never stopped representing his hometown with pride.
TAMMY CLARK (Athletic)
Tammy Clark’s legacy as head volleyball coach at Granbury High School is defined not only by victories and postseason success, but by the student-athletes, coaches and relationships that shaped 16 memorable seasons with the Lady Pirates.
Clark joined Granbury ISD in 2002 and became head volleyball coach at Granbury High School the following year. Over the course of her tenure, she became the winningest volleyball coach in school history with more than 350 victories, transforming the Lady Pirate volleyball program into a consistent postseason contender and establishing a tradition of sustained success.
In 2009, Clark guided Granbury back to the playoffs for the first time since 1996, marking the beginning of a new era for Lady Pirate volleyball. Her teams advanced to the regional quarterfinals four times and reached back-to-back regional finals in 2013 and 2014. Among the many memorable seasons was the 2013 campaign in which the Lady Pirates recorded a school record 40 victories, while many players from that team still hold individual school records to this day. Her teams also received opportunities to compete beyond Texas, including two invitational tournaments in Hawaii.
While the wins and postseason runs hold a special place in Granbury volleyball history, Clark considers the relationships and opportunities created through the program among her greatest accomplishments. More than 30 of her players continued their volleyball careers at the collegiate level, while others have remained connected to the sport as coaches, passing their love of the game to another generation of athletes.
Clark also served the sport statewide through the Texas Girls Coaches Association, including multiple terms on the TGCA State Board and Volleyball State Committee. She was selected as one of four coaches statewide for the 2014 TGCA 5A/6A All-Star Match and served on the Southern Region All-American selection committee. Locally, she partnered with the Hood County Boys & Girls Club to expand youth volleyball opportunities while providing mentorship opportunities for GHS players.
Clark credits her success to the hardworking and talented athletes she had the privilege to coach, the colleagues who worked alongside her and the leaders who helped shape her both personally and professionally.
AUBREY EZELL NICHOLS (Athletic)
Aubrey Ezell Nichols was born and raised in Granbury, where her love for athletics and her determination to succeed began at an early age.
As a student-athlete at Granbury High School, Aubrey lettered all four years and quickly established herself as one of the program’s standout athletes. During her freshman year in 2011, she was named District Newcomer of the Year. She went on to earn All-State, Texas Sportswriters All-State, and District MVP honors, as well as being named a 2014–15 Honorable Mention Under Armour All-American. Among her many accomplishments, Aubrey still holds Granbury High School records for aces and assists.
Aubrey followed her dream to play Division I collegiate volleyball at the University of South Carolina, where she competed in the SEC as a two-sport athlete in both indoor volleyball and beach volleyball.
As a true freshman in 2015, Aubrey earned SEC Setter of the Week and SEC Freshman of the Week honors and was named to the SEC All-Freshman Team. She continued to make her mark throughout her collegiate career, culminating in a remarkable 2018 season in which she led the entire SEC and ranked second nationally with 0.67 aces per set.
Aubrey finished her South Carolina career as a member of an elite group in Gamecock volleyball history. She was the only player in program history to reach 2,000 assists, 1,000 digs, and 175 aces in a career.
Today, Aubrey and her husband, Hank Nichols, a former South Carolina baseball player, reside in South Carolina with their son, Walker.
As a four-year-old girl with older siblings who played sports at Granbury High School, Aubrey remembers looking at the Granbury Hall of Fame trophy wall and telling herself, “One day, I’m going to do something great.” With this testimony and quote, Aubrey has faith that it will encourage the next generation of Granbury athletes to dream boldly, work tirelessly, and never be afraid to believe that they, too, can do something great.
“But those who wait for the Lord, Will gain new strength and renew their power; They will lift up their wings like eagles; They will run and not become weary, They will walk and not grow tired.” Isaiah 40:31.
LARRY MAYO (Athletic)
Larry Mayo began his teaching career in Irving, Texas, while he also raced boats professionally. During his time in Irving, he had the privilege of knowing Mr. Tom Landry of the Dallas Cowboys, who made a lasting impression regarding the importance of character in athletics.
In 1979, Larry moved to Granbury with his wife, Ann, and two young sons, Todd and Geno. He was hired as a vocational teacher at Granbury High School. His sons both loved soccer and played in the Granbury youth soccer league which always needed coaches, so Larry began coaching the sport his sons loved.
Larry was part of the group that convinced the school board to begin boys soccer in Granbury High School in 1988. After searching unsuccessfully for a coach for the new soccer program, Principal Mitch LeMoine convinced Mayo to be the coach until they could hire a real soccer coach.
From the program’s struggling beginning, Coach Mayo’s teams quickly became winners. His teams won nine district championships, three runners-up in district, making 12 playoff appearances, and won the 1999 4A State Championship.
Coach Mayo continued as Head Soccer Coach until 2005, when a heart attack led to his retirement.
Coach Mayo’s goal throughout his coaching career was to develop godly character in his players. He considers it a privilege to live in the community where he coached thousands of young men and continues to enjoy reconnecting with former players around town. The special bond they share, and hearing about the positive impact he had on their lives, remains among his greatest blessings and rewards.
His former players have gone on to become doctors, preachers, coaches, business owners, pilots, leaders and influential members of their communities. Coach Mayo is thankful for the opportunity God gave him to play a role in their lives. As he often says, “It’s not how many games you have won or lost, but how many lives you have changed.”
FRANK NEWSOM (Athletic)
Frank Newsom’s induction into the Granbury Pirate Hall of Fame honors a man whose courage, toughness, and Texas grit carried him from the football fields of Granbury to the brightest lights in professional bull riding. His story is one of heart, humility, and fearless dedication — a journey that began in Pirate purple and rose to the pinnacle of the PBR.
As a student-athlete at Granbury High School, Frank was a dominant force on both sides of the ball. He earned First-Team All-District honors at center and linebacker in both his junior and senior seasons, a rare achievement that reflected his strength, discipline, and instinctive feel for the game. Coaches and teammates remember him as the anchor of the offensive line and the heartbeat of the defense — a player who led by example, played with relentless effort, and elevated everyone around him. His toughness on the football field foreshadowed the extraordinary courage that would later define his professional life.
After graduating from Granbury in 1993, Frank pursued a calling that demanded the highest level of bravery: professional bullfighting. Over the next quarter century, he became one of the most respected and admired bullfighters in the world. Known universally as “The Fearless One,” Frank built a reputation for stepping into harm’s way to protect riders with unmatched timing, precision, and heart. His calm presence and split-second instincts made him a favorite among athletes and fans alike.
Frank appeared at the PBR World Finals 20 times, a testament to his consistency, excellence, and the trust riders placed in him. His career included moments of extraordinary courage — absorbing brutal hits, breaking bones, and continuing to fight because protecting others was his purpose. Younger bullfighters looked to him for guidance, and he became a mentor whose influence shaped the next generation of the sport.
In 2022, Frank retired from bullfighting after a legendary career. In 2024, he received one of the sport’s highest honors: induction into the PBR Hall of Fame, recognizing his decades of service, bravery, and impact on the sport of bull riding.
Today, as he returns home to be honored by the community that shaped him, Frank Newsom’s induction into the Granbury Pirate Hall of Fame stands as a tribute to a man who lived his values every day — courage, humility, loyalty, and heart. From Friday nights in Granbury to the world’s biggest arenas, Frank carried the spirit of Pirate Nation with him, inspiring countless people along the way.
Frank Newsom represents the very best of Granbury — an athlete, a protector, a legend, and now, a Hall of Famer.
DAVID YOUKER (Athletic)
For more than 30 years, David Youker served as the Voice of the Pirates, bringing Granbury High School athletics to life for generations of students, families and fans. During his career, Youker provided play-by-play coverage or served as public address announcer for more than 2,000 GHS athletic events, including volleyball, football, boys and girls basketball, boys and girls soccer, softball and baseball.
Youker’s contributions extended well beyond the broadcast booth. He created and produced Granbury High School’s cable television stations, Channels 99 and 27, which operated from 1998 to 2010 and provided students with valuable hands-on broadcasting experience. Among his greatest privileges was working alongside Pirate great Johnny Perkins, who served as his broadcast partner for 10 years. Youker is also especially proud of two of his finest and most successful students, Ryan Cox and Lissa Oliver.
Youker credits God for every opportunity and is deeply grateful to his wife, Pam, for her love and patience throughout his career. He also thanks Mark Rash for giving him the opportunity, former Superintendent William Harris for sharing his vision and placing confidence in him, and Dr. Jeremy Glenn for his support and for allowing him to finish what he started.
Above all, Youker is thankful to Granbury ISD and the Granbury community for allowing him to live his dream. He considers his induction into the Athletic Hall of Fame one of the greatest honors and the highlight of his lifetime.
“Thank you, Pirate Nation.”
1997-1998 LADY PIRATE BASKETBALL TEAM (Athletic Team)
The 1997–98 Granbury High School Lady Pirate basketball team put together one of the most successful seasons in program history under legendary head coach Leta Andrews.
The Lady Pirates finished the season with an outstanding 32–4 overall record, captured the District 5-4A championship and advanced to the Class 4A Region I championship game, finishing just one victory shy of the UIL State Tournament.
Granbury dominated the early rounds of the postseason, defeating Wichita Falls Hirschi, 82–31, and Sherman, 79–40. The Lady Pirates then earned a thrilling 58–57 victory over perennial powerhouse Canyon in the regional semifinal to advance to the Region I championship. Granbury’s season ended with a narrow 50–46 loss to Canyon Randall, which went on to capture the Class 4A state championship.
The Lady Pirates’ success was fueled by a talented roster that continued to make an impact beyond Granbury High School, with at least four members of the team going on to play basketball at the collegiate level.
The season also holds a special place in Texas high school basketball history. On December 19, 1997, Granbury defeated Waco Midway, 53–45, to give Andrews her 1,000th career victory, adding another historic accomplishment to one of the most celebrated coaching careers in the sport.
With 32 victories, a district championship, a run to the regional final and multiple players advancing to the collegiate level, the 1997–98 Granbury Lady Pirate Basketball Team represented the tradition, talent and excellence that defined Granbury basketball under Leta Andrews and earned its place in the Granbury ISD Athletic Hall of Fame.
The 1997-98 Lady Pirate Basketball roster consisted of: Head Coach Leta Andrews, Assistant Coach Becky Hayworth McClain, Assistant Coach Stephanie Wiley, Jia Perkins, Emily Britt, Hayley Naylor, Tori Procter Hasty, Morgan Moylan Fowler, Aimee Copeland Bleeker, Chaney Conine Cockrell, Sara McBroom Blevins, Jennifer Duncan Marroquin, Shelly Collins Brabner and Hollie Midkiff.
ACADEMIC HALL OF FAME
WILLIE AND WANDA CROSSLAND (Academic)
The story of Willie and Wanda Crossland is deeply woven into the history of education in Granbury. For more than three decades, they dedicated their lives to educating children, developing schools, and serving the Granbury community.
Willie and Wanda met and fell in love at Daniel Baker College (now Howard Payne University). After attending for two years, Willie joined the United States Air Force in 1952 where he served as a military police. Wanda graduated from Daniel Baker that same year and began her teaching career in 1953, teaching in her hometown of Hamilton for one year.
In the fall of 1961, Willie and Wanda came to Granbury, beginning what would become a remarkable chapter in the history of Granbury schools.
Willie initially served as a coach and middle school principal but later became the high school principal, a position he held for twelve years. He later served as an elementary principal and in 1985 helped open Emma Roberson Elementary School. He retired from education in 1986, but retirement did not mean the end of his service to the community.
Wanda spent approximately 30 years teaching second grade in Granbury ISD, all at Granbury Elementary School. She had a way of making every student in her class feel as if they were her favorite. Her granddaughter, a teacher herself at the time, once asked if she ever had a student who she didn’t connect with. Without any hesitation, she answered “no.” Wanda retired from the classroom in 1991, but continued contributing to education by supervising student teachers from Tarleton State University for several years.
Even after their formal retirement, Willie and Wanda continued to make an impact on Granbury and Hood County. In the early ‘90s, Willie played an important role in helping establish the 911 system for Hood County. As part of that work, he traveled throughout the county identifying and naming streets and roads so that emergency services could locate homes and businesses more effectively.
Their contributions to the community were recognized again in 1997 when Crossland Road was named in their honor. In 2001, an even greater tribute was made to their lifelong commitment to education with the naming of Wanda and Willie Crossland Intermediate School. The campus has then become the district’s ninth-grade center before turning into the Administration Building, but the Crossland name continues to represent a legacy of dedication to students, education, and the Granbury community.
Together, Willie and Wanda Crossland devoted their lives to serving children and strengthening the community they called home. Their work reached far beyond the classroom and principal’s office. Through teaching, school leadership, mentoring future educators, and community service, they left an enduring mark on Granbury.
ASHLEY TELLO (Academic)
Dr. Ashley Tello is a proud 2005 graduate of Granbury High School.
While at Granbury High School, she was active in academics, athletics, and fine arts. She graduated cum laude from Texas A&M University, where she competed in national STEM academic competitions, conducted research in immunology and microbiology, and studied conservation efforts in South Africa. She earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree with honors from UT Health San Antonio School of Dentistry in 2014.
After earning her dental degree, Dr. Tello returned to Granbury and founded Little Lakeside Smiles in 2020. She has since published work on medical and dental insurance reform in the United States and Canada and previously volunteered with Cook Children’s Save a Smile program, providing dental care to children.
In 2010, Dr. Tello married her high school sweetheart and fellow Granbury High School graduate, Josue Tello, who went on to become a professional geotechnical engineer. Together, they are raising their two children, Anthony and Irene, in the community they proudly call home.
Inspired by the educators and community that shaped them, Ashley and Josue established The STEM Perseverance Scholarship to encourage and support Granbury students pursuing higher education and careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
HOOD COUNTY CHILDREN’S CHARITY FUND (Academic)
Hood County Children's Charity Fund has been serving Hood County since 1984. Since its inception, HCCCF has partnered with GISD to bring clothing, school supplies, scholarships, and basic needs to the campuses, as well as taking care of immediate and emergency needs of families. To date, HCCCF has provided millions of dollars in assistance over the past 42 years to children through its various programs like Heavenly Closets clothing closets located on every GISD campus, Operation: Back-to-School providing school supplies and backpacks, trade school scholarships for graduating Seniors, and helping families find hope in the midst of struggles.
The organization is run by a volunteer board of directors who works daily to meet these needs. Over the past four decades, the board has been anchored by Hood County public school supporters, educators, and GHS alumni.
HCCCF wishes to thank the Granbury ISD community for this recognition and are proud to serve all of the children in Hood County!
