Texas Sisters Win State Title, Break School Record Together

The first person Lynlee Deats hugged after winning a state championship wasn't just a teammate. It was her younger sister.

Lynlee, 17, and Landree Deats, 15, made history Friday as part of Jonesboro High School's 4x400-meter relay team that captured the UIL 1A state title in Austin. Their time of 4:06.29 shattered the school record and capped years of dreaming about competing together at the highest level.

"The feeling of crossing the finish line and running to my teammates, the first person I hugged was my sister," Lynlee said. "It was so heartwarming."

The relay team, which also included Ryli Bryson and Paislee Cullar, looked into the stands after their victory and saw their fans cheering. For Landree, the moment represented something beyond athletic achievement.

"I think it's really special to go compete at such a high level with my sister by my side," Landree said. "It's really heartwarming that we got to watch each other accomplish our goals."

The sisters had already set a regional meet record with a time of 4:12.70 to qualify for state. But their partnership extends far beyond one track season.

Sunny's Take

What makes this story shine isn't just the gold medal or broken record. It's watching two sisters who play softball, basketball, volleyball, and run cross country together finally reach a moment they'd been working toward for years. Five members of this championship relay team will compete together again next week in the softball state semifinals, proving that small school athletes often have the biggest hearts and the most packed schedules.

In basketball, the team made the second round of playoffs. In volleyball, they achieved the program's deepest playoff run in its three-year history. In cross country, both sisters finished top 10 at district and regionals, with Lynlee placing top 10 at state.

"We've not only waited so many years for us to get to a level where we could compete together, but we're crushing and doing big things together," Lynlee said. "That's what matters most."

The Jonesboro softball team faces Cross Plains in the state semifinals May 21-23 in Stephenville, where both sisters pitch and play shortstop. Eight girls from their small 1A school competed at the state track meet, and six of them are about to play for a softball state title.

For Landree, every achievement feels more meaningful with her sister beside her: "I think it's an honor to be able to do the things that we love together."