SAN MARCOS, Texas — The Texas State Athletics Department, in partnership with Leo and Kristi Seitz, announced the following student-athletes as recipients of the 2026 Leo John Seitz V Heart of a Champion Scholarship: Kyra Anderson (women's basketball), Halaina Haymark (cheerleading), Sydney Magennis (women's track and field) and Emily Niers (tennis).

Established in 2011 by Leo and Kristi Seitz, the Leo John Seitz V Heart of a Champion Endowment honors the memory of their son while providing summer school scholarships to Texas State student-athletes who exemplify perseverance, dedication and a championship mindset. Over the past 15 years, the scholarship has impacted more than 80 Bobcats, helping them continue their academic pursuits while recognizing their achievements both in competition and in the classroom.

"Leo and Kristi Seitz have created a lasting legacy that continues to make a meaningful difference in the lives of our student-athletes," said Texas State Director of Athletics Don Coryell. "Each year, this scholarship recognizes individuals who embody the values that define Texas State Athletics. We are incredibly appreciative of the Seitz family's generosity and their ongoing investment in the success of our Bobcats, both academically and athletically."

Kyra Anderson | Huntington, Texas
A sophomore public relations major in her first season at TXST, Anderson was one of only two Bobcats who started all 30 games. She emerged as one of the Bobcats' top performers, leading the team with 250 rebounds and ranking second in scoring with 12.8 points per game. Her season included nine double-doubles and five 20-point performances. A force on both ends of the floor, she also paced the team with 30 blocks while adding 37 steals and 24 assists. She converted 157 field goals on 49.7 percent shooting, the second-best mark on the team, and led the Bobcats in both made field goals and offensive rebounds. Her standout play earned her Sun Belt Conference Player of the Week honors on Jan. 26.

Halaina Haymark | The Woodlands, Texas
Haymark is a second-year nursing major and member of the all girl cheerleading team, where she serves as a side base. Last season, Halaina was a member of the program's first-ever small coed gameday team, helping the team earn a seventh-place finish nationally at UCA College Nationals. She also competed with small coed in the traditional division during the season. Returning next year as a veteran team member, Haymark's leadership and experience will have a significant impact on our success this upcoming season.

Sydney Magennis | Plano, Texas
A sophomore jumper majoring in marketing, Magennis has made an impact for the Bobcats both on the track and in the classroom. Competing in the long jump and triple jump, Magennis recorded a personal-best to place fifth at the 2025 Sun Belt Conference Outdoor Championships, contributing four points toward Texas State's conference title. She also established a personal best mark at the 2026 Bobcat Invitational. Away from competition, Magennis has excelled academically, earning Dean's List recognition in each of her first four semesters at Texas State.

Emily Niers | Calgary, Alberta, Canada
A senior majoring in biology, Niers concluded an outstanding four-year career as one of the top student-athletes in Texas State tennis history. Niers earned ITA Scholar-Athlete honors in three consecutive seasons while consistently competing at the top of the Bobcats' singles lineup. During the 2024-25 campaign, she posted a 12-2 singles record, highlighted by a 12-match winning streak and a 4-1 mark in Sun Belt play. Her excellence extended beyond the court, as she earned 2026 CSC Academic All-District honors, exemplifying the balance of academic and athletic achievement.
Bobcat fans and supporters interested in contributing to the Leo John Seitz V Memorial Endowed Scholarship can do so by selecting "Leo John Seitz V Memorial Endowed Scholarship" section when making a gift at this campus giving link.