June 10, 2026 - The Comal Independent School District has been officially named a Texas Way District of Distinction for the 2025-2026 school year by the Texas High School Coaches Association (THSCA) and the Texas High School Athletic Directors Association (THSADA). This prestigious statewide recognition celebrates the district's exceptional commitment to sportsmanship, character and excellence in competition.
Comal ISD is one of only 39 districts in the state to receive the designation this year.
“We are honored to be named a Texas Way District of Distinction,” says Brian Martinez, director of athletics for Comal ISD. “Our coaches and athletes strive to embody the three pillars that make up this award, and their work has not gone unnoticed by our fans and our communities.”
The district is especially proud of the commitment that its athletes and coaches made within their communities volunteering and giving back. A few of the community service efforts include Canyon High School’s annual Cougar Christmas where athletic teams adopted students and provided them with gifts; Canyon Lake High School athletes spearheaded a drive to raise money and needed items for Kerrville and Hunt flood victims; Davenport High School athletes took time to read to elementary students, hosted a diaper derby basketball game and raised money for a women’s center; Pieper High School athletes opened car doors every Friday at their elementary campuses; and Smithson Valley High School athletes read to elementary students.
The “Texas Way” initiative emphasizes respect, self-control and the spirit of competition, with the designation recognizing districts that meet high standards for sportsmanship and character development.
Developed in partnership with 2Words Character Development, the initiative promotes higher standards of behavior at middle school and high school athletic events. The campaign emphasizes three core pillars: respect for others, control of self, and the spirit of competition.
To qualify for the District of Distinction designation, Comal ISD athletics met rigorous benchmarks, including implementing character education programs, demonstrating outstanding sportsmanship and performing community service.
The Texas Way initiative aligns with the THSCA’s and UIL’s broader mission to develop student-athletes not only as competitors, but as leaders and role models in their communities.
For more information about the Texas Way initiative, visit Play the Texas Way.
Photo descriptions
-Athletes on the Canyon High School girls basketball team adopted a fourth-grade student from Freiheit Elementary School during Cougar Christmas purchasing gifts from a wish list. Pictured are members of the CHS team and FES student Nava Nielson.
-Athletes from Canyon Lake High School spearheaded a collection drive for Kerrville families affected by summer floods.
-Pieper High School football players open doors for elementary students at Indian Springs Elementary.
-Davenport High School football players Brody Vestal took time with other teammates to read to elementary students during the school year.
-Smithson Valley High School athletes and coaches participated in Read Across Comal.