Spring Branch ISD Featured News

 

When Memorial High School (MHS) tennis coach Brian Mandell lost his mother to breast cancer in sixth grade, the loss left a mark that would shape him as a person, teacher, and coach.

What began as a small personal tribute in her honor has grown into a powerful districtwide movement.

“Breast Cancer Awareness Month has always been important to me,” Mandell said. “My mom’s battle is something I carry with me every day. It shaped who I am.”

Years ago, Mandell encouraged his players to wear pink and decorate the courts in October. The tradition grew into themed shirts, dedicated matches, and community involvement. This year, that commitment expanded beyond MHS, becoming a shared effort across Spring Branch ISD (SBISD) high schools.

With the leadership of Misty Germer (Spring Woods High School SWHS), Cody Blaine (Northbrook High School NHS), and Matthew Geisel (Stratford High School SHS), four SBISD tennis programs joined forces for a shared cause. Students set aside rivalry and chose collaboration over competition to raise awareness and go pink.

“While our teams are fiercely competitive on the court, we wanted to show our students that off the court, we can stand together,” Mandell said. “Being part of a team means using your platform to make a difference.”

Courts across the district turned pink. Student-athletes wore ribbons and shirts, held signs honoring loved ones, and rallied not for rankings, but for purpose.

SWHS coach Misty Germer said joining the effort was a natural decision.

“This collaboration is about more than tennis. It’s about standing together for a cause that truly matters,” Germer said. “Seeing all the SBISD teams united for one purpose is powerful. It reminds our athletes that even though we compete on the court, we’re one community that cares and wants to make a difference.”

Germer said events like this teach lessons no scoreboard can capture.

“Being part of a team goes far beyond winning matches,” she said. “It teaches compassion by connecting athletes to a cause that impacts so many in our community. They see that they can use their platform to inspire, raise awareness, and show kindness through a sport they love.”

Looking ahead, she hopes the collaboration strengthens both students and the broader SBISD community.

“Our goal as coaches is to build student-athletes who are responsible, competitive, and compassionate,” Germer said. “I hope this tradition teaches them to look for ways to support others and use their talents for good. For the community, I hope it shows that when we come together we can create something positive and meaningful.”

Stratford coach Matthew Geisel echoed that sentiment.

“Coach Mandell’s story inspired all of us,” he said. “It reminded our students that leadership is about more than winning, it’s about empathy and connection.”

Mandell and his colleagues plan to grow the event, collaborating with more programs, more athletes, and potentially national breast cancer organizations to raise awareness and support for research.

“We’re about more than academics or athletics,” Mandell said. “We’re about teaching lessons that go far beyond the court.”

This effort highlights how SBISD students are growing into compassionate citizens, effective communicators, and collaborative team members. These qualities are at the heart of what it means to be T-2-4 Ready.

“When you’re part of Spring Branch ISD,” Mandell added, “you’re part of something bigger. We’re not just one school — we’re one family.”

#SBISDProud