Alumni Hall of Fame 2026

Joe Schwartz

2014 Viking Graduate

Joe Schwartz’s basketball journey is a story of perseverance, determination, and seizing opportunity. A standout multi-sport athlete at Vanguard College Preparatory School in Waco, Schwartz became the school’s all-time leading scorer and earned All-State First Team honors twice, despite basketball not being his primary sport until later in high school. While many believed his future might lie in baseball, Schwartz pursued his dream of playing basketball at the University of Texas, embracing the challenge of walking on to one of the nation’s premier programs.

Through relentless work ethic and unwavering belief, he earned his place with the Longhorns after arriving in Austin with no guarantees and very slim odds of making the roster. On December 16, 2014, Schwartz delivered a moment that became part of Longhorn lore when he entered the game against Lipscomb University late in the second half and knocked down a three-pointer on his very first collegiate shot, sending the Texas bench and crowd into celebration. The unforgettable basket symbolized years of persistence, resilience, and passion for the game.

Following his playing career at Texas, Schwartz transitioned into coaching and quickly built a reputation as one of the rising young minds in college basketball. He joined Kim Mulkey’s staff at LSU, where he played an integral role in video coordination, player development, recruiting, and on-court instruction as the Tigers captured the 2023 NCAA National Championship. His work behind the scenes helped LSU prepare at an elite level, while his energy and relationship-building also strengthened the program’s recruiting efforts and game-day atmosphere. In 2023, Schwartz was elevated to a full-time assistant coach and Assistant Director of Basketball Operations role with the Tigers, continuing a coaching career rooted in the same determination and passion that defined his playing days.

Kacie Carter Angell

Graduating Class of 1995

Kacie still holds the distinction of being the only Vanguard student to win a basketball state championship all four years of high school—a streak that began her freshman year, playing alongside her older sister and senior teammate, Kelli Carter Nokes, and included a softball state title along the way. Track and field was the one experiment that didn’t take: her coach saw nearly six feet of mostly legs and assumed she’d be a natural sprinter—Kacie quickly discovered she was actually built for distance, something she later proved by completing the Kona Marathon in Hawaii while raising funds for the American Stroke Association.

After Vanguard, Kacie headed to Dallas to attend SMU, earning a degree in advertising, followed by a well-earned backpacking adventure through Europe—kicking off a lifelong love of travel that has taken her around the world—before diving into her career. In 2000, she joined The Richards Group, a prominent advertising agency, starting on the print side of the business and evolving with the industry into digital, where she now serves as Director of Digital Studio Services.

When she’s not working, Kacie paints—her work has appeared in multiple shows, as well as a few commissions for fellow Vanguard alumni. In 2010, she married John Angell, who introduced her to what would become a defining part of their home life: cats. Fostering quickly turned into a series of joyful “failures,” and today they share their home with six rescues. These days, Kacie has traded the hardwood for ski slopes—or, more often, can be found at home with John and their very full, very furry household.

Katie Thyen Haas

Graduating Class of 1996

Katie was a multi-sport athlete at Vanguard. She was a four-year varsity letterman in both softball and basketball, playing point guard on the basketball court. She also competed on Vanguard’s 1995 4x400-meter relay team at the state meet. At the time of her graduation, Katie was Vanguard’s all-time career leader in points, assists, and steals. She was a member of three Vanguard state championship basketball teams, as well as the 1993 state championship softball team.

Her high school honors included multiple First Team All-District and All-State selections in both softball and basketball, TAPPS 2A State Player of the Year in basketball for 1994–1995, TAPPS 2A All-District MVP in softball in 1995, two-time Vanguard Athlete of the Year in 1995 and 1996, Super Centex First Team honors in basketball for 1994–1995 and 1995–1996, Super Centex First Team honors in softball for 1995–1996, and recognition on Texas State Basketball Magazine’s All-State Team in 1995–1996.

Katie continued her basketball career at Midwestern State University in the Lone Star Conference, where she was a two-year Academic All-Conference honoree. She later graduated from Texas A&M University in 2000 with a degree in Biology.

Katie has worked in pharmaceutical sales for 26 years and is currently employed by Amgen Pharmaceuticals as a Senior Sales Consultant in the cardiovascular space. She is the proud wife of Dudley Haas II and the mother of three children: Harper, a sophomore at Baylor University; Charlie, a senior at Midway High School; and Hugh, an eighth grader at River Valley. In her free time, Katie enjoys cheering on her children in their sports, supporting Baylor Lady Bears softball and Midway Panther football, spending time outdoors, fishing, and reading.

Marc Johnson

Vanguard Viking Head Tennis Coach from 1983 to 2007

Longtime head boys and girls tennis coach Marc Johnson led the Vikings to 17 TAPPS state team championships during his two-plus decade stint at Vanguard. From 1983-2007, Marc also coached numerous individual all-state honorees.

The Vikings girls team dominated the decade of the 1990s, winning nine of 10 TAPPS team titles (1990-95, 1997-99). Additionally, he directed the boys to eight state championships (1986, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1994, 1995 and 2005). The boys and girls swept the team crowns five times in a six-year span.

His daughter, Rachel (Johnson) Harris, was a four-time state doubles champion and four-time First-Team All-State selection who was inducted into the Vanguard Hall of Fame in 2024.

A standout high school player at Sam Rayburn High School, Marc attended San Jacinto College, where he was a member of the #5 nationally ranked tennis team. He then earned a tennis scholarship to Nicholls State University in Thibodeaux, La.

Following college, he became a certified professional with the United States Professional Tennis Association (USPTA). He made stops at country clubs in Houma, La., Atlanta, Ga. and Dorado, Puerto Rico, before making a home in Waco.

Marc, his wife, Ann, and daughters, Rachel and Hilary, were fixtures at Ridgewood Country Club, where he served as head tennis professional from 1981-2014. Ridgewood served as Vanguard’s home courts during that time.

Marc and Ann moved to Fort Worth in 2019 to be near Rachel and her family. He enjoys teaching tennis to his seven grandchildren and their friends in Fort Worth and Plymouth, Minn.

Stefanie Harms Martin

Graduating class of 1994

Stefanie made a lasting impact on Vanguard’s athletic program by lettering in cross country, track, basketball, and softball. Her competitive drive and leadership were evident throughout her high school career as she earned TAPPS Class 2A All-State Tournament, Super Centex, All-District, and Academic All-State honors in basketball, softball, and track, distinguishing herself among the state’s top athletes.

She continued her athletic journey at Texas Christian University, where she joined the women’s basketball team as a walk-on during her freshman year. Through determination and grit, Stef quickly made her presence known, earning “Player to Watch” recognition for several weeks during her time with the program.

Beyond her athletic accomplishments, Stef’s greatest legacy is found in the way she has poured her heart into her family and community. For 25 years, she has shared life with her high school sweetheart, Tyler Martin, building a home centered on love, faith, and unwavering support. Together, they have raised three children, Tye, Macie, and Koehler, passing down not only a passion for sports, but also the values of hard work, resilience, and integrity.

Whether skiing down a mountain, exploring the outdoors, scuba diving, or spending time on the water, their family’s adventures reflect the same fearless spirit Stef carried as an athlete. She has also shared her passion for athletics by coaching her children in volleyball, cheer, softball, and basketball.

After an 18-year career with the Heart of Texas Behavioral Health Network, Stef has spent the past nine years focused on raising her family, continuing to lead with dedication, energy, and heart both on and off the field. Nothing brings her more joy than watching her children grow, compete, and succeed in their own journeys.