ATR ATHLETE 2025-26 FOOTBALL SZN SPOTLIGHT: LADD X HOOKER
- Kam'ron Walker
- Jul 11
- 10 min read
THE COUSIN CONNECTION
For cousins Boston Ladd and Kaden Hooker, sports are more than just a game — they’re a bond that’s been built over years of playing side by side. Whether it’s on the football field, the basketball court, or the baseball diamond, they’ve shared countless memories and moments. Now, with one final season ahead of them, they’re determined to make an impact for 4A powerhouse West Plains High School, hoping to lead the team to a state championship after falling just short in a tight semifinal loss to eventual champions Celina. A dynamic duo, both are three-sport athletes, excelling in football, basketball, and baseball, and earning first-team honors in all three. After this year, they’ll each be four-year lettermen in each of their sports.
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BREAKDOWN: KADEN HOOKER
Kaden who stands at 5'11, 170lbs is a true weapon for West Plains on both sides of the ball. Racking up 884yds and 9tds at receiver while also making his presence felt on defense with 43 tackles, 3 TFLs, and 5 PBUs at corner earning him first-team All-District honors for both. Watching his film, it’s easy to see why those honors are well deserved. His knowledge of the game and on-field patience stand out, as he times his routes perfectly to deceive defenders and create big-play opportunities. In the open field, he takes excellent angles and uses his speed to turn routine catches into massive gains — if not touchdowns. His intelligence isn’t limited to the field, either; he also excels in the classroom, boasting a 4.1 GPA. The combination of athletic talent and academic excellence makes him a prime target for top-tier academic programs seeking a student-athlete who can deliver both on and off the field.
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BREAKDOWN: BOSTON LADD
Arguably one of the most valuable utility players in 4A football, Boston is a true Swiss Army knife. Built similarly to his cousin at 5'11" and 165 pounds, he makes an impact in every phase of the game. He finished last season with an impressive defensive stat line: 92 total tackles (40 solo), 6 tackles for loss, 1 sack, 6 interceptions, and 13 pass breakups as a free safety. Offensively, he added 47 receptions for 500 yards and 5 touchdowns. He also contributed on special teams as the holder, following in the footsteps of his older brother Mason, who held the same role for Randall High School four years earlier.
On film, his defensive vision stands out—he reads the field sideline to sideline while maintaining strong assignment discipline. He excels at baiting quarterbacks into poor decisions and turning them into game-changing turnovers for the Wolves. Unafraid to come downhill and deliver punishing hits, Boston forces opposing offenses to adjust their game plans to account for his dominant presence in both the run and pass defense. Getting the job done in the classroom is just as important as performing on the field. With a 4.3 GPA, Boston proves to college coaches that he can handle his responsibilities both academically and athletically.
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FILM
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ATHLETE Q&A: KADEN HOOKER
1. What position do you play, and what are your biggest strengths at that position?
"I play wide receiver (WR) and defensive back (DB). My biggest strengths are my speed, athleticism, and hand-eye coordination."
2. How would you describe your playing style?
"Fast and athletic."
3. What part of your game are you currently working to improve?
"I’m focused on coming down with more tough catches this year and securing the football better when I’m running it."
4. Describe your offseason or in-season training routine.
"I wake up early and start with a good stretch, then begin lifting and agility work around 7 AM. After that, I get in my ball work and skill drills for both offense and defense."
5. What has been your favorite game or highlight moment so far?
"Scoring the go-ahead touchdown against Stephenville in the 4th round of the playoffs was my favorite moment."
6. How do you prepare mentally and physically for a game?
"I start by stretching, then lay on the floor with music to relax my mind. Before we take the field, I pray and spend time in the Word."
7. Are there any college or pro players you model your game after? Who and why?
"I study Tyreek Hill for his speed and Jeremiah Smith for the way he attacks the game."
8. What are you planning to major in?
"Business."
9. How do you balance academics and athletics?
"I make time for academics in the evenings after my workouts and practices. School always comes first."
10. What are you looking for in a college beyond football?
"A strong education and a positive, supportive culture."
11. How important is academic support when considering a program?
"It’s very important. Without academics, you can’t play football, so having academic support is key."
12. How would your coaches and teammates describe you?
"They would describe me as a leader who plays hard, does the right thing, and competes the right way."
13. What does leadership mean to you, and how do you lead on your team?
"Leadership means everything. As a team captain, I know others look up to me. I lead by example, so teammates know what to do and how to do it by watching me."
14. Share a moment when you overcame adversity on or off the field.
"Before my freshman season, my grandpa passed away from cancer. It was tough, but I used that experience as motivation throughout my high school career."
15. How do you handle pressure in big-game moments?
"I thrive in big moments—that’s what I live for. I stay relaxed and trust the work I’ve put in when no one’s watching."
16. What are you looking for in a college football program?
"A strong team culture, a solid foundation, and a program that feels like a brotherhood."
17. What do you want coaches to know about you that they won’t see on film?
"I’m strong in my faith and have a deep relationship with the Lord. I’m also willing to play any position the team needs me to."
18. What are your personal and athletic goals for the next year?
"I’m aiming for 1,200+ receiving yards, 6 interceptions, and a state championship."
19. Are there any programs or schools you're especially interested in?
"I’m open to any opportunity."
20. Who is your biggest inspiration or role model?
"My dad—he pushes me every day to be my best."
21. What does football mean to you personally?
"Football is a game I’ve grown up playing. I’ve loved it more and more each year."
22. If you weren’t playing football, what would you be doing?
"I’d be playing basketball and baseball."
23. What motivates you to keep pushing through tough days?
"The drive to be the best version of myself and the desire to achieve greatness."
24. How do you want to be remembered as an athlete and a teammate?
"As the hardest-working player on the team and a leader others could look up to."
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ATHLETE Q&A: BOSTON LADD
1. What position do you play, and what are your biggest strengths at that position?
"I am a utility player for both baseball and football. I can play infield, outfield, and catcher. My strengths are my IQ within the game and just playing smart. I’m also very quick with good reaction time, which helps me play at a high level. In football, I play smart and bigger than my size. I'm a ball hawk but will also come down and make a tackle."
2. How would you describe your playing style?
"Scrappy. I’m not the biggest, fastest, or strongest, but I play with a chip on my shoulder no matter what sport I’m playing. I give maximum effort at all times and hold myself to a higher standard because I know what I’m capable of."
3. What part of your game are you currently working to improve?
"In baseball, I’m working to improve my strength. I already have good hands and a solid swing, but to play at the next level, I need to add more strength. In football, I’m working on my speed. I’m already quick, but being shorter means I need every edge I can get."
4. Describe your offseason or in-season training routine.
"My routine stays consistent year-round since I play three sports. I lift every morning that isn’t a game day—four times a week during football season, and three times a week during basketball and baseball. On Saturdays, I do a recovery lift. We focus less on max weight and more on becoming explosive athletes because we’re not training to be bodybuilders—we’re training to be better on the field."
5. What has been your favorite game or highlight moment so far?
"Baseball: In a Game 3 playoff elimination game at home, our leadoff hitter started with a home run. I came up next, took the first pitch, and then hit the farthest ball of my life—back-to-back bombs. We won and advanced.""Football: In the Regional Finals, we were up by 7 with 4th and inches at the goal line. They brought in their heavy package, and I told my coach I was going to jump over. I did—and stopped the QB. It was the most electrifying moment of my sports career so far."
6. How do you prepare mentally and physically for a game?
"Physically, I focus on sleep and hydration all week to make sure my body is ready. Mentally, I listen to calming music, watch film, scout, and go over the game plan. Right before the game, I slow down, lock in, and enjoy the moment because the work has already been done."
7. Are there any college or pro players you model your game after? Who and why?
"I model my game after Bijan Robinson and Kobe Bryant. Both are relentless workers and give all glory to God, which is most important to me."
8. What are you planning to major in?
"I’m planning to major in either Finance or Pre-Dental."
9. How do you balance academics and athletics?
"Student comes before athlete, so school is my top priority. I try to complete work during school hours—during free periods or lunch—so I can focus on athletics after school. I also plan ahead if I know I’ll miss class for games or travel."
10. What are you looking for in a college beyond football?
"I’m looking for fellowship. I want to be around people who invest in me and share the same values and goals. I also want a school that helps me grow in whatever career path I choose."
11. How important is academic support when considering a program?
"Honestly, not a major factor for me because I’m self-driven and goal-oriented. I won’t allow myself to fall behind academically."
12. How would your coaches and teammates describe you?
"They’d describe me as a determined and willing leader. Someone who puts teammates first and can always be counted on."
13. What does leadership mean to you, and how do you lead on your team?
"Leadership means everything. It’s what drives a team. You can have talent, but without leadership, you can’t achieve anything. I lead by making sure every teammate knows their role matters, and I lead by giving 110% all the time."
14. Share a moment when you overcame adversity on or off the field.
"As a freshman, I was called up to varsity to replace an injured senior. A lot of people doubted me, including some on my own team and in the community. I wasn’t confident, but I found my footing and ended up with two interceptions in my first varsity game. I’ve also had to overcome injury—specifically the fear of re-injury—but I’ve learned not to play in fear and not to let others’ opinions affect my mindset."
15. How do you handle pressure in big-game moments?
"I take a deep breath, trust my preparation, and enjoy the moment. Pressure is a privilege—not everyone gets to play in those moments. I play hard, rely on my training, and believe in my team."
16. What are you looking for in a college football program?
"I’m looking for coaches who invest in players as people, not just athletes. I want a brotherhood—a family-like environment where coaches push us to grow on and off the field."
17. What do you want coaches to know about you that they won’t see on film?
"I study film and understand the game at a high level. I’m vocal, play the right way, hustle no matter what, and always support my teammates. Their win is our win."
18. What are your personal and athletic goals for the next year?
"Personally, I want to finish in the top 10 academically and identify a career path I’m passionate about. Athletically, I want to win a state championship and find a college that values me and my skill set."
19. Are there any programs or schools you're especially interested in?
"Any school that will value me and invest in me!"Some schools I’m interested in:Odessa College, Weatherford College, Midland College, LSU Eunice, LSU Shreveport, ETBU, Trinity University, HSU, Concordia University, McMurry University, WT, LCU, Angelo State University, UT Tyler, University of Central Oklahoma, Texas Tech, ACU, OSU, UT Arlington, DBU.
20. Who is your biggest inspiration or role model?
"My dad. He was a lot like me—not the biggest or fastest—but he made the most of every opportunity. He’s always supported me, loves what I love, and pushes me to be my best."
21. What does football mean to you personally?
"Football and baseball are both grinds—and they’re the best representation of life. There are highs and lows, just like in life, and the biggest battles are often mental. These sports teach me resilience, discipline, and how to push past failure. Even though it’s 'just a game,' it’s the best preparation I have for life."
22. If you weren’t playing football, what would you be doing?
"I’d focus on building my career or be more involved in ministry through my church."
23. What motivates you to keep pushing through tough days?
"The people who don’t get to play and would do anything for the opportunity I have. God gave me this gift, and I’m going to use it to be a light and play with everything I’ve got—because it can be taken away at any time."
24. How do you want to be remembered as an athlete and a teammate?
"As someone who glorified God above all else, put his teammates first, and worked and played as hard as possible every single day."
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