Former Woodlands Athletes Succeed at Collegiate Level
Danny Amendola, Jordan Dodson and Danny Lehmann Make Their Mark In College Sports
By Jessica Kintigh
Babe Ruth once said, “Never let the fear of striking out get in your way.” For former Woodlands High School athletes Danny Amendola, Jordan Dodson and Danny Lehmann, the title “true freshman“ hasn’t stood in the way. Instead, the three players have made distinct names for themselves in the immense world of college sports.
Up in Lubbock, Texas, Danny Amendola plays for the Texas Tech Red Raiders football team. Last season, Tech benefited a great deal from their starting freshman. Amendola, a wide receiver, scored on a 16-yard touchdown pass against Baylor University which helped lead the Red Raiders to a 42-17 win. He also returned a punt to score a 90-yard touchdown against Kansas State. He finished out the season with 13 receptions for 119 yards. Amendola earned first-team All-Big 12 Conference honors as a punt returner with 29 returns for a total of 371 yards. These numbers are amazing for a true freshman. However, Amendola has remained humble.
At a Woodlands High School baseball playoff game that Amendola attended, a fan replied, “You’re famous.” Amendola simply responded with a smile, “No I’m not.” 
Further south, Jordan Dodson and Danny Lehmann are showing the Rice Owls their knack for baseball. Dodson, former pitcher for the Woodlands High School baseball team, plays for the number 11th ranked Rice Owls as both a pitcher and utility player. He started 12 games and to date has a .309 batting average. He also holds a .397 on base percentage. As of May 22nd, he has 9 RBIs and one homerun. Again, more big numbers from a true freshman.
Dodson set high expectations for his freshman year. “I expected coming in that I would get to play. I have started more than I thought I would, but I am still ready for more games if I get the chance.” Jordan will hopefully have that chance now that the Rice Owls have advanced to Regionals.
Dodson had clear-cut advice for anyone wanting to advance to his level: “Work hard, play hard.”
Along side Jordan Dodson is catcher Danny Lehmann. Lehmann is also putting up big stats for the Owls. As a true freshman, he has started in 43 games with a batting average of .284. He scored 32 runs and currently has 29 RBIs. Lehmann has hit 6 homeruns so far this season. In the May 22nd game against Hawaii, Lehmann had 2 RBIs in the bottom of the 6th inning to tie the game. Later, he hit a triple and then scored to take Rice to a one-run lead.
Similar to Dodson, Lehmann set the bar high as far as expectations. 
“I knew I had a chance to start as a freshman, so I tried to take full advantage of it. There is a big jump from high school to college baseball, and I did my best to make the transition quickly. Hopefully everything will work out, and professional baseball will be an option in a couple of years.”
The Rice Owls are still playing games, and meanwhile, both players are putting up big numbers.
Freshman is the word for former Woodlands athletes. These talented young men are taking the country by storm and proving that age is no barrier. Amendola, Dodson, and Lehmann are the epitome of dedication and passion, and it is these ingredients that have helped them become remarkable athletes.
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