The David Farber era in Yorktown is off to an impressive start. Coach Farber, who arrived from St. Joseph to take over the Kitty Kats program, has guided the team to an 8–1 record in his first season at the helm. There are four returners from last year’s 20-14 overall and 9-6 district record team, including Palyn Koopmann, Gracie Stehling, Rylie Krueger, and Claire Person. Farber has blended veteran experience with a fresh coaching voice.
Farber brings 33 years of coaching experience to Yorktown, beginning his career as a graduate assistant at Schreiner College and the University of Mary Hardin– Baylor after earning his bachelor’s degree from Schreiner and a master’s from Tarleton State University. His résumé spans programs in San Marcos, Fort Worth, Temple, Copperas Cove, Bandera, Smithson Valley, Hays, and La Vernia, plus a post-retirement stop at St. Joseph. After coaching boys for 18 years and girls for the remainder, he has now worked at almost every level: 6A, 5A, 4A, 3A, private schools, and now 2A.
His coaching philosophy has already shaped Yorktown’s identity.“I was taught there is no light switch in basketball,” Farber said. “You don’t turn it on and off. It needs to stay in the ‘on’ position from buzzer to buzzer. I want kids to have fun, but also compete at a high level for all 32 minutes.” He added that his focus has never been on his win–loss record, “I don’t even know my overall record. What matters is whether I taught and put kids in a position to compete and strive for success.”
That mindset was on full display during the Kitty Kats’ 45–30 win over the McMullen Cowgirls on December 2. Yorktown opened the game with a three-pointer from sophomore Koopmann, and after McMullen tied the score at 7–7, Trinity Flores responded with a three of her own to regain momentum. Koopmann then sparked the defense with back-to-back steals, helping build a 14–7 lead, the kind of fast, aggressive start Farber emphasizes.
Koopmann continued to pace the offense in the second quarter, sprinting in for a fast-break layup to extend the advantage to 18–13. McMullen tightened the score in the third, but another Koopmann three-pointer pushed Yorktown ahead 27–24. With the Cowgirls threatening at 30–24, Stehling delivered a crucial block, swinging momentum back to the Kitty Kats. Yorktown controlled the remainder of the game to secure the 45–30 win.
The Kats’ strong start continued into tournament play this past weekend in Schulenburg, where they faced stout competition and gained valuable experience With an 8–1 record, renewed energy, and a veteran coach who values both effort and enjoyment, the Kitty Kats appear to be settling confidently into a new era of Yorktown basketball.
