Reigning champion Grapevine removed from playoffs due to ineligible player
Reigning champion Grapevine baseball has been removed from the UIL Texas high school baseball playoffs, multiple sources confirmed to the Star-Telegram.
The Mustangs were set to compete in the bi-district round against Chisholm Trail Wednesday and start a potentially historic playoff run. The team had the opportunity to win three consecutive championships — that hasn’t happened in UIL baseball since 1988.
The Star-Telegram reached out to Grapevine-Colleyville ISD has not yet received a response. A Grapevine baseball parent said head coach Jimmy Webster met with players and took full accountability.
A letter obtained by the Star-Telegram from Grapevine Colleyville-ISD to Grapevine high school families reads:
“Yesterday evening, the district was alerted by the UIL that they received an allegation involving the participation of an ineligible player on the GHS baseball team. Upon receiving this information, the district administration immediately launched a thorough internal investigation.
“Initially, this player was deemed eligible based on UIL requirements and the information provided to the district. Unfortunately, after today’s investigation, it was determined that a student athlete did not meet the specific requirements outlined in section 442 of the UIL Constitution and Contest rules.”
Section 442 requires athletes to be a “resident of the attendance zone in which the participant school being attended is situated.”
The letter said Grapevine Colleyville ISD self reported the violation and took full responsibility because the district holds athletic programs to “the highest ethical standards.” The violation resulted in the forfeiture of all games the player was involved in, which removes the team from the postseason.
With Grapevine’s removal, Colleyville Heritage will now face Chisholm Trail in the bi-district round. The shakeup could potentially mean Denton Ryan, District 6-5A’s fifth place finisher, will be granted a playoff appearance.
Colleyville Heritage was originally supposed to face Aledo in the Class 5A Division I playoffs. Grapevine’s removal changes the division split and brings Colleyville Heritage to the Class 5A Division II bracket.
The letter to Grapevine families continues:
“While this is a deeply disappointing outcome for our players, families and fans, we refuse to compromise our commitment to the rules. Throughout this entire process, Coach Webster has remained committed to the integrity of this team. He has cooperated fully with the district’s review, ensuring that our program’s commitment to the highest standards of the UIL was upheld at every turn.
“We realize this news is difficult to process, especially given the dedication our athletes have shown on the field, and that this was not how any of us envisioned our season ending. Our focus now is on supporting our students, helping them navigate this disappointment with the same resilience they show on the field.”
This is a developing story
This story was originally published April 29, 2026 at 5:30 PM.
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