Vandegrift High School has been named the University Interscholastic League (UIL) 2024–25 Lone Star Cup Champion for Conference 6A, marking the school’s first title at the 6A level. If you’re house hunting in Steiner Ranch, that’s a headline worth paying attention to.

For families considering a move to this community, this isn’t just a nice trophy for the school’s case. It’s a real signal about the quality of life, community investment, and long-term value you’re buying into when you choose a home in Steiner Ranch.

What Is the Lone Star Cup, Exactly?

The Lone Star Cup honors Texas high schools that demonstrate overall excellence in academics, athletics, and fine arts. It isn’t awarded for winning a single sport or contest — it’s a cumulative score built from success across the board throughout the entire school year. Winning it means a school isn’t just good at one thing. It excels at all levels.

That’s exactly what Vandegrift pulled off this year, and it’s the first time the Vipers have claimed the Cup at the 6A level, the largest and most competitive classification in the state.

A Standout Year Across the Board

Vandegrift earned 122 points across a wide range of competitions, highlighted by state championships in football, boys soccer, and FIRST robotics.

“Winning the prestigious 6A Lone Star Cup is the ultimate recognition of excellence across all facets of our school — academics, athletics, and extracurriculars,” said Drew Sanders, Vandegrift athletic coordinator and head football coach. “This award reflects the strength of an entire school and community committed to greatness in every arena.”

This kind of across-the-board strength — from the football field to the robotics lab to the marching band field — tells you everything about the culture at this school. It’s not a one-dimensional powerhouse; it’s a genuinely well-rounded program that gives kids of every interest a path to excel.

The UIL will present the Lone Star Cup trophy during a Vandegrift home football game this fall — a proud moment for the whole community, and a fitting one for a school that previously won back-to-back titles in 2014–15 and 2015–16 while competing in Conference 5A.

“Leander ISD is a district where excellence is not a goal, it is the standard,” said Becky Craig, LISD director of athletics. “Our high school programs exemplify this through the dedication of student competitors and the leadership of our coaches and program directors.”

What This Means for Steiner Ranch Families

If you live in or are considering a move to Steiner Ranch, this win hits especially close to home. Steiner Ranch is zoned to Vandegrift High School within Leander ISD, so this Lone Star Cup title belongs to your neighborhood as much as anyone’s.

There’s an even deeper connection here: Vandegrift High School is actually named after 1st Lt. Matthew Ryan Vandegrift, who grew up in Steiner Ranch before graduating from Texas A&M and serving in the U.S. Marine Corps. The school’s traditions and identity are tied directly to this community.

For Steiner Ranch homeowners and buyers, a state-champion high school in your attendance zone is more than a point of pride — it’s a meaningful driver of home value and long-term demand. Top-performing school districts consistently attract families, keep buyer interest high, and help support strong resale value over time. A recognition like this, from the state’s governing body for high school competition, only reinforces what many Steiner Ranch families already know: this is one of the best places in the Austin area to put down roots.

Why This Matters If You’re Buying a Home Here

Great schools are one of the single biggest factors in long-term home value, and recognition like this doesn’t happen by accident. It reflects:

• Strong community investment in schools, extracurriculars, and facilities
• Engaged families and staff who show up and support student success
• A well-rounded school where kids can thrive whether they’re on the field, in the band hall, or building robots
• Long-term property value stability, since top-tier school zones consistently attract buyers and hold demand

If you’re looking at homes in Steiner Ranch, you’re not just buying a house. You’re buying into a school zone that the state of Texas has officially recognized as one of the best around.

Thinking about making a move to Steiner Ranch? I’d love to help you find the right home in this incredible school community. Reach out anytime, I’m happy to walk you through neighborhoods, current listings, and what makes Steiner Ranch a great place to move.