June 25, 2001

DOUBLE PLAY:
Katy teen a hit in sports and music career
___By John Hillman
___Special to the Standard
___KATY--Countless teenagers visualize themselves as superstar athletes or musicians, but few ever see those dreams come true. In both realms, however, Texas Baptist teen

PAIGE LEWIS, a member of Kingsland Baptist Church in Katy, has been a standout softball player at Taylor High School. Now she's launching a career as a Christian singer and songwriter. (Photos courtesy of Word Records)

Paige Lewis has converted those images of fame into reality.
___As a freshman at Katy's Taylor High School, the 17-year-old started at third base on the 1999 state runner-up Mustang softball team, batting .280 and collecting 14 RBIs. Converted to catcher the following year, she garnered second team honors on the Houston Chronicle's All-Greater Houston squad.
___But in her limited free hours, the teenager embarked on an incredible journey into the world of Christian music. Signed last fall to a six-record contract by Word Records, her debut self-titled CD, "Paige," was released June 19.
___"I starting playing piano when I was 6," she said. "By the time I got to high school, I wanted to concentrate on softball, and I quit taking lessons. That's when my mom introduced me to the guitar."
___Lewis' talent for singing and songwriting first surfaced during her freshman year at the softball team's Christmas party. Later that spring, she debuted publicly at Taylor High's annual talent show.
___"I rewrote the lyrics to some familiar songs, and everyone seemed to enjoy it," Lewis said. "The experience fired me up to write songs expressing my thoughts and feelings."
___Impressed with her emerging talent, Lewis' uncle, singer and record producer David Rice, assisted her in cutting a three-song demo. This musical sampling circulated around the Houston area and provided numerous opportunities for the high school student to deliver a simple but powerful message to her fellow teens.
___"I want to tell people," she said, "'Look guys, God has an awesome plan for your life, and it's so much better than you can figure out on your own.'"
___During this busy period, Lewis remained active in the youth group at Kingsland Baptist Church. She participated in last summer's mission trip to Jamaica and often led the music for 250 students from Katy's four high schools in the Wednesday night Bible

PAIGE LEWIS played in the state championship softball tournament, then began a 20-city corss country tour to promote her new record.

study and worship sessions.
___"Paige is an incredibly gifted young woman, and she is being obedient to God in using those gifts," said Jeremy Jansen, Kingsland's high school pastor. "She really ministers to her fellow students by writing songs that express what they're experiencing as teenagers. I was amazed at some of the songs she wrote and used in our worship services."
___Although numerous independent producers pursued the youthful singer/songwriter, Lewis never considered a recording offer until approached by Word Records Vice President Brent Bourgeois. Sensing her potential, he encouraged Lewis to compose enough songs to complete an album.
___"As she began to send more songs, she showed unbelievable instinct," he said. "It usually takes years for a songwriter to say what they need to say in a three-minute song. I could teach a songwriting class with her songs."
___Lewis took correspondence courses last fall and spent much of her time in Nashville recording and writing songs. But with the sessions completed, she returned to Taylor High for the spring semester and rejoined the softball squad.
___"I knew I wouldn't be coming back for my senior year, and I missed my friends so much," the aspiring artist said. "I wanted to be normal for one semester."
___The combination of playing and promoting took the young Texan for a whirlwind ride. Often, she flew to Nashville immediately after a game.
___With Lewis behind the plate, the experienced Mustang team finished second in district play but defeated crosstown rival Katy High School, 1-0, for the Region III-5A crown and advanced to the state softball tournament. Taylor's fairy-tale season ended, however, falling 1-0 in 12 innings to Coppell in the championship contest.
___The next day, Lewis began a 20-city cross country tour to promote her album and first single, "Heart to Heart." Later this summer, she will appear at several Christian music festivals.
___Lacking only two credits for graduation, she will complete her high school education by correspondence. In addition to composing songs for her next CD, she will perform in a series of Teen Mania concerts during the fall and spring.
___"All the things that have been happening are still overwhelming," she said. "But I'm very aware of what God is doing through me, and I want everything to work for his glory."

___

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