2024 ASJ Volleyball Preview by otssportsatx

The 2024 volleyball preview is a product of the Austin Sports Journal and will publish annually. All content in this publication is copyrighted.

Reproduction in whole or in part is prohibited without the express written consent of the publisher.

PUBLISHER & FOUNDER

Michael Adams

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

John Gutierrez, Paul Knight, Julia Copas Martelle Luedecke, KJ Toso, Jim Suter, Diana Schwind, David Stall

All photos used in this publication were used with permission or through purchasing a license.

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Mike Blackwell Chuck Licata

SPECIAL THANKS

The Austin Sports Journal would like to extend gratitude to Jodi Gonzalez for the help with editing, and the McCallum High School journalism program for help with photos.

ABOUT THE COVER

Liberty Hill senior outside hitter Annie Witt is featured on the cover. Photograby was taken by Cedar Park-based photographer Paul Knight on location at Liberty Hill High School. Special thanks to head coach Marie Bruce for helping organize the photo shoot.

Austin Sports Journal P.O. Box 160911 Austin, TX 78716

madams@austinsportsjournal.com

For advertising inquires, please contact the publisher at the email address above.

Social media: @ASJSportsATX

WHAT’S INSIDE

FROM THE PUBLISHER

BY MICHAEL ADAMS | PUBLISHER

I’llnever forget the feeling when my first byline made it on the front page of a newspaper.

I was a sophomore pre-law student at Marshall University in Huntington, West Virginia.

One day on a whim, I decided to go to the office of The Herald-Dispatch (the city’s newspaper) and see if I could shadow a reporter for a day.

Three months later, the regional editor offered me a summer internship as a community news reporter.

I had no experience, nor had I taken a single journalism course. I didn’t understand why I was being offered an internship, but being a community news reporter was quite fitting for me.

When I was a young boy growing up in rural West Virginia, I started my own newspaper at the age of 11.

I would go around and interview people in my neighborhood, get on my family’s word processor and write stories about the happenings in our community. Think gossip column but written by an 11 year old.

My mother would help me with it and my father took a printed copy to his office and made copies for me to deliver to my neighbors. I charged 10 cents a copy.

Fast forward to the third day of my internship and I’m assigned a story about rising gas prices that would be the lead story in the next day’s newspaper.

I could hardly sleep that night because of the excitement. At 6 a.m., I walked over to the closest store by my apartment in my pajamas and slippers and picked up a copy of the paper.

There was my name in big bold type at the top of the front page of the newspaper I grew up reading every day.

Most of us get into this business to make a difference, or at least that is what we tell ourselves.

Don’t kid yourself, most of us really got into this business for the vanity of seeing our names in print without it being in the police blotter.

Today, my name takes a new place in print – in the staff box under the title of publisher.

It is a full circle moment for that little boy charging 10 cents for his newspaper in a small rural town in West Virginia.

My mother kept a copy of the first

issue of the “Camp Conley Register” in a picture frame on the wall of her home until the day she died.

She always told me that she kept it because she knew I was going to be a successful journalist and it might be worth something. But she’s supposed to say that, right?

This publication is dedicated to her and her memory. There wouldn’t be an Austin Sports Journal without her.

I want these preview publications to be resources and keepsakes for the communities represented in them.

It’s not lost on me that many of the players featured in this magazine will be sharing this with their kids several years from now while telling them stories about their days playing volleyball in high school.

I also recognize this is a record of history and something many of you will keep for the rest of your life, just like my mom kept the copy of my first newspaper.

That is a responsibility that I take very seriously.

I sincerely hope you like the first edition of the Austin Sports Journal’s volleyball preview. I know that my mom is looking down and is just as proud of it as I am. 

AUSTIN POWER 50

RANKING THE 50 BEST COLLEGE PROSPECTS FROM THE AUSTIN AREA BY POSITION

TOP 20 OUTSIDE HITTERS

Player Height Class School College

Henley Anderson 6-2 JR Dripping Springs Texas

Lily Davis 6-2 SR Westlake Texas*

Laney Hennessee 6-0 SR Wimberley Alabama

Addison Gaido 6-3

Taylor Gaines 6-0

SR Georgetown Texas

SR Liberty Hill UTSA

Riley Malloy 6-5 JR Austin High USC

Parker Duncan 6-0 SR Anderson Arkansas

Tylee Shires 6-1

SR Blanco Arizona*

Allie Hudgins 6-4 SO Westlake Uncommitted

Annie Witt 5-8 SR Liberty Hill Angelo State

Jade Key 5-10

SR Rouse Uncommitted

Jennavee Jensen 5-11 JR Vista Ridge Uncommitted

Riley Certain 6-0

SR Dripping Springs Uncommitted

Kael Wilcox 6-3 SR Salado Uncommitted

Layla Todd 5-8

SR Lake Travis Uncommitted

Sophia Jazesf 5-11 SR Georgetown Uncommitted

Greta Carlson 6-0 SR McCallum Uncommitted

McKenzie Collins 5-11

SR Cedar Creek Uncommitted

Ellis Hay 5-10 SR Westlake Washington*

Haley Harms 5-11 SR Taylor So. Nazarene

TOP 10 SETTERS

Player Height Class School College

Takyla Brown 5-9 SR Weiss LSU

Lexi Rosenblatt 5-9 JR McCallum Uncommitted

Isabella Orton 5-10 SR Hutto Auburn

Ava Carrasquillo 6-0 JR Vandegrift Uncommitted

Emerson Butler 6-0 SO Westlake Uncommitted

Lexi Ankerstar 5-9 SR Round Rock Nevada

Addyson Davis 5-11 JR Lake Travis Uncommitted

Ava Hight 5-7 SR Liberty Hill Texas A&M-CC

Camryn Courtney 5-8 SR Burnet Uncommitted

Kylie Triclek 5-7 JR La Grange Uncommitted

TOP 10 MIDDLE BLOCKERS

Player Height Class School College

Ava Kostroun 6-2 SR Liberty Hill Uncommitted

Macy Morris 5-10 SR Salado Uncommitted

Ashley Euston 6-1 SR Dripping Springs Missouri

Anna Claire Brown 6-0 SR Gateway Lipscomb

Sofia Peters 5-10 SR Cedar Park UTSA^

Elise Roffers 6-0 SR Dripping Springs Grand Canyon

Caitlin Hefner 6-1 SR Westlake Uncommitted

McKenzie Bernard 6-0 SR Georgetown Quincy

Elsie Law 6-2 JR Salado Uncommitted

Grace McCluskey 6-3 JR Westwood Uncommitted

TOP 10 LIBEROS

Player Height Class School College

Callie Kruger 5-6 SR Dripping Springs Texas

Merrick Hammel 5-5 SR Vista Ridge Uncommitted

Brooklyn Escobar 5-5 SR Liberty Hill Texas State^

Regan Ramirez 5-7 SR Georgetown UTSA

Addyson Huck 5-8 SR East View Uncommitted

Mallory Weyand 5-7 SR Westlake Harding

Sahasra Mandalapu5-3 SR Westwood Uncommitted

Jessie Hoang 5-5 SR Vandegrift Uncommitted

Mary Schirpik 5-6 SR Rouse Uncommitted

Journey Denton 5-7 JR Burnet Uncommitted

Photo by Michael Adams

Merrick Hammel, Vista Ridge

Ava Carrasquillo, Vandegrift

Photo by Michael Adams

PRESEASON ALL-AUSTIN METRO TEAM

FIRST TEAM

HENLEY ANDERSON

DRIPPING SPRINGS | JR | OH | 6-2

COLLEGE: TEXAS (COMMITTED)

Head-to-toe one of the best volleyball players in Texas. Anderson was the District 26-6A most valuable hitter in 2023, tallying 717 kills and with a .286 hitting percentage. She also had 51 blocks and 395 digs. Anderson committed to the University of Texas this summer.

LANEY HENNESSEE

WIMBERLEY | SR | OH | 6-0

COLLEGE: ALABAMA (COMMITTED)

The competitive Hennessee helped the Texans reach the regional finals last year. The District 26-6A most valuable hitter will head to the University of Alabama in fall 2025, but has her eyes on helping Wimberley win the school’s seventh state volleyball championship.

TAKYLA BROWN

WEISS | SR | S | 5-9

COLLEGE: LSU (COMMITTED)

Last year’s District 12-6A most valuable player. The future LSU Tiger had the second most assists among Class 6A players, and third most among all players last year in the Austin metro area with 1,157. She is arguably one of the top five setters in the state of Texas.

LILY DAVIS

WESTLAKE | SR | OH | 6-2

COLLEGE: TEXAS (COMMITTED)

Last year’s Miss Austin Volleyball, the player of the year selected by the Austin Sports Journal. Davis will head to Texas to play beach volleyball in 2025, but first she will try to help the Chaps reach the state tournament for the first time since 2009.

AVA KOSTROUN

LIBERTY HILL | SR | MB | 6-2

COLLEGE: UNCOMMITTED

Kostroun was the Austin area’s leader in total blocks with 169, which ranked her No. 11 in the state. She was the District 25-5A blocker of the year and helped the Panthers reach the Class 5A state championship game, where she had a single-game season high of 12.

CALLIE KRUEGER

DRIPPING SPRINGS | SR | L | 5-6

COLLEGE: TEXAS (COMMITTED)

One of four future Longhorns on the preseason all-metro team, Krueger helped Cedar Park reach the regional quarterfinals last year. She moved to Dripping Springs in the offseason and will join a loaded Tigers’ roster that is a favorite to win a Class 6A state title.

Dripping Springs’ Henley Anderson is our pick for All-Austn Metro preseason player of the year.

Photo by John Gutierrez

PRESEASON ALL-AUSTIN METRO TEAM

SECOND TEAM

ADDISON GAIDO

GEORGETOWN | SR | OH | 6-3

COLLEGE: TEXAS (COMMITTED)

Gaido was District 23-5A’s offensive player of the year, leading the Eagles with 427 kills and a .315 hitting percentage to go with 59 blocks last year. The future Texas Longhorn leads an experienced Eagles team that returns nearly every starter from last year.

TAYLOR GAINES

LIBERTY HILL | SR | OH | 6-0

COLLEGE: UTSA (COMMITTED)

The 6-0 outside hitter had her breakout season as a junior, helping Liberty Hill reach the Class 5A championship game and leading the Panthers with 460 kills and a .272 hitting percentage. She committed to the University of Texas-San Antonio in the summer.

LEXI ROSENBLATT

MCCALLUM | JR | S | 5-9

COLLEGE: UNCOMMITTED

As a sophomore, Rosenblatt held her own among some of the area’s best setters, which included an All-American and three D1 recruits. She helped the Knights reach the second

RILEY MALLOY

AUSTIN HIGH | JR | OH | 6-5

COLLEGE: USC (COMMITTED)

As a sophomore, Malloy delivered 387 kills and had a .258 hitting percentage. Towering 6-foot, 5-inches, she is the tallest player in the area and will be taking her talents to the University of Southern California in 2026. Before then, she will lead a Maroons team with a lot of potential.

MACY MORRIS

SALADO | SR | MB | 5-10

COLLEGE: UNCOMMITTED

A key part of the Eagles’ run to the Class 4A state tournament last season. Morris changed positions last year and finished her junior season with 138 blocks, which was second among all players in the Austin area. She also had 29 service aces and 231 kills.

MERRICK HAMMEL

VISTA RIDGE | SR | L | 5-5

COLLEGE: UNCOMMITTED

Hammel was last season’s District 25-6A defensive player of the year and helped the Rangers reach the postseason. She finished the season with 485 digs and 44 service aces.

by Paul Knight

Photo

GARLAND OR BUST

With a reloaded roster, Liberty Hill has its sights on a state title

BY MICHAEL ADAMS | PUBLISHER

Good teams do not rebuild. They reload. While that may be one of most overused sports clichés, there may not be better way to describe the 2024 Liberty Hill Panthers volleyball team.

While it may look on paper like it will be a rebuilding year for the Panthers, it is anything but.

Liberty Hill lost three starters to graduation, which includes Division I recruits Gi Gi Mason (Vanderbilt) and Kealy Dirner (Georgia State), along with Carson Glenn, who will play soccer this fall at UT-Tyler.

“Those three provided a lot of leadership and experience,” said third-year head coach Marie Bruce. “You might look at that and think, ‘that’s a lot,’ but the senior class we have is ready to take the reins.”

Anyone who doubts Liberty Hill in 2024 might want to reconsider.

This is still a loaded roster.

Three of the five seniors have verbally committed to Division I colleges, including outside hitter Taylor Gaines (UTSA), setter Ava Hight (Texas A&M-Corpus Christi) and libero Brooklyn Escobar, who is also an allstate goalkeeper and will play soccer for Texas State in 2025.

Gains’ offensive counterpart Annie Witt is also headed to collage and will play volleyball for Division II Angelo State University in San Angelo next year.

That’s not all.

Middle blockers Ava Kostroun and Evie Bruce have not made their college choices, yet. Kostroun has multiple offers to play volleyball at the next level, while Evie Bruce is weighing her options to play college basketball.

The cupboard is far from bare.

“Every single one of these girls has made a name for themselves,” Marie Bruce said. “This is a very athletic team that is ready to keep

this winning tradition going.”

The Birth of a Contender

If the Panthers return to the state tournament in November for a third consecutive time, they will join some elite company.

Only three schools in the Greater Austin Area have made three straight state tournament appearances –Wimberley (2001-03), Westlake (200709) and Dripping Springs (2013-15).

Wimberley won three straight state championships in their consecutive appearances, while Dripping Springs won a state championship in its final attempt of its three-year run.

Liberty Hill players believe they have the tools to make a third time the charm.

“Someone asked me in a postgame interview after we lost in the championship game, what are we going to do to get back here next year,” Witt said. “My answer went something like, ‘don’t worry, we’re going to be back.

We’re coming to complete the set.’”

That’s a far cry from the days the Panthers couldn’t get out of the first round of the playoffs.

Liberty Hill has made five trips to the state tournament, but 2023 was the first time the Panthers reached the state championship game.

Yet, a state championship has eluded the Panthers each time.

Last year, Liberty Hill defeated Class 5A powerhouse Colleyville Heritage in the semifinals in what many considered the biggest upset in any classification at the state tournament.

A powerful Lucas Lovejoy swept the Panthers in the championship match, but It was just enough to leave the Panthers wanting more.

“We know what the expectations are, and we’re ready for them,” said Kostroun. “When you get to that level of playing in a state championship game, if you don’t win, it’s disappointing. Knowing how close we were really fueled us in the offseason.

We want the state championship.”

Navigating a New Playoff Format

The UIL adopted a new playoff format for the 2024 season, which resembles the format used in football.

Four teams from each district will qualify for the postseason.

The two schools with the largest enrollments will be placed in the Division I bracket, and the two schools with the smallest enrollments will be placed in the Division II bracket.

The new format will also eliminate the area round of the playoffs.

With the smallest enrollment among the eight teams in District 25-5A, Liberty Hill is guaranteed to be in the Division II bracket should they make the playoffs.

It could also mean that the Panthers won’t have Lucas Lovejoy standing in their way of winning that elusive state championship.

However, Marie Bruce said the playoffs are so intense that the

Annie Wiltt (10) celebrates a point during the Class 5A-Region IV final at Northside Gymnasium in San Antonio on Saturday, Nov. 11, 2023.

Photos by Michael Adams

“ When you get to that level of playing in a state championship game, if you don’t win, it’s disappointing. Knowing how close we were really fueled us in the offseason. We want the state championship.”

– Ava Kostroun, senior middle blocker

change in the format won’t affect preparations.

“There’s a little bit of luck involved, but there’s also skill needed,” she said. “We had to prepare and work hard every day for the playoffs. I think one advantage we have is that these girls know that grind and the magnitude of each game.

“That mental and mental and physical stamina is really, really helpful.”

‘No Ego, Amigo’

Most championship caliber teams at the high school level have one skilled player that truly makes the difference.

Not Liberty Hill.

This is a team that has a roster full of players that can step in for one another or step up when another player is having a bad day.

It’s been the trademark of Liberty Hill volleyball in the past two years, under Marie Bruce’s direction, which makes the team motto even more fitting.

“Last year, we had a slogan, ‘no ego, amigo,” Kostroun said. “It meant that no one player was bigger than the team. It’s how we approached each match. We play for each other.”

Even the stat sheet represents that characteristic.

Gaines led the team in kills last year with 458, but Dirner and Witt also had over 400 kills, while Mason had 391.

Hight shared setter duties with Glenn last season, and both had over 700 assists.

Defensively, digs were spread across the roster.

“That’s the one thing about this team,” Hight said. “We all check our egos at the door and know we can’t succeed without each other. No one is

worried about their stats, just the score on the scoreboard.”

A Community Behind Them

If you attend a Liberty Hill volleyball game, the first thing you will notice is the vast support from the community.

Regardless of the sport, the Liberty Hill community shows up in droves to support the Panthers.

And they travel very well.

“We are very, very lucky to have such a supportive community,” Witt said. “I know it helps with our success. It means so much to us and motivates us to play our best.”

It’s also what drives them to want to bring back a state championship.

“Our fans bring the energy every match,” Kostroun said. “It makes all of this so much fun. We all talk about it, and we all want to repay this community for that support with a state championship.”

The third time might just end up being the charm for the Panthers. 

Taylor Gaines

Head coach Marie Bruce

by Michael

Westlake’s Emerson Butler

Photo

Adams

CLASS 6A OVERVIEW

ASJ’S PRESEASON CLASS 6A TEAM

OH: Henley Anderson, Dripping Springs senior

OH: Lily Davis, Westlake senior

OH: Riley Malloy, Austin High senior

MB: Ashley Euston, Dripping Springs senior

S: Ava Carrasquillo, Vandegrift junior

L: Callie Kruger, Dripping Springs senior

PLAYER SPOTLIGHT

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Vista Ridge’s Jennavee Jensen won the ASJ Rising Star Award, which goes to the top newcomer in the area. The 5-foot, 11-inch Jenson posted a team-high 328 kills, averaging 2.5 kills per set in her first varsity season. She got better as the season went on.

SLEEPER TEAMS

Westwood

Sure, Julia Hopkins is gone. But there’s a lot of talent returning for Madison Smith’s squad that could sneak up on a few opponents.

CLASS 6A POWER 10

Here are the 10 Class 6A teams to watch in 2024:

DRIPPING SPRINGS

The Tigers are loaded and will be state contenders.

WESTLAKE

2. AUSTIN HIGH

The Chaparrals are a legit threat to Dripping Springs.

Is this the year the Maroons finally get over the hump?

LILY DAVIS, WESTLAKE

Davis was last year’s Miss Austin Volleyball, the Austin Sports Journal’s award for player of the year. The future Texas Longhorns beach volleyball player leads a talented Westlake team in her final season. She helped the Chaps to a 36-12 record as a junior and a trip to the regional quarterfinals with 634 kills.

When you’re on a team full of Division I recruits it’s easy to get overlooked. Yet Eloise Roffers, Dripping Springs’ senior middle blocker, will be a name you hear repeatedly this season. The Grand Canyon University pledge was one of the Tigers’ more efficient hitters last year.

LAKE TRAVIS

It’s a rebuilding year, but don’t count the Cavs out.

VANDEGRIFT

The Vipers have all the pieces in place to excel.

VISTA RIDGE

A well-coached team with a solid roster is ready to contend.

ROUND ROCK

It’s a rebuilding year, but the Dragons are still the Dragons.

SAN MARCOS

The Rattlers return nearly everyone from a playoff team.

BUDA JOHNSON

The Jaguars should be competitive in a tough district.

10.

WESTWOOD

The Warriors could sneak up on opponents this year.

Round Rock

It’s hard to imagine that the Dragons would be considered a sleeper, but with two starters back, there’s a lot that’s unknown.

Buda Johnson

A new district could mean new opportunities for the Jaguars. With five returning starters, the pieces are all there for a banner year.

NEW PLAYOFF FORMAT

The top four teams from each district will advance to the playoffs. For the first time in history, teams will be split into two divisions. The two teams with the largest enrollments will be placed in the Division I bracket, and the two teams with the smallest enrollments will be in the Division II bracket.

Photo by Michael Adams

Photo by John Gutierrez

REDEMPTION CLASS 6A COVER STORY

Anderson and the Tigers look to right a wrong after last year’s loss in regional finals

BY MIKE BLACKWELL | CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Like many kids, there came a time in Henley Anderson’s childhood when she received a bike from her parents. The gift of a bike is a childhood rite of passage, the first step toward transportation independence, and it always comes with a set of training wheels. Always.

However, Anderson was not like other kids. When she received her bike, the 16-year-old Dripping Springs volleyball phenom simply hopped on and started pedaling without the training wheels.

In hindsight, skipping the training wheels might have been an early indication that Anderson was indeed not like other kids.

A Generational Talent

The term “generational talent” might be overused in today’s sports universe. However, in Anderson’s case, “generational talent” might not be a good enough title for Dripping Springs’ junior phenom.

“To be honest with you, the talent this lady possesses is genuinely unmatched, certainly in the history of Dripping Springs,” said her legendary head coach Michael Kane. “I’ve been coaching 24 years and have six state championships. I’ve coached well over 50 Division I athletes and I can tell you, this kid is as humble as you’ve ever seen in your life.”

Never mind that as a freshman at Dripping Springs, she won a Class 6A state championship and came close to repeating that feat as a sophomore.

Yet, with those accomplishments, Anderson has managed to succeed at a stratospheric, generational level without losing her moorings.

She’s as normal a teenager as she can possibly be while being on a 12-member USA National volleyball team, with a future that includes playing for Jerritt Elliott and the University of Texas.

And she has yet to play a single point of her junior season.

Anderson’s proclivity for accomplishing the unexpected is why she appears to be sitting on the precipice of monumental athletic and personal achievement, and why being labeled a “generational talent” may not do her justice.

Staying Humble

Remaining humble under these circumstances is an achievement in itself, especially in the age of travel sports and social media that puts extreme expectations on youngsters by the time they reach double digits in age.

Select teams, select tournaments, travel teams — this is the world Anderson entered early in life. Somehow, she’s managed to remain a kid in a world of team fees, hotel bills, catching sleep when she can and unrealistic expectations.

The mature-for-her-age Anderson has thrived without taking herself too seriously while many around her take her extremely seriously.

“I think when I do get little breaks, I just honestly try not to play volleyball and focus on hanging out with my friends and doing fun stuff where volleyball is not the topic,” the 6-3 Anderson said. “I don’t talk about it, I don’t play it, I just get a mindset break from it.

“I come back a lot stronger, because I’m just not thinking about it. I might do little practices here and there but not something where I’m like ‘go, go, go’ and never stop.”

Her balance also includes maintaining excellence in the classroom, where she thrives as well. She’s obviously a dream come true for Kane.

“Even us coaches and teammates kind of just shake our heads like, ‘geez’,” he said. “She’s just an uber-uber talent but

an even better person and teammate, for sure.”

That humility belies a competitiveness and drive that are elite, but not without room for refining. Last year’s regional finals loss to San Antonio Harlan was devastating for the Tigers, whose expectations far exceed those of 99% of the other 6A schools in Texas.

A Quest for Redemption

Anderson and her teammates leave no doubt where their expectations are this season. The loss to Harlan left a mark. Not so much the loss itself, but how it happened—in straight sets.

Anderson seems determined to avoid that feeling of disappointment this year.

“We have new people joining us, and that’s going to be huge,” Anderson says. “We’re super-excited. We knew that last year we could’ve gone to the final four; we just choked. We didn’t play well.

“We were kind of stressed and not playing loose. But this year, we’re excited; our goal is to get back to the state tournament. That’s going to be a big part of our motivation this year.”

Losing after coming so close to claiming back-to-back championships might be one of the main reasons that Anderson hasn’t allowed the select/national team world to interfere with what she wants to accomplish for her Tigers.

It’s a balancing act that she’s managed superbly, despite her status as the top of the top in the volleyball recruiting world.

“Honestly, I don’t think about being the best or top recruit in the country,” Anderson says. “I enjoy being with people I go to school with, and they are so fun to play with. Our high school team is really good, so it’s really fun to play club, then the USA team, then high school.

“I just love the people surrounding me. It’s not always the volleyball part that’s important, it’s the people and the friendships that I’m going to have forever.”

With the recruiting part finished, she can focus on helping Kane and the Tigers add a couple more state championship banners to Tiger Gymnasium.

“I’m very glad it’s over,” Anderson says. “I had narrowed all my schools to Nebraska and Texas. It was really hard, honestly, but the schools were amazing. Location-wise, I didn’t want to be away from my family; I wanted to stay home.”

High Expectations

Playing volleyball at Dripping Springs comes with its own set of high expectations. The community has come to expect their Tigers volleyball team to be state contenders and play for championships.

As a goal-oriented, elite athlete, Anderson has her own set of lofty expectations, not only for herself but for her teammates, too.

It’s a map forward that she’s outlined thanks not only to her own talent but also as a testament to the support she’s received at home from her parents since this whole “phenom” thing was born long before she could legally drive a car.

“We just try and give her as much support as we can, just encouragement and any tools that she needs to keep her body healthy,” her father, D. Anderson, said. “Obviously she’s going to school number one for academics, she just happens to play volleyball.”

And she just happens to be one of the best at it in her age group. 

Photo

John Gutierrez

DISTRICT 25-6A PREVIEW

THE BIG 3

Lexi Ankerstar Round Rock, junior setter

Here are three players on the Austin Sports Journal’s watch list for district player of the year: Jennavee Jensen Vista Ridge, junior outside hitter

Ava Carrasquillo Vandegrift, junior setter

CEDAR RIDGE RAIDERS

Head coach: Eric Soto (5 years)

2023 record (district): 17-29 (4-10, 6th)

No. of starters returning: 3

Key losses: Natalie Martinez (Pratt College)

Key players returning: Faith Reynolds, Sr., outside hitter; Layla Turner, Sr., outside hitter; Kendall Lewis, Jr., middle blocker

Newcomers to watch: Skyler Scott, Jr., setter; Cailee Valadez, So., right-side hitter

Notes: The Raiders are looking to return to the playoffs for the first time since 2021. They will have to do it in an expanded district that includes a Hutto team that made the playoffs last year in District 126A. Cedar Ridge has a lot of experience returning on the front line that could make the Raiders competitive.

HUTTO HIPPOS

Head coach: Jessica Martinez (2nd year) 2023 record (district): 21-21 (7-6, 4th 12-6A)

No. of starters returning: 3

Key losses: Charlize Williams (Newman University, basketball), Cori Babb, Hailey Bartley

Key players returning: Isabella Orton, Sr., setter; Macie Atkinson, Sr., libero; Lyric Guillory, Sr., outside hitter

Newcomers to watch: Ellie Witcher, Fr., outside hitter/middle blocker

Notes: The Hippos are entering a rebuilding year. Hutto lost eight seniors from last year’s 12-player roster and will be entering a new district after playing in District 12-6A. All-district setter Orton will be the team leader as the Hippos get settled into another competitive district.

MANOR MUSTANGS

Head coach: Delilah Pacheco (3rd year) 2023 record (district): 12-25 (1-13 8th) No. of starters returning: 3

Key losses: Trinity Hughes (Pratt College); Janae Parker (St. Mary’s, KS); Lana Wright (Temple College), De’Awntanique Sorrells-Walker; Ranniah Barlow

Key players returning: Destini Doss, Sr., middle blocker; Haylee Rivers, Sr., middle blocker; Arianna Leroy, Jr., defensive specialist

Newcomers to watch: Lila Wellington, So., setter

Notes: Manor is a scrappy but young team. Like Hutto, the Mustangs lost a lot of senior leadership from last year’s team. Defense will be Manor’s strength behind its front line that consists of Doss, Rivers and Leroy.

MCNEIL MAVERICKS

Head coach: Mallory Burns (3 years)

2023 record (district): 8-32 (1-13, 7th )

No information submitted

ROUND ROCK DRAGONS

Head coach: Christi Dreier (6 years) 2023 record (district): 34-12 (12-2, 1st)

No. of starters returning: 3

Key losses: Riley Clinton (UT Tyler); Molly Cravens (SFA)

Key players returning: Lexi Ankerstar, Jr., setter; Alta Wilson, So., right-side hitter; Parker Featherstone, So., outside hitter

Newcomers to watch: Kerington Thornton, So., middle blocker; Brooklyn Bradley, So., outside hitter

Notes: Round Rock will be in an unfamiliar role as the underdog in 2024. The Dragons lost a lot to graduation, including a lot of size on the front line. Junior setter Ankerstar could be Round Rock’s secret to success this season as they chase Vandegrift and Vista Ridge.

STONY POINT TIGERS

Head coach: Julie Miller (5 years)

2023 record (district): 32-14 (9-5, 4th)

No. of starters returning: 4

Key losses: Kylee Bagley, Carrie Weston (Paul Quinn College), Allie Beal

Key players returning: Addison Deba, Jr., outside hitter; Amaya Horton, Sr., middle blocker; Aubree Bagley, Jr., setter; Taliah Angwekwe, Jr., middle blocker

Newcomers to watch: Zoe Janda, So., outside hitter

Notes: Stony Point edged out Westwood for the final playoff spot in 2023, and it could come down to the two teams again this year. The Tigers will be a strong offensive team behind all-district middle blocker Horton and right-side hitters Deba and Janda.

VANDEGRIFT VIPERS

Head coach: Melissa Southall (8th year) 2023 record (district): 22-22 (11-3, 2nd)

No. of starters returning: 5

Key losses: Alex Beauchamp

Key players returning: Ava Carrasquillo, Jr., setter; Jenna Hehman, Jr., outside hitter; Jessie Hoang, Sr., libero; Audrey Hedlund, So., middle blocker Newcomers to watch: None listed Notes: The Vipers had a lot of depth in 2023 that will undoubtedly benefit them as they chase a district championship. Vandegrift has a lot of size on the roster and arguably one of the top setters in the area. The challenge will be staying consistent through a long district season.

PREDICTION

Here is how the Austin Sports Journal sees this district playing out. The top 4 make the playoffs.

1. Vandegrift (2,533.5)

2. Vista Ridge (2,668.5)

3. Round Rock (3,882)

4. Westwood (2,834)

5. Hutto (2,929.5)

6. Stony Point (2,769)

7. Cedar Ridge (2,898)

8. McNeil (2,631)

9. Manor (2,570)

Note: Enrollment is in parenthesis

VISTA RIDGE RANGERS

Head coach: Kayla Allen (3rd year) 2023 record (district): 29-17 (10-4, 3rd)

No. of starters returning: 4

Key losses: Olivia Kelley (Hardin Simmons); Jordyn Zink (Oklahoma Christian); Caton Firkins (Briar Cliff)

Key players returning: Merrick Hammel, Sr., libero; Jasmin Dion, Sr., setter; Jennavee Jensen, Jr., outside hitter; Sophia Ely, Sr., outside hitter

Newcomers to watch: Danica Puepke, Jr., defensive specialist; Ella Prewitt, Jr., right-side hitter/ middle blocker; Lauren Barlow, Jr., right-side hitter/ middle blocker

Notes: The Rangers will challenge Vandegrift for the district title this year behind an experienced roster. That chemistry is going to be the strength of Vista Ridge, according to Allen. Outside hitter Jensen will be a force at the net after drilling 328 kills as a sophomore.

WESTWOOD WARRIORS

Head coach: Madison Smith (2 years) 2023 record (district): 21-24 (8-6, 5th)

No. of starters returning: 3

Key losses: Julia Hopkins (Angelo State); Rachel Cai; Kenzie McElroy (Yale, track and field)

Key players returning: Grace McCluskey, Jr., middle blocker; Ava Moncada, Sr., middle blocker; Harper Zoll, Sr., right-side hitter; Sahasra Mandalapu, Sr., libero

Newcomer to watch: Lila

Wellington, So., setter

Notes: Westwood lost some power with the graduation of outside hitter Hopkins, but head coach Smith points to a lot of motivation after just missing the playoffs in 2023. Junior middle blocker McCluskey and senior right-side hitter Zoll were a big part of the Warriors’ success last year and should have big years this season.

DISTRICT 26-6A PREVIEW

THE BIG 3

Here are three players on the Austin Sports Journal’s watch list for district player of the year:

Henley Anderson Dripping Springs, junior outside hitter

AKINS EAGLES

Head coach (years at school): Mandy Thomas (17 years)

2023 record (district): 4-29 (0-16, 8th)

No. of starters returning: 3

Key losses: Mallory Liu

Key players returning: Janese Counce, Sr., outside hitter; Laila Owens, So., middle blocker; Jade Ruvalcaba, Sr., outside hitter

Newcomers to watch: Kennedie Leivas, So., setter; Ava Ybarra, So., defensive specialist

Notes: The Eagles will be a young team that will rely on sophomores to be leaders as they navigate a challenging district and a size mismatch. Akins has three starters returning and will be led by senior outside hitter Counce and sophomore middle blocker Owens.

AUSTIN HIGH MAROONS

Head coach (years at school): Kylie Woods (5 years)

2023 record (district): 29-14 (10-6, 4th)

No. of starters returning: 5

Key losses: Aleida Moreno (Swarthmore College); Campbell Bartley (Middlebury College); Keela Bustamante; Savannah Vasher

Key players returning: Riley Malloy, Jr., outside hitter; Chole Kelly, Jr., outside hitter; Harper Luthy, Sr., outside hitter; Camille Presley, So., middle blocker

Newcomers to watch: Laven Blumoff, So., libero; Maddy Kaven, Jr., right-side hitter

Notes: The Maroons will be one of the deepest teams in the district with a lot of players who can play multiple positions. The challenge will be developing a new setter to replace both setters lost to graduation. Austin High could be a sleeper this year if the Maroons can put it all together.

BOWIE BULLDOGS

Head coach (years at school): Danna Wincher (2 years)

2023 record (district): 25-16 (6-10, 7th)

No. of starters returning: 5

Key losses: Bella Paryano (Tarleton State University), Natalie Erickson (Berry College)l

Key players returning: Gabby Ghoblohn, Maya Arambode, Simone Baskin

Newcomers to watch: Jazlyn Hepburn, Lyla Ross

Notes: The Bulldogs have five starters returning for 2024. Head coach Wincher said the Bulldogs’ strengths will be speed, power and defense as Bowie tries to challenge for a playoff spot in a competitive district. Newcomers Hepburn and Ross will quickly fill the holes left by graduation.

DEL VALLE CARDINALS

Head coach (years at school): Megan Guitterez (3 years)

2023 record (district): 7-26 (2-13, 8th)

No information submitted

DRIPPING SPRINGS TIGERS

Head coach (years at school): Michael Kane (16 years)

2023 record (district): 48-7 (13-3 2nd)

No. of starters returning: 5

Key losses: Pressley Alford, Ella Kuhn

Key players returning: Henley Anderson, Jr., outside hitter; Ashley Euston, Sr., middle blocker; Eloise Roffers, Sr., middle blocker; Sydney Lund, Jr., setter; Rylie Certain, Sr., outside hitter

Newcomers to watch: Christa Wilburn, Jr., outside hitter; Callie Krueger, Sr., libero (move-in from Cedar Park)

Notes: Kane said the Tigers will be better than they were last year when they reached the regional finals. Dripping Springs will have one of the best front lines in the Austin area, led by the offensive firepower of Anderson, one of the top juniors in the nation. Middles Roffers and Euston make a dynamic defensive duo. The addition of Krueger at libero adds more defensive power for the Tigers.

PREDICTION

Here is how the Austin Sports Journal sees this district playing out. The top 4 make the playoffs.

1. Dripping Springs (2,484)

2. Westlake (2,813)

3. Austin High (2,296.5)

4. Lake Travis (3,774)

5. Bowie (2,904)

6. Akins (2,568)

7. Del Valle (3,755)

LAKE TRAVIS CAVALIERS

Head coach (years at school): Brandace Boren (10 years)

2023 record (district): 44-6 (15-1, 1st)

No. of starters returning: 2

Key losses: Avery Hamlin (Duke); Kacey Kazmierski (University of North Florida); Carrington Jaimes (St. Edwards); Cate Haley (MIT)

Key players returning: Layla Todd, Sr., outside hitter; Addyson Davis, Jr., setter/ outside hitter

Newcomers to watch: Haven Jennings, So., middle blocker

Notes: The Cavaliers will be in a reloading year in 2024 with only two starters returning and the bulk of their offensive production now in college. Look for Boren to lean on junior Davis and senior Todd to fill leadership roles while several newcomers get settled.

WESTLAKE CHAPARRALS

Head coach (years at school): Miguel Saenz (2 years)

2023 record (district): 36-12 (12-4, 3rd)

No. of starters returning: 6

Key losses: Claire Wemli; Reese Emerick (Texas)

Key players returning: Lily Davis, Sr., outside hitter; Allie Hudgins, So., outside hitter; Emerson Butler, So., setter; Mallory Weyand, Sr., libero

Newcomers to watch: Sydney Yohe, So., middle blocker

Notes: Westlake will be a top challenger to Dripping Springs’ state title and district championship hopes. The Chaps return nearly all of their entire starting lineup and will be very tall with only one player under 6 feet. However, depth might be an issue in the later rounds of the playoffs. University of Texas beach volleyball pledge Davis will lead arguably the best offense in the area.

Riley Malloy

Austin High, junior outside hitter

Lily Davis Westlake, senior outside hitter

Layla Todd, Lake Travis

Photo by John Gutierrez

Note: Enrollment is in parenthesis

DISTRICT 29-6A PREVIEW

THE BIG 3

Jada Williams Cibolo Steele, senior middle blocker

Here are three players on the Austin Sports Journal’s watch list for district player of the year: Marlee Lightsly New Braunfels Canyon, junior outside hitter

Zaniah Hoskins

Buda Johnson, senior outside hitter

BUDA JOHNSON JAGUARS

Head coach (years at school): Thomas Kane (3 years)

2023 record (district): 21-23, (7-9, 5th place District 26-6A)

No. of starters returning: 5

Key loss: Maddie Conway

Key players returning: Zaniah Hoskins, Sr., outside hitter; Brooklyn Myers, Sr., setter/rightside hitter; Rileigh Butler, Jr., defensive specialist; Sophie Haskell, Jr., defensive specialist; Macy Philips, Jr., setter

Newcomers to watch: None listed

Notes: The Jaguars challenged a good Austin High team for a playoff berth last season in a good District 26-6. With five starters returning, third-year head coach Kane believes his team will be competitive in a new district because of the competition they’ve played the past two seasons. Size might be a challenge for Johnson, but the experience should get the Jags to the postseason.

SAN MARCOS RATTLERS

Head coach (years at school): Megann Ollett (3 years)

2023 record (district): 18-22 (4-7 4th)

No. of starters returning: 6

Key losses: Daniella Alverez

Key players returning: Brinkley Reeves, Sr., outside hitter; Grace Pactanac, Sr., libero; Kylie Joseph, Jr., outside hitter; Melayna Perkins, Jr., middle blocker; Azariah Fennell, Jr., middle hitter; Isabella Ramirez, Sr., defensive specialist; Amaya Rodriguez, Jr., libero.

Newcomers to watch: None listed Notes: The Rattlers were an extremely young team in 2023 and made the playoffs. That experience will likely payoff big dividends in 2024. Only one letterman is gone, but six starters are back and ready to make a splash. Size might be an issue against the bigger teams in this district, including Class 6A newcomer Comal Canyon, who was a perennial power in Class 5A. San Marcos should be competitive and may surprise a few teams this season.

PREDICTION

Here is how the Austin Sports Journal sees this district playing out. The top 4 make the playoffs.

1. New Braunfels Canyon (2,433)

2. Cibolo Steele (2,769)

3. San Marcos (2,505)

4. Buda Johnson (2,815)

4. Schertz Clemens (2,648)

6. S. Antonio East Central (3,542)

7. Converse Judson (2,518)

NEW BRAUNFELS CANYON COUGARS

Head coach (years at school): Heather Sanders (25 years)

2023 record (district): 40-10 (13-1 1st District 26-5A

No. of starters returning: 4

Key losses: Megan Hawkins, Chloe Cross

Key players returning: Marlee Lightsly, Jr., outside hitter; Sala Nuu, Sr., defensive specialist; Logan Saqnders, So., setter

Notes: Canyon was a regional quarterfinalist a year ago and returns the core of that team. Lightsly led the team in every offensive category.

Note: Enrollment is in parenthesis

by Paul Knight

Photo

CLASS 5A OVERVIEW

ASJ’S PRESEASON CLASS 5A TEAM

OH: Parker Duncan, Anderson senior

OH: Addison Gaido, Georgetown senior

OH: Taylor Gaines, Liberty Hill senior

MB: Sofia Peters, Cedar Park senior

S: Takayla Brown, Weiss, senior L: Regan Ramirez, Georgetown senior PARKER DUNCAN

PLAYER SPOTLIGHT

ADDISON GAIDO, GEORGETOWN

Towering 6-4, the future Texas Longhorn outside hitter has height a lot of teams cannot match. Gaido was one of the most prolific hitters last year, helping the Eagles reach the second round of the playoffs. A loaded Georgetown team has high expectations and Gaido is a big reason for them.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

McCallum’s Lexi Rosenblatt might be the most underrated setters in the Austin area. The 5-10 junior commanded the Knights offense last year with 813 assists, the 2nd most among underclassmen.

SLEEPER TEAMS

Glenn

The Grizzlies will be an interesting team to watch with three starters returning and a new coach with a winning pedigree.

CLASS 5A POWER 10

Here are the Class 5A teams to watch in 2024:

LIBERTY HILL

A third trip to the state tournament is within reach.

2. WEISS

GEORGETOWN

The Eagles might soar to new heights in 2024.

Liberty Hill setter Ava Hight will lead a talented Panther offense this season after she shared setter duties as a junior with the now-graduated Carson Glenn. She has more than 1,000 career assists.

A return to 5A will greatly benefit the Wolves.

CEDAR PARK

A strong front line will take the Timberwolves far.

MCCALLUM

Teams shouldn’t sleep on the Knights in 2024.

ROUSE

The Raiders will have a few new faces, but still a solid team.

ANDERSON

The Trojans move to 5A with heightened expectations.

HENDRICKSON

The Hawks are always in the district title conversation.

EAST VIEW

The underrated Patriots are flying under the radar.

10.

CEDAR CREEK

The Eagles are good enough to shake up 24-5A.

East View

The Patriots are in one of the more competitive 5A districts, but there is a lot of experience that could help them sneak up on 23-5A.

McCallum

There are four starters back on a team that went two rounds deep in the playoffs. The Knights just might have the pieces to do bigger things.

NEW PLAYOFF FORMAT

SOFIA PETERS

Photo by Julia Copas\McCallum journalism

Photo by Michael Adams

Photo courtesy of Georgetown volleyball

Photo courtesy of Weiss athletics

CLASS 5A COVER STORY

COURT-SIDE DREAMS TURN INTO SEC REALITY

Takyla ‘TK’ Brown’s journey to LSU began watching Eckerman and the Longhorns

BY CHUCK LICATA | CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Who knows where Takyla Brown would be today if she hadn’t hated playing outdoor sports when she was younger. The 5-9 Brown, known as “TK” to her teammates and coaches, will be a senior at Weiss this season. After graduation in May, she will head to LSU to join the Tigers volleyball team.

To get to this point of her young life, Brown credits her mother, Erica Maldonado, for her love of the sport of volleyball.

“My Mom knew I hated being outside for sports, even though I was good at those sports,” recalled Brown, who’s been named to the Texas Girls Coaches Association all-state team for the past two seasons. “She felt volleyball was perfect for me. So, when I was 8 or 9, she took me to a UT (University of Texas) volleyball match.

“We sat in the front row at Gregory Gym. As the match went on, I was just in awe of the players and their athletic abilities. The game itself was a lot of fun, too. That night, I immediately fell in love with the sport and knew that’s what I wanted to do.”

Brown, who’s a big fan of the DC Comics series, held a couple of record-setting Longhorns in high esteem that would became her inspiration as a young player. One in particular was Texas volleyball legend Haley Eckerman, who was just hired as the ninth head coach at Kent State University in Ohio.

“I think when I first started playing volleyball, I was not a setter yet,” Brown recalled. “I grew up idolizing Haley Eckerman. I actually met her and got to know her; she became kind of like my aunt. She spent some time explaining the sport to me. She was an amazing player with an amazing work ethic.

“It was one of those where ‘you know’ when you meet someone, and you get close to that person. She was one of my biggest inspirations.”

There may not be a better player to look up to when it comes to volleyball mentors.

Eckerman was selected as the ESPN National Freshman of the Year, AVCA and Volleyball Magazine Freshman of the Year (making her the second player in Texas program history to do so) and earned Big 12 First Team honors.

She returned her sophomore year and was named to the 2012 Big 12 Preseason Team. Eckerman, who was a six-rotation outside hitter, helped led the Jerritt Elliott’s Longhorns to their first national championship in 20 years in 2012.

But as Brown developed as a player, her volleyball talents gave her the chance to play multiple positions.

Her hands were amazing and thus, she added setter to her list of volleyball positions.

“When I started working as a setter,” Brown revealed, “I really looked at players who were my shape and size, and that was Jhenna Gabriel for me.”

During her freshman year at Texas in 2018, the 5-foot-8 Gabriel established herself as the team’s backup setter. Then in the third set of a match against TCU on Halloween that year, she replaced starter Ashley Shook and led Texas to a win. She held onto that starting spot for the next 94 matches. Gabriel was the Big 12’s setter of the year and an AVCA AllAmerican during the 2020-21 season; she finished her UT career with 3,491 assists, ranked sixth-most in the Texas record book.

As a freshman at Weiss High School, Brown played in a 6-2 rotation, tallying 497 assists and 174 kills to go with 229 digs, 52 aces and 13 total blocks.

As a sophomore in 2022, Brown spent most of her time on the floor as the setter and finished with 770 assists, 51 kills (on a .447 hitting percentage), 206 digs, 41 aces and 15 total blocks.

Brown – who’s spent all her club career with the top-level teams with the Austin Juniors Voleyball program – really blossomed as a junior. She tallied 1,157 assists, put down 66 kills and had 380 digs to go with 57 aces and 25 blocks.

Despite her Longhorn inspirations as a budding volleyball star, Brown committed to extending her volleyball career at LSU, who will be Texas’ conference rival in the SEC.

“I’ve been going to volleyball camps at LSU since I was 14, and I think they were my first letter I’ve ever received,” Brown said. “I felt an immediate connection with that school and their coaching staff through their camps.

“And I just fell in love with the coaching staff (headed up by head coach Tonya Johnson). I like how they care so much about their players.”

Johnson, a Zachary, Louisiana native, helped lead the Tigers to their first-ever NCAA Final Four appearance in 1990 as a player. She then became an associate head coach and recruiting coordinator for Texas in 2014 before becoming LSU’s head coach in 2021.

“It’s not just about volleyball to them,” Brown explained about the LSU

staff. “Every single one of their players is family, and they really showed that. It wasn’t that they’re trying to be nice; it’s genuine love-and-care of their players. That’s what made me fall in love with LSU.”

When asked to give a scouting report on herself, Brown said she is “very explosive.”

“I feel like I’m pretty fast and athletic,” she said. “One thing I’ve worked on since my freshman year is being a leader. I try to lead my team in a way where I help them and teach them things that I’ve learned.”

She added, “They call setters the quarterbacks of the volleyball court. I think on the communication side, as a setter, you have to be like the loudest on the court. You’re the one running the court.

“Plays depend on you getting everybody the ball. So, you must be able to talk to everyone. You must know everybody’s position and where everybody’s supposed to be.”

Brown credits Karen Huffman, her

coach at Weiss, for helping her learn how to communicate to her teammates and even how to be Huffman’s voice on the court as well.”

Huffman, who enters her seventh year as Weiss’ head coach, has not only watched Brown play at a high level as a player but also as a leader.

“We’ve had great conversations over the years,” Huffman said. “She’s really grown both as a player and a leader. I trust her and I value her as a leader. She’s an extension of me on the court... she and I think similarly. I feel my experience with TK has been a true partnership – we’ve both learned from each other.

“It’s really been cool how that relationship has developed the way it has. I trust her on my court. I trust her thought process. And I can’t wait to see what she brings this season. It’s hard to believe it’s her senior season. I can’t wait to see what she brings to LSU.”

LSU likely can’t wait for Brown to be on campus either. 

Photo courtesy of Weiss athletics

DISTRICT 23-5A PREVIEW

THE BIG 3

Here are three players on the Austin Sports Journal’s watch list for district player of the year:

Addison Gaido Georgetown, senior outside hitter

CONNALLY COUGARS

Head coach (years at school): Meghan Nichols (12 years)

2023 record (district): 13-25 (4-10, 6th)

No. of starters returning: 3

Key losses: Natalie Johnson (FAMU), Sophia Alirez

Key players returning: Elizabeth Castillo-Sierra, Sr., setter; Nyeima Escobar, Sr., outside hitter; Jada Johnson, Jr., middle blocker

Newcomer to watch: Caroline Benge, So., setter Notes: The Cougars will have a lot of important new players on the court, according to Nichols. Leadership and determination will be the keys to building chemistry with the newcomers for the Cougars, who finished sixth in the district last year. Castillo-Sierra and Escobar are an offensive duo that will help Connally have early success.

EAST VIEW PATRIOTS

Head coach (years at school): Sydney Huck (2 years)

2023 record (district): 18-24 (10-4, 3rd)

No. of starters returning: 5

Key losses: Isabella Guajardo, Ashlyn Walther (LeTourneau University), Gabriella Sharp, Myosia Virgin, Mariah Tuatagoloa

Key players returning: Avery Droby, Sr., middle blocker; Addyson Huck, Sr., libero; Lilliana Vogt, Jr., defensive specialist; Jaci Ezekwuka, So., middle blocker; Marissa Pozo, Sr., outside hitter Newcomers to watch: none listed Notes: East View returns a lot of experience from a team that finished third in this district last season. The addition of Weiss makes this district a bit more competitive at the top, but the Patriots will have one of the better defenses in the district and will be competitive. Finding a replacement for three-year starter Guajardo at the setter position will be the first challenge of the season for Huck.

Takyla Brown Weiss, senior setter

ELGIN WILDCATS

Head coach (years at school):

Patricia Rivers-Taylor (1st year) 2023 record (district): 3-31 (0-14, 8th)

No information submitted

GEORGETOWN EAGLES

Head coach (years at school): Jenny Richardson (16 years)

2023 record (district): 33-16 (13-1, T-1st)

No. of starters returning: 8

Key losses: none listed

Key players returning: Addison Gaido, Sr., right-side hitter; Reagan Ramirez, Sr., libero; McKenzie Bernard, Sr., middle blocker; Allison O’ Shaugnessy, Sr., outside hitter; Molly O’Shaugnessy, Sr., outside hitter; Sadie MacCauley, Sr., outside hitter. Sophia Jazesf, Sr., outside hitter Newcomer to watch: Amelia Albright, So., setter Notes: With eight returning starters from last year’s team that won a share of the district championship, the Eagles are the heavy favorite to win district and possibly make a deep playoff run. At 6-foot, 5-inches, Texas-commit Gaido is a big presence on the outside. However, if teams double team the senior right-side hitter, Georgetown has other weapons in O’Shaugnessy, MacCauley and Jazesf. Consistency on offense will be key for the Eagles’ success.

HENDRICKSON HAWKS

Head coach (years at school): Latraica SpencerBailey (3 years)

2023 record (district): 33-8 (13-1, T-1st)

No. of starters returning: 2

Key losses: Kara Wynn (Sam Houston State); Morgan Warren (Hampton University); Kamea Uitenham (Xavier); Jordan Flores (Trinity Valley Junior College); Mia Perez (Texas A&M International) University; Mia McCurley (Daytona State); Catherina Krause (Alfred University).

Key players returning: Eva Marie Thompson, So., outside hitter; Malaya Bennett, Sr., outside hitter Newcomers to watch: Asia Price, junior, right-side hitter

Notes: Hendrickson lost a lot of experience to graduation from last year’s team that shared the district title with Georgetown. The Hawks only have two starters returning but should still contend for the district championship. Thompson and Bennett will step into leadership roles on a young team. Spencer-Bailey said the key to success will be the newcomers showing their inner competitiveness early.

Addyson Huck East View, senior libero

PREDICTION

Here is how the Austin Sports Journal sees this district playing out. The top 4 make the playoffs.

1. Georgetown (2,085.5)

2. Weiss (1,994)

3. Hendrickson (2,108)

4. East View (2,193)

5. Pflugerville (1,853)

6. Connally (1,817)

7. Elgin (1,822)

PFLUGERVILLE PANTHERS

Head coach (years at school): Jayson Langman (5 years)

2023 record (district): 10-29 (3-11, 7th)

No. of starters returning: 6

Key losses: Ava Roberts (North Texas, track and field)

Key players returning: Taryah Alexander, senior, right-side hitter; Laila Ornick, Jr., libero; Izzy Cervantes, Sr., setter/right-side hitter

Newcomers to watch: none listed

Notes: The Panthers have a lot of returning experience, which has Langman optimistic about a return to the playoffs in 2024. The loss of the athletic Roberts, who will run track and field at North Texas, is a big hole to fill. However, the Panthers will not miss a step offensively with Alexander and Cervantes on the right-side. Look for Pflugerville to battle with East View for the fourth playoff spot

WEISS WOLVES

Head coach (years at school): Karen Huffman (7th year)

2023 record (district): 28-9 (10-2, 2nd in 12-6A)

No. of starters returning: 6

Key losses: Sara Randall (University of St. Thomas)

Key players returning: Takyla Brown, Sr., setter; Ashley Go, Jr., libero; Kelsey Norris, Sr., middle blocker; Caylee Mejia, Sr., outside hitter; Madison Amina, Jr., outside hitter Newcomer to watch: Eihanna Bryant, Jr., middle blocker

Notes: Newcomer Weiss will be right in the thick of contention with Georgetown and Hendrickson for the district championship. Led by LSU commit Brown at setter, the Wolves will feature a strong senior class that played the past two years in Class 6A. Weiss’ fast offensive tempo will be tough for teams to defend. Mejia and Amina will look to replace the offensive production of the graduated Randall on the outside.

Sophia Jazesef, Georgetown

Photo by Michael Adams

Note: Enrollment is in parenthesis

DISTRICT 24-5A PREVIEW

THE BIG 3

Here are three players on the Austin Sports Journal’s watch list for district player of the year:

Makenzie Collins Cedar Creek, senior outside hitter

ANDERSON TROJANS

Head coach (years at school): Shalanda Byers (13 years)

2023 record (district): (27-12, 7-9, 5th)

No. of starters returning: 2

Key losses: Jazimon Gaston (University of Louisiana)

Key player returning: Parker Duncan, Sr., outside hitter

Newcomers to watch: none listed

Notes: The Trojans return to Class 5A after two years playing in one of the toughest Class 6A districts in the state. Look for Anderson to be competitive in 24-5A and challenge rival McCallum for the district title. The 5-foot, 11-inch Duncan is one of two starters returning for a young Trojans team.

ANN RICHARDS STARS

Head coach (years at school): Meg Brown (8 years)

2023 record (district): 20-12 (14-3, 3rd)

No. of starters returning: 3

Key loss: Alondra Garcia

Key players returning: Jayda Golech, Jr., middle blocker; Noah Morris, So., right-side hitter/ setter; Madison Mowell, Sr., Setter

Newcomers to watch: None listed Notes: The Stars are coming off a postseason appearance in 2023 and will return three starters from that team. Ann Richards will need to replace libero Garcia on the back line but has some experience returning in Golech, Morris and Mowell up front. Look for the Stars to battle for another postseason appearance.

BASTROP BEARS

Head coach (years at school): Morgan Rollins (5 years)

2023 record (district): 18-24 (6-8, 5th in 23-5A)

No. of starters returning: 7

Key losses: Olivia Altamirano, Alison Boswell, Fall Hall

Key players returning: Abby Thomas, Jr., libero; Perri Lowe, Sr., middle blocker/outside hitter; Laicey Sullivent, senior, outside hitter; Lanie Coy, Jr., setter

Newcomers to watch: None listed Notes: Bastrop enters a new district after spending the past two years in a competitive 23-5A, along with rival Cedar Creek. The Bears have a lot of experience returning, which will help them be successful and battle for a playoff spot. Consistent defense at the net will be a hurdle for Bastrop. Seniors Sullivent and Lowe provide good offensive fire power.

Parker Duncan Anderson, senior outside hitter

CEDAR CREEK EAGLES

Head coach (years at school): Micah Valentine (3 years)

2023 record (district): 9-24 (7-7, 4th in 23-4A)

No. of starters returning: 6

Key losses: None listed

Key players returning: Mackenzie Collins, Sr., outside hitter; Gianna Del Bosque, Sr., setter; Gracyn Hentschel, Sr., middle blocker; Leslie Loke, Sr., defensive specialist; Madden Denton, Sr., defensive specialist; Makenna Watson, Sr., outside hitter

Newcomers to watch: Jasmyn Rivera, Sr., defensive specialist; Mackenzie Roberts, Jr., middle blocker; Sophia Finke, Jr., right-side hitter; Bella Bartsch, So., middle blocker

Notes: District newcomer Cedar Creek will be an instant contender, along with fellow newcomer Anderson. The Eagles have a lot of experience with most starters entering their fourth year on the varsity roster. Cedar Creek has strength on both the offensive and defensive sides of the court and could be the most complete team in the district. Staying healthy and getting off to fast starts will be keys to success, according to head coach Valintine.

CROCKETT COUGARS

Head coach (years at school): Lorie Henry (26 years)

2023 record (district): 15-24 (10-6, 4th)

No. of starters returning: 4

Key losses: Mia Vidal

Key players returning: Lola Osaigbovo, Jr., right-side hitter; Sadie Peyton, So., middle blocker; Anasofia Alvarez, Jr., outside hitter/right-side hitter; Jennifer Hesson, Sr., outside hitter/right-side hitter; Sophie Anderson, Sr., outside hitter

Newcomers to watch: Lauren Smith, So., middle blocker; Ruby Olascoaga, Jr., setter

Notes: The Cougars will have to get used to a new district that adds experienced teams in Bastorp, Cedar Creek and Anderson. Crockett should be fine offensively with a lot of depth at the outside and right-side hitter positions. That will help newcomer Olascoaga, who will take over at setter.

LASA RAPTORS

Head coach (years at school):

Emily Kossa (2 years)

2023 record (district): 24-5 (14-2, 2nd)

No information submitted

NAVARRO VIKINGS

Head coach (years at school): Kathy Moten (24 years)

2023 record (district): 2-19 (2-14, 8th) No information submitted

Greta Carlson McCallum, senior outside hitter

PREDICTION

Here is how the Austin Sports Journal sees this district playing out. The top 4 make the playoffs.

1. McCallum (1,864.5)

2. Anderson (2,167)

3. Cedar Creek (2,123)

4. Ann Richards (868)

5. LASA (1,520)

6. Bastrop (1,729)

7. Crockett (1,598.5)

8. Navarro (1,773.5)

MCCALLUM KNIGHTS

Head coach (years at school): Amy Brodbeck (16 years)

2023 record (district): 29-18 (15-1, 1st)

No. of starters returning: 4

Key losses: Rylee Hissey, Ella Rankin

Key players returning: Greta Carlson, Sr., outside hitter; Lexi Rosenblatt, Jr., setter; Aanlya Thornton, Jr., libero

Newcomer to watch: Sienna Martens, So., outside hitter

Notes: The Knights are arguably the most complete team in the district. Junior Rosenblatt is one of the top setters in the Austin area and will lead a McCallum offense that features a lot of offensive firepower at outside hitter with Carlson and newcomer Martens. If McCallum sorts out its middle defense, they will be a difficult team to beat in October.

Lexi Rosenblatt, McCallum

Photo by Julia Copas/McCallum journalism

Note: Enrollment is in parenthesis

DISTRICT 25-5A PREVIEW

THE BIG 3

Here are three players on the Austin Sports Journal’s watch list for district player of the year:

Taylor Gaines Liberty Hill, senior outside hitter

CEDAR PARK TIMBERWOLVES

Head coach (years at school): Lori McLaughlin (6 years)

2023 record (district): 30-17 (9-5, 3rd)

No. of starters returning: 5

Key losses: Callie Krueger (moved to Dripping Springs), Olivia Maib, Muno Mmuo (Dartmouth)

Key players returning: Sofia Peters, Sr., middle blocker; Joy Udoya, Jr., outside hitter; Mya Cheatum, Jr., outside hitter; Haley Burton, Sr., defensive specialist; Sibley Ostar, Jr., setter

Newcomers to watch: None listed

Notes: The Timberwolves’ roster was delivered a blow in the offseason when University of Texascommit Krueger moved to Dripping Springs. Look for Burton to fill the libero role. Cedar Park still has a lot of offensive firepower returning from a team that reached the regional quarterfinals last year. The athletic Peters, who is committed to UTSA for soccer, provides a big presence at the net.

GLENN GRIZZLIES

Head coach (years at school): Kaitlyn Kluna (1st year)

2023 record (district): 24-21 (7-7, 5th)

No. of starters returning: 3

Key losses: Ava Wind (University of Montevallo), Abbie Owens

Key players returning: Jaylene Garcia, Sr., libero; Jesse Letts, Sr., outside hitter; MC Brandl, Jr., utility; Milan Benavides, So., defensive specialist

Newcomers to watch: None listed

Notes: Former Lake Travis assistant coach Kluna takes over the Grizzlies’ volleyball program for Kelly Ridge, who is now the head coach at Fairfield High School. Kluna inherits a team that just missed the postseason last year. Glenn will have the pieces to be a contender. Garcia set a school record for digs in a season (640) as a junior, while Letts set a single-match kill record with 22.

HAYS HAWKS

Head coach (years at school): Marci Laracuente (2 years)

2023 record (district): 12-23 (4-10, 6th)

No. of starters returning: 4

Key losses: Lusia Langi (Utah Tech University)

Key player returning: Makayla White, Sr., middle blocker

Newcomers to watch: None listed

Notes: The Hawks return four starters from last year’s team that finished sixth in this district Laracuente will need to replace Langi, who was an All-American last season. Senior White will be looked at to be the leader as Hays hopes to improve and contend for a playoff berth.

LEANDER LIONS

Head coach (years at school): TBD

2023 record (district): 22-23 (8-6, 4th)

No information submitted

LEHMAN LOBOS

Head coach (years at school): Hannah Bridgewater (1st year)

2023 record (district): 11-25 (1-13, T-7th)

No. of starters returning: 6

Key losss: Kimora Rodriguez

Key players returning: Kayla Dobrosky, Sr., libero; Ava Vallejo, Sr., outside hitter/middle blocker; Alyssa West, Sr., outside hitter; Hazel Lyttle, So., outside hitter; Alejandra Perez, Sr., defensive specialist; Leilani Kelly, Sr., defensive specialist; Deandra Barberena, Jr., middle blocker; Anies Stubbs, Sr., outside hitter; Skylar Long, Jr., outside hitter; Jaslane Salazar, Jr., defensive specialist; Camy Caddell, Jr., middle blocker.

PREDICTION

Here is how the Austin Sports Journal sees this district playing out. The top 4 make the playoffs.

1. Liberty Hill (1,891)

2. Cedar Park (1,966)

3. Rouse (2,088)

4. Glenn (2,221)

5. Hays (2,184)

6. Leander (2,270)

7. Lockhart (2,078)

8. Lehman (2,143)

LOCKHART LIONS

Newcomers to watch: Ajel Williams, Fr., middle hitter; Dylann Long, Fr., utility Notes: Lehman will also be with a new coach in 2024. The Lobos will have a lot of experience this year as they hope to compete for a playoff spot in a tough 25-5A. Lehman has a strong senior class and a freshman duo that could have the Lobos seeing vast improvement from last year.

LIBERTY HILL PANTHERS

Head coach (years at school): Marie Bruce (3 years)

2023 record (district): 46-9 (13-1, T-1st)

No. of starters returning: 5

Key losses: Kealy Dirner (Georgia State beach); GiGi Mason (Vanderbilt), Carson Glenn

Key players returning: Annie Witt, Sr., outside hitter; Taylor Gaines, Sr., outside hitter; Ava Kostroun, Sr., middle blocker; Evie Bruce, Sr., middle blocker; Brooklyn Escobar, Sr., libero; Aubrey Hughes, Sr., middle blocker; Ava Hight, Sr., setter Newcomers to watch: None listed Notes: The Panthers are coming off their first appearance in a state championship game in school history. With five returning starters, look for Liberty Hill to be a strong contender for a third-straight trip to the state tournament. Seniors Gaines and Witt provide a one-two punch for the Panthers’ offense, while middle blockers Kostroun and Bruce are arguably the best middle duo in the area. The athletic Escobar, who is a soccer standout, anchors the back line.

Note: Enrollment is in parenthesis

Head coach (years at school): TBD 2023 record (district): 13-30 (1-13, T-7th)

No. of starters returning: 3

Key losses: Jada Edwards, Kennedy Roland, Lizzie Staton, Giselle Roque, Zoe Seaver, Rakaia Walker, Leah Balandran

Key players returning: Preslyee Reynolds, Jr., libero; Peyton Johnson, So., outside hitter/middle blocker; Presli Moebes, Sr., setter/ outside hitter; Ella Janak, Jr., right-side hitter; Bailey O’Keefe, Jr., outside hitter/ right-side hitter; Jordann Deutsch, So., defensive specialist

Newcomers to watch: None listed Notes: Lockhart will have a new head coach in 2024 and a young team while playing in one of the toughest Class 5A districts. Keep an eye on Moebes, O’Keefe and Janak, as the trio will lead a good offense that could disrupt the playoff race come October.

ROUSE RAIDERS

Head coach (years at school): Jacob Thompson (16 years)

2023 record (district): 40-14 (13-1, T-1st)

No. of starters returning: 4

Key losses: Savannah Skopal (Rice); Naara Tanco (Texas State); Jadyn Wilgus (Arizona State)

Key players returning: Jade Key, Sr., outside hitter; Mary Schirpik, Sr., libero; Avery Ralston, So., outside hitter; Tatum Taylor, Jr., middle blocker/rightside hitter

Newcomers to watch: None listed

Notes: The Raiders are coming off back-to-back trips to the regional finals, where they lost to district rival Liberty Hill both times. Rouse lost three Division I college players to graduation, including first-team All-American setter Skopal. Despite the losses, the Raiders are still a dangerous team, with Key leading the way.

Sofia Peters Cedar Park, senior middle blocker

Jade Key Rouse, senior outside hitter

Photo

Robbie Rakestraw

CLASS 4A & BELOW OVERVIEW

ASJ’S PRESEASON SMALL SCHOOL TEAM

OH: Laney Hennessee, Wimberley senior

OH: Kael Wilcox, Salado senior

OH: Haley Harms, Taylor senior

MB: Macy Morris, Salado junior

S: Emily Holybee, Thrall senior

L: Journey Denton, Burnet junior

PLAYER SPOTLIGHT

LANEY HENNESSEE, WIMBERLEY

The Alabama volleyball commit is one of the top players in the Greater Austin metropolitan area. The 5-foot, 11-inch two-sport athlete had 525 kills as a junior, which ranked her No. 211 in the nation. She’s also a quite efficient hitter with a .311 hitting percentage and excels defensively. She had 385 digs last year.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

La Grange’s Kylie Trilcek excels on the basketball court, but the extremely athletic junior will also help the Leopards find success on the volleyball court this season. As the setter, Trilcek is the leader of La Grange’s offense.

Taylor

The Ducks are coming off the best season in school history. It’s going to be challenging to repeat that success in 24-4A, but don’t be surprised if Taylor causes a few problems.

4A & BELOW POWER 10

Here are the Class 4A teams to watch in 2024:

SALADO

The talented Eagles look to challenge for 4A state title.

2. BLANCO

WIMBERLEY

The storied Texans are primed for a state title run.

Tylee Shires of Blanco will be a big part of the Panthers success in 2024. The Arizona beach volleyball commit leads an offense that won a district championship and reached the regional quarterfinals last year.

The Panthers are coming off a deep playoff run last year.

JOHNSON CITY LBJ

The Eagles lost a heartbreaker in 2A regional finals in 2023.

BURNET

The Bulldogs are a talented team in competitive 24-4A.

GATEWAY

The Gators were district champions a year ago.

THORNDALE

The Bulldogs should surprise a few people in 2024.

GIDDINGS

The Buffaloes will challenge Bellville for 22-4A title.

THRALL

A winning tradition should follow the Tigers into Class 3A.

10.

LAGO VISTA

The Vikings are the heavy favorites in the new 25-4A.

Thorndale

With Thrall moving to 3A, the Bulldogs will challenge district newcomer Milano for the 26-2A title. It wouldn’t surprise us if it’s a banner year for Thorndale.

Thrall

A new coach, new district and a move to 3A means a lot of uncertainty. But that could be more of an advantage than a disadvantage for a team that went three rounds in the playoffs.

NEW PLAYOFF FORMAT

KAEL WILCOX

HALEY HARMS

Photo by David Stall

Photo courtesy of Blanco volleyball

IT’S PERSONAL

THE LANEY HENNESSEE FILE

School: Wimberley

Class: Senior

Position: Outside hitter/ right-side hitter

Height: 6-foot

Future plans: Play volleyball for the University of Alabama

*Stats according to Max Preps

Photo by KJ Toso

SMALL SCHOOL COVER STORY

Before she heads to Alabama, Laney Hennessee has unfinished business

at Wimberley

BY MICHAEL ADAMS | PUBLISHER

The Laney Hennessee 2024 revenge tour is sure to have its share of victims, but one is of great interest for Wimberley’s senior star – The San Antonio Davenport Wolves.

Despite Hennessee’s best efforts of a match-high 18 kills, Davenport defeated Wimberley 26-24, 25-19, 26-24 in last year’s Class 4A, Region IV championship match.

The loss left a bad taste in Hennessee and her teammates’ mouth as they watched as the Wolves went on to win the Class 4A state championship.

“It was super frustrating,” Hennessee said. “We felt we could beat them, and we didn’t. I know deep down we could have won that match.”

Davenport was the Texans’ biggest nemesis last season. The Wolves won all three matches against Wimberley, including both meetings in district play.

In February’s UIL’s redistricting, Davenport and Wimberley remained in the same district. In fact, the only change was the loss of Boerne, which moved up to Class 5A.

However, the UIL’s new playoff system will most likely prevent the two teams from meeting in the postseason.

Much like in football, the UIL will split each classification into two divisions based on the enrollment numbers. Four teams from the district will make the playoffs with the two largest schools being placed in the Division I bracket and the two smaller schools in the Division II bracket.

Davenport has the largest enrollment of the six teams in District 26-4A at 1,295. Whereas Wimberley has the third smallest at 855. For the Texans to be placed in Division I, both Bandera (702) and Navarro (694.5) would have to qualify for the playoffs.

Being the competitor she is, Hennessee said she was

a bit disappointed she may not get to play Davenport in the playoffs.

“I definitely wanted to meet them again in the playoffs,” she said. “I wanted us to be the team that kicked Davenport out of the playoffs.”

Hennessee may have to settle for keeping the Wolves from repeating as district champions, which may be more important with the new playoff format.

New coach, same goals

Misty Remmers takes over as head coach for Stephanie Barthels, who stepped down in the offseason.

Remmers comes to Wimberley from Geronimo Navarro, a district rival of the Texans. Having coached against Hennessee in the past, Remmers said she’s going to be glad to be on the other side of the net.

“As an opposing coach, I was always trying to find something (Hennessee) was not good at, which was very difficult,” Remmers said. “You can only try to contain her, but how do you contain her? She’s going to score her points. She’s so athletically gifted. She works hard, does what she needs to do and is a great leader.”

Remmers is taking over a storied program that has won six state volleyball championships and made 10 appearances at the state tournament.

To say expectations are high for the 2024 Texans would be an understatement.

“We have the expectation to be the best,” Hennessee said. “We have a winning tradition here and consistently have particularly good teams. It is always our goal to be the best and beat the best.”

Remmers said she understands the expectations set for her and the team as she enters her first season as head coach.

“As a new coach, that’s the expectation that is set because it’s Wimberley,” she said. “Not only do the players and the school expect us to win, but the community also has that expectation.

“At some point, you have to set the goal (to win a state championship) and be open about that. That’s what the kids want, and that’s what the community wants.”

A muti-sport talent

Hennessee may terrorize opponents on the volleyball court in the fall,

Photo by KJ Toso

but in the winter, she often gives headaches to Wimberley’s opponents on the basketball court.

“I started playing sports at a young age, and played all of them,” Hennessee said. “I started playing volleyball in a recreational league in Dripping Springs. That’s when I fell in love with the sport.”

Name the sport and Hennessee has likely played it at some point in her life. After all, would you expect anything less from someone with a highly competitive drive?

While she is also a standout for the Texans girls basketball team, volleyball is her first true love.

“It’s the adrenaline after a point that I love,” she said. “I like to score. Sure, you score in basketball, but the adreneline isn’t the same as it is in volleyball.”

The gifted four-year starter will have a target on her back this season

from opposing teams, but her coach said it’s going to be a difficult target to hit.

“Laney has such a high ceiling and knows teams are out to stop her,” Remmers said. “That competitive side of her is going to make her step up her game.”

Roll Tide

After she takes care of her unfinished business at Wimberley, Hennessee will join the volleyball team at the University of Alabama.

She gave her verbal commitment before her junior season began, saying she’s thankful to have the recruiting process out of the way.

“Recruiting is stressful, everyone stresses about where they are going to go and where they are going to visit,” she said. “I don’t have to worry about that and can concentrate on winning a state championship.”

Alabama wasn’t on her radar. Hennessee said she was getting interest from several schools, including UNLV, Liberty University, Texas State and UTSA.

An Alabama coach attended an AAU tournament in Florida last summer that Hennessee was playing in.

She said they reached out to her after the tournament, and it just felt like a natural fit.

“Alabama is a huge school,” she said. “I liked the idea of getting my commitment in early, I loved the coaches and felt it was a good opportunity for me and my family.”

Before she puts on crimson and white, Hennessee has one goal left to accomplish.

“Win state,” she said. “We have the team, good chemistry and all the potential. I want a state title. Thats my goal.” 

DISTRICT 22-4A PREVIEW

THE BIG 3

Here are three players on the Austin Sports Journal’s watch list for district player of the year:

Kylie Triclek

La Grange, junior setter

GIDDINGS BUFFALOES

Jenna Carroll

Smithville, junior setter/ outside hitter

Karleigh Blansit Giddings, junior outside hitter/ middle blocker

Head coach (years at school): Dedra Wolff (6 years)

2023 record (district): 21-22 (11-1, T-1st)

No. of starters returning: 4

Key losses: Faith Zoch (Concordia), Alyssa Brade, Taryn Kleinert

Key players returning: Brooklyn Mersiovsky, Sr., setter; Kevyn Cowen, So., setter/right-side hitter; Riley rose Langham, So., defensive specialist; Rilynn Creek, Jr., libero; Karleigh Blansit, Jr., outside hitter/middle blocker

Newcomers to watch: Caedon Melcher, So., middle blocker; Addy Mersiovsky, Jr., setter/rightside hitter/middle blocker

Notes: The Buffaloes shared the district title with Taylor a year ago. The Ducks move to 24-4A puts Giddings as the favorite in the new district. The Buffaloes will have to contend with Bellville but look for experience to carry the team. Wolff will have to find a replacement for the offensive production of the graduated Zoch, who led the team with 398 kills in 2023. That very easily could be Blansit, who was second on the team with 158.

LA GRANGE LEOPARDS LOBOS

Head coach (years at school): Leslie Coltrain (7 years)

2023 record (district): 20-24 (7-5, 3rd)

No. of starters returning: 4

Key losses: Jena Jobb (Hanibal-LaGrange University), Haylie Cooper, Mara Colon (Millsaps College), Tori Harold

Key players returning: Kylie Trlicek, Jr., setter/outside hitter; Carley Ulrich, Jr., outside hitter; Cara Homer, Sr., middle blocker; Kenna Lamza, So., middle blocker

Newcomers to watch: None listed Notes: With an experienced offense, led by multi-sport athlete Trilcek and Ulrich, the Leopards should be in the mix for a playoff spot. The duo combined for almost 700 kills last year when La Grange finished third behind Giddings and Taylor. Defense will be the mystery as veteran coach Coltrain will need to replace a trio of defensive specialists.

PREDICTION

Here is how the Austin Sports Journal sees this district playing out. The top 4 make the playoffs.

1. Giddings (623)

2. Bellville (741)

3. La Grange (612)

4. Smithville (555)

5. Caldwell (590)

6. Navasota (960)

SMITHVILLE TIGERS

Head coach (years at school): Cydney Marlow (1st year)

2023 record (district): 23-17 (5-7, 5th)

No. of starters returning: 8

Key losses: Claire Kennon, Leah Segura

Key players returning: Jenna Carroll, Jr., middle blocker/ setter; Ashlyn Wilhelm, Sr., Setter; Arabella Gutierrez, Sr., outside hitter; Caycee Nutt; Sr., libero

Newcomers to watch: Makayla Kelt, Jr., outside hitter; Briyanna Sampson, Jr., outside hitter; Madison Gigout, So., middle blocker.

Notes: The Tigers will get a fresh start in 2024 after just missing the postseason a year ago. First-year head coach Marlow inherited an experienced roster, led by the versatile 6-foot Carroll and senior setter Wilhelm. Getting used to a new coach could be challenging early in the season, but Smithville should be in the mix for a postseason berth.

Note: Enrollment is in parenthesis

DISTRICT 24-4A PREVIEW

THE BIG 3

Anna Claire Brown Gateway, senior middle blocker

Here are three players on the Austin Sports Journal’s watch list for district player of the year: Kael Wilcox Salado, senior outside hitter

BURNET BULLDOGS

Head coach (years at school): Crystal Shipley (5 years)

2023 record (district): 27-13 (8-2, 2nd)

No. of starters returning: 6

Key losses: Zaria Solis (Texas Lutheran); Maesyn Gay (Hardin Simmons, basketball)

Key players returning:

Camryn Courtney, Sr., setter; Payton Smith, Jr., setter; Journey Denton, Jr., libero; Laney Huffman, Sr., outside hitter; Lauren Howton, Sr., outside hitter

Newcomers to watch: None listed

Notes: Shipley said her team is feisty and gritty but will need new leadership on the court to replace that of the four graduated seniors. Still, the Bulldogs return six starters from a team that finished second in district last season. District newcomers Salado and Taylor will disrupt the balance of power, but look for Burnet to be right in the mix come October.

GATEWAY GATORS

Head coach (years at school): Ashley Goodlander (1st year)

2023 record (district): 25-13 (10-0, 1st)

No. of starters returning: 4

Key losses: Charley Walker, Isabella Smith, Katie Ponce

Key players returning: Anna Claire Brown, Sr., middle blocker/outside hitter; Adelyn Watkins, Jr., outside hitter; Olivia Smith, So., setter; Adelyn Watkins, Sr., outside hitter.

Newcomers to watch: None listed

Notes: The Gators have a new coach, but a lot of familiar faces from last year’s team that won the district championship. The district make got a little tougher with the additions of Taylor and state semifinalist Salado. Senior Brown leads a experienced front line that will help Gateway challenge the heavy hitters in this district.

JARRELL COUGARS

Head coach (years at school): Kelsey Carr (2 years)

2023 record (district): 27-12 (6-4, 3rd) No. of starters returning: 4

Key losses: Kyndall Farmer, Jasmine Benavidez, Alyssa Nehring and Aley Bruner

Key players returning: Jazmine Gonzalez, Jr., setter; Cami Murphy, Sr., outside hitter; Maliyah Teinert, Sr., libero/defensive specialist; Brooklyn Nehring, Sr., middle blocker Newcomers to watch: None listed

Notes: Experience will be the theme for the Cougars in 2024 after finishing third a year ago. Jarrell will look to the senior leadership of Murphy, Teinert and Nehring to get back to the postseason. That will not be an easy feat due to a more competitive 24-4A with the additions of Taylor and Salado. However, Jarrell has enough experience to contend.

MARBLE FALLS MUSTANGS

Head coach (years at school): TBD

2023 record (district): 9-22 (2-8, 5th)

No. of starters returning: 2

Key losses: Sadie Harris, Ava Carter

Key players returning: Mia Trejo, Sr., outside hitter; Kenadi Dalton, Jr, libero

Newcomers to watch: None listed

Notes: It is going to be a rebuilding year for Marble Falls, which will welcome a new coach and have a relatively young team. The Mustangs will have to find replacements for the offensive production of the graduated Harris and Carter, who set numerous school records. Trejo and Dalton are the only returning starters and will carry the leadership burden early.

SALADO EAGLES

Head coach (years at school): Clint Brown (2 years)

2023 record (district): 39-11 (10-0 1st in 23-4A)

No. of starters returning: 4

Key losses: Sara Ellis; Liv Niu; Reese Rich; Elly Wade; Grace Clemons

Key players returning: Kael Wilcox, Jr., outside hitter; Macy Morris, Sr., middle blocker; Elsie Law, Jr., middle blocker; Mazzy Johnson, So., outside hitter/setter Newcomers to watch: None listed Notes: The Eagles are coming off their first state tournament appearance, where they lost to Canyon Randall in the semifinals. There’s no reason to not expect a return as Brown returns the core of his team, including the middle blocking duo of Morris and Law. District 24-4A won’t be easy, but the rigorous district schedule will have Salado ready for another run toward Garland.

PREDICTION

Here is how the Austin Sports Journal sees this district playing out. The top 4 make the playoffs.

1. Salado (721)

2. Burnet (1,104)

3. Gateway (473)

4. Taylor (1,104)

5. Jarrell (951)

6. Marble Falls (1,167.5)

7. Lampasas (1,102)

TAYLOR DUCKS

Head coach (years at school): Rylee Davis (2 years)

2023 record (district): 30-14 (11-1, 1st 22-4A)

No. of starters returning: 5

Key losses: Hannah Wamble (Concordia), Ansley Reed (East Texas Baptist, basketball)

Key players returning: Makenna Watson, Jr., libero; Haley Harms, Sr., outside hitter; Peyton Wamble, Jr., setter; Elena Martinez, Jr.., right-side hitter

Newcomers to watch: None listed

Notes: Davis will look to rebuild her team after setting a school record for wins in her first year. With only two seniors on the roster, the Ducks will be young while trying to navigate a competitive district. The returning Watson was the district 22-4A defensive player of the year last year and had 520 digs. Harms will provide the offensive firepower to keep Taylor in the playoff picture.

Haley Harms Taylor, senior outside hitter

Camryn Courtney, Burnet

Photo by Martelle Luedecke

Note: Enrollment is in parenthesis

DISTRICT 25-4A PREVIEW

THE BIG 3

Here are three players on the Austin Sports Journal’s watch list for district player of the year:

Sophia Berg Lago Vista, senior middle blocker

AUSTIN ACHIEVE POLAR BEARS

Head coach (years at school): Jessica Lombardi

2023 record (district): 1-16 (1-11 7th 22-4A)

No information provided

EASTSIDE PANTHERS

Head coach (years at school): Eloisa Nava

2023 record (district): 10-26 (6-10, 6th 24-5A)

No information provided

LAGO VISTA VIKINGS

Head coach (years at school): Tara Domel (4 years)

2023 record (district): 12-26 (4-6, 4th 22-4A)

No. of starters returning: 4

Key losses: Brooke Everett, Jada Malone

Key players returning: Sophia Berg, Sr., outside hitter; Mikayla Vasquez, Sr., defensive specialist; Ellie Helton, So., outside hitter; Sydney Mosser, So., middle blocker Newcomers to watch: Allisen Shipp, Jr., setter/ right-side hitter

Notes: The Vikings will be the heavy favorites to win the revamped District 25-4A. Despite losing two vital starters to graduation, Lago Vista returns some heavy hitters, including senior Berg and sophomore Helton. Interestingly, Lago Vista is the only team in this district that made the playoffs a year ago.

K.K. Austin Travis, senior middle blocker

LBJ JAGUARS

Head coach (years at school): Timesha MotenTibbs

2023 record (district): 9-19 (7-9, 5th 24-5A)

No information provided

MANOR NEW TECH TITANS

Head coach (years at school): Perri Sweed (1st year)

2023 record (district): 3-23 (1-10, 6th 22-4A)

No. of starters returning: 3

Key losses: Angelina Mendoza, Cali Roberson

Key players returning: Melissa Rahab, Sr., right-side hitter/setter; Stephanie Nguyen, Sr., defensive specialist/libero; London Traylor, Sr., outside hitter/ defensive specialist

Newcomers to watch: Elizabeth Hughes, So., setter; Gia Wilson, Jr., middle blocker

Notes: The Titans return three starters from last year’s team that finished sixth in District 22-4A. New head coach Sweed will bring a new energy to the young program that returns a lot of offensive firepower in Rahab and Traylor.

NORTHEAST RAIDERS

Head coach (years at school): James Ninh

2023 record (district): 5-25 (3-13, 7th 24-5A)

No information provided.

DISTRICT 26-4A PREVIEW

WIMBERLEY TEXANS

Head coach (years at school): Misty Remmers (1st year)

2023 record (district): 36-8 (10-2, 2nd 27-4A) No. of starters returning: 5

Key loss: Jesse Weeks

Key players returning: Laney Hennessee, Sr., outside hitter; Addison Park, Jr., middle blocker; Mariah McCoy, Jr., middle blocker

Newcomers to watch: Skyler Herring, Jr., setter

Notes: Remmers takes over one of the more storied volleyball programs in the Austin area. She inherits a talented roster led by Alabama-commit Hennessee, who is one of the top players in the Austin metro area. The Texans will be working in a new setter but have a lot of experience that should have them as a serious state championship contender.

Melissa Rahab Manor New Tech, senior middle blocker

PREDICTION

Here is how the Austin Sports Journal sees this district playing out. The top 4 make the playoffs.

1. Lago Vista (672.5)

2. LBJ (773)

3. Manor New Tech (605)

4. Eastside (694)

5. Travis (1,197.5)

6. Austin Achieve (628)

7. Northeast (1,226)

TRAVIS REBELS

Note: Enrollment is in parenthesis

Head coach (years at school): Courtney Barnes (3 years)

2023 record (district): 1-32 (1-14, 9th 24-5A)

No. of starters returning: 2

Key losses: Valerie Garcia, Ciara Gonzalez

Key players returning: K.K., Austin, Sr., middle blocker; Alyssa Perez, Sr., outside hitter/defensive specialist

Newcomers to watch: Bryana Acosta, So., setter/right-side hitter; Kristen Duron, So., libero

Notes: The Rebels are looking to improve on a tough 2023 campaign where they one just one district game. Look for 2024 to be a good year for Travis as the Rebels should be in contention for a playoff spot. Everyone will likely be chasing Lago Vista, but the other three playoff spots are up for grabs by any of the six other teams.

THE BIG 3

Here are three players on the Austin Sports Journal’s watch list for district player of the year:

Laney Hennessee

Wimberley, senior outside hitter

Ashton Dodson

Davenport, senior outside hitter

Brooklyn Fox Geronimo Navarro, Junior middle blocker

PREDICTION

Here is how the Austin Sports Journal sees this district playing out. The top 4 make the playoffs.

1. San Antonio Davenport (1,295)

2. Wimberley (855)

3. Geronimo Navarro (694.5)

4. Fredericksburg (1,047)

5. Canyon Lake (1,032)

6. Bandera (702)

Note: Enrollment is in parenthesis

CLASS 3A PREVIEW

DISTRICT 5-3A

Here is how the Austin Sports Journal sees this district playing out. The top 4 make the playoffs.

1. Blanco (358)

2. Ingram Moore (422)

3. Comfort (364)

4. Llano (524)

5. Florence (370)

6. Brady (292)

BLANCO PANTHERS

Note: Enrollment is in parenthesis

Head coach (years at school): Jane Karnes (9 years)

2023 record (district): 32-9 (10-0, 1st) No. of starters returning: 3

Key losses: Jennah Atchley (SFA, beach); Kate Capshaw, Hemma Porte

Key players returning: Tylee Shires, Sr., outside hitter; Gretchen Grosch, Jr., Middle blocker; Kylee Kramer, Sr., middle blocker; Lillie Smith, Sr., libero; Landry Meyer, Jr., right-side hitter; Carleigh Dotson, Jr., outside hitter

Newcomers to watch: Brighton Atchley, Fr., setter; Kysiah Samuels, Jr., outside hitter/middle blocker

Notes: The Panthers are loaded this year and is coming off a perfect district season and a trip to the regional quarterfinals. Arizona beach volleyball commit Shires returns for her senior season after leading Blanco with 502 kills last year. The Panthers will need to find a setter and could look to Mayer to fill that role. Look for Blanco to make another deep playoff run in November.

DISTRICT 19-3A

Here is how the Austin Sports Journal sees this district playing out. The top 4 make the playoffs.

1. Franklin (429)

2. Little River Academy (541)

3. Lexington (354)

4. Thrall (274)

5. Rockdale (466)

6. Rogers (258)

7. Cameron Yoe (475)

THRALL TIGERS

Note: Enrollment is in parenthesis

Head coach (years at school): Megan Storms (1st year)

2023 record (district): 24-9 (8-0, 1st 27-2A) No. of starters returning: 6

Key losses: Melaina Grissom, Dezi Lopez, Karly Pesantes

Key players returning: Emily Holybee, Sr., setter; Amber Kevil, Sr., outside hitter; Brynn Leschber, Jr., middle blocker; Nevaeh Irvin, Jr., middle blocker.

Newcomers to watch: None listed

Notes: Thrall will be making the transition into 3A volleyball and was dealt a competitive district, with powerhouses Franklin and Little River Academy. The Tigers will also be welcoming a new head coach for a team that returns six starters. The first order of business is to find replacements for the graduated Grissom and Lopez, who was the district MVP and defensive MVP, respectively. Look for all-district selections Holybee and Irvin lead Thrall back to the playoffs.

Emily Holybee, Thrall

Photo by Jim Suter

CLASS 2A PREVIEW

DISTRICT 26-2A

Here is how the Austin Sports Journal sees this district playing out. The top 4 make the playoffs.

1. Milano (150)

2. Thorndale (204)

3. Granger (156)

4. McDade (110)

5. Holland (185)

6. Bartlett (142)

BARTLETT BULLDOGS

Head coach (years at school): Shadia Rueb (1 year)

2023 record (district): 2-13-1 (0-8, 5th)

No information submitted

GRANGER LIONS

Head coach (years at school): Margie Burton (2 years)

2023 record (district): 16-18 (4-4, 3rd)

No. of starters returning: 4

Key losses: Tessa Burton (John Brown University). Clarissa Miller, Destiny Cotten, Jaila Rollie

Key players returning: Kelsey Dittrich, Sr., outside hitter; Sofia Bernal, Sr., outside hitter; Abbie Crouch, Jr., rightside hitter; Krista Hutka, Jr., middle blocker; Alizea Lopez, Jr., middle blocker; Marissa Hall, Sr., libero Newcomers to watch: Kayla Weaver, Jr., setter; Riley Fudge, So., setter

THORNDALE BULLDOGS

Head coach (years at school): Stephen King (2 years)

2023 record (district): 10-28 (6-2, 2nd)

No. of starters returning: 5

Key losses: Emily Reeves, Kassidy Eubanks, Jessica Yount

Key players returning: Hadley Meadors, Sr., setter; Kennedy Robinson, So., outside hitter/setter; Allison Owen, Sr., libero; Kyla Daniel, Jr., outside hitter/defensive specialist; Bethany Preusse, So., outside hitter

Newcomers to watch: Jacie Leho, Jr., middle blocker; Katelynn Zrubek, Jr., middle blocker

Notes: The Bulldogs will challenge Milano for the district championship this year. Led by Meadors, last year’s setter of the year, Thorndale boosts one of the more experienced teams in 26-2A. Robinson, who was the district newcomer of the year, will see more action at outside hitter while sharing setting duties with Meadors. The Bulldogs are also loaded offensively with Daniel and Preusse.

DISTRICT 29-2A

Here is how the Austin Sports Journal sees this district playing out. The top 4 make the playoffs.

1. Johnson City – LBJ (250)

2. Harper (184)

3. Sonora (199)

4. Center Point (154)

5. Junction (174)

JOHNSON CITY LBJ EAGLES

Head coach (years at school): Heather Wilson 2023 record (district): 26-19 (8-0, 1st year)

No. of starters returning: 5

Key losses: Mya Boyer, Bree Herrera, Maura Cowsert

Key players returning: Kathryn Johnson, Sr., outside hitter; Maddy Hacker, Sr., outside hitter; Heidi Wilson, Sr., defensive specialist; Casey Loewer, Sr., setter; Ashlyn Gorum, Sr., middle blocker

Newcomers to watch: None listed

Notes: The Eagles will be looking for redemption after losing in the regional finals in five sets. With an experienced roster, Johnson City LBJ has all the tools in place for another deep run in the postseason.

Notes: In her first year at Granger, Burton led the Lions to a third-place finish in a good 27-2A. She should see similar success in her second season as head coach. The Lions return four starters, including a trio of offensive weapons in Dittrich, Bernal and Crouch. The only position Granger lacks experience is at setter. Newcomers Waver and Fudge will help fill that position.

MCDADE BULLDOGS

Head coach (years at school): Aaron Hallford (2 years)

2023 record (district): 15-6 (4-4, 3rd 28-1A) No. of starters returning: 4

Key losses: Steffanie Zavala, Zoraya Chamberlain Key players returning: J’Den Perry, Jr., setter; Summer Jacobs, Jr., libero; Jessica Dube, Sr., middle blocker; Alexis Pacheco, Jr., setter; Lauren Glosson, Sr., outside hitter; Jana Dube, Jr., outside hitter; Leah Chavez, So., outside hitter; Ashlyn Carpenter, Jr., middle blocker; Kelsey Dube, Sr., right-side hitter. Newcomers to watch: None listed

Notes: McDade makes the jump to 2A, replacing Thrall in this district. The Bulldogs were a playoff team in Class 1A a year ago, finishing third in 28-1A. Experience will help McDade be competitive in this district as the Bulldogs hope to make a return to the postseason. Though young, McDade returns four starters.

Kathryn Johnson, Johnson City LBJ

Photo

Jim Suter

Note: Enrollment is in parenthesis

AREA HISTORY

UIL STATE VOLLEYBALL CHAMPIONS

Wimberley (6) – 1999, 20001, 2002, 2003, 2006, 2007

Westlake (4) – 1991, 1993, 2002, 2004

Dripping Springs (3) – 1994, 2015, 2022

Lake Travis (2) – 2010, 2011

Hutto – 1999

Westwood – 1999

Hays – 1968

UIL STATE TOURNAMENT APPEARANCES

Wimberley (10) – 1998,1999, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2010, 2020

Westlake (9) – 1991, 1993, 2001, 2002, 2004, 2005, 2007, 2008, 2009

Dripping Springs (7) – 1994, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2018, 2020, 2022

Liberty Hill (5) – 2014, 2016, 2017, 2022, 2023

Lake Travis (4) – 1995, 2008, 2010, 2011

San Marcos (4) – 1967, 1983, 1984, 1986

Thrall (3) – 2016, 2020, 2021

McCallum (2) – 1994, 1997

Round Rock (2) – 1984, 1993

Hutto (2) – 1998, 1999

Westwood (2) – 1998, 1999

Thorndale (2) – 1994, 2018

Cedar Park (2) – 2012, 2016

Leander (2) – 1984, 1985

Salado – 2023

Rouse – 2018

Burnet – 2018

La Grange – 2013

Georgetown – 2009

Vista Ridge – 2006

Northeast (formerly Reagan) – 1990

Johnson City LBJ – 1994

Austin High – 1992

Anderson – 1992

Lago Vista – 1982

Hays – 1968

2024 ASJ Volleyball Preview

TABLE OF CONTENTS

WHAT’S INSIDE

FROM THE PUBLISHER

AUSTIN POWER 50

TOP 20 OUTSIDE HITTERS

TOP 10 SETTERS

TOP 10 MIDDLE BLOCKERS

TOP 10 LIBEROS

PRESEASON ALL-AUSTIN METRO TEAM

FIRST TEAM

HENLEY ANDERSON

LANEY HENNESSEE

TAKYLA BROWN

LILY DAVIS

AVA KOSTROUN

CALLIE KRUEGER

PRESEASON ALL-AUSTIN METRO TEAM

SECOND TEAM

ADDISON GAIDO

TAYLOR GAINES

LEXI ROSENBLATT

RILEY MALLOY

MACY MORRIS

MERRICK HAMMEL

GARLAND OR BUST

With a reloaded roster, Liberty Hill has its sights on a state title

The Birth of a Contender

Navigating a New Playoff Format

‘No Ego, Amigo’

A Community Behind Them

CLASS 6A OVERVIEW

ASJ’S PRESEASON CLASS 6A TEAM

PLAYER SPOTLIGHT

PLAYERS TO WATCH

SLEEPER TEAMS

CLASS 6A POWER 10

DRIPPING SPRINGS

LILY DAVIS, WESTLAKE

WESTWOOD

NEW PLAYOFF FORMAT

REDEMPTION CLASS 6A COVER STORY

Anderson and the Tigers look to right a wrong after last year’s loss in regional finals

A Generational Talent

Staying Humble

A Quest for Redemption

High Expectations

DISTRICT 25-6A PREVIEW

THE BIG 3

CEDAR RIDGE RAIDERS

HUTTO HIPPOS

MANOR MUSTANGS

MCNEIL MAVERICKS

ROUND ROCK DRAGONS

STONY POINT TIGERS

VANDEGRIFT VIPERS

PREDICTION

VISTA RIDGE RANGERS

WESTWOOD WARRIORS

DISTRICT 26-6A PREVIEW

THE BIG 3

AKINS EAGLES

AUSTIN HIGH MAROONS

BOWIE BULLDOGS

DEL VALLE CARDINALS

DRIPPING SPRINGS TIGERS

PREDICTION

LAKE TRAVIS CAVALIERS

WESTLAKE CHAPARRALS

DISTRICT 29-6A PREVIEW

THE BIG 3

BUDA JOHNSON JAGUARS

SAN MARCOS RATTLERS

PREDICTION

NEW BRAUNFELS CANYON COUGARS

CLASS 5A OVERVIEW

ASJ’S PRESEASON CLASS 5A TEAM

PLAYER SPOTLIGHT

ADDISON GAIDO, GEORGETOWN

PLAYERS TO WATCH