Memorial High School Mustangs
2021 Mustang Volleyball Bi-District Champions and Area Qualifiers looking to make another run for state
Under the direction of Head Coach Kathleen Platt, the Memorial team is looking to improve every week and in every position.
“This team is very special,” said Platt. “They are hardworking, classy, and are really committed to the whole program.”
Leaders on the court are seniors Sophie Harlan, Lizzie Cooper, Jordan Heath, Claire Childress, and sophomore Reese Haley. According to Platt, the upperclassmen have spent valuable time building relationships with the younger players. The team has also made a collective effort to invest in the community that cheers them on throughout the season.
“The sky's the limit,” believes Platt. “Volleyball is a game in which you have to show up and play the match. Anyone can win!”
Matchups to tune into will be versus Cy-Creek on Sept. 9 for Fan Appreciation Night, versus in-district rival Stratford on Sept. 27 for Dig Pink Night, versus Cy-Ridge on Oct. 14 for Senior Night, and versus Cy-Fair on Oct. 25 for Faculty Appreciation Night and the last home game of the regular season.
See the full schedule at rankone.com and keep up with Memorial High School Volleyball at @MustangVball on Twitter.
Northbrook High School Raiders
Head Coach Chris Kelly is new this year, but plans to use experience and enthusiasm to build the program
Hard work over the summer is resulting in promise and potential for Northbrook Volleyball. Early in the season, the team earned a 3-2 victory over Aldine High School and have been taking some sets from their opponents ever since.
On the court, the Raiders have strong players who are ready to make some big plays.
Senior opposite hitter Madison Campbell is a player to watch this season. Head Coach Kelly has designed their offense around scoring opportunities in that opposite position. Also strong on the front row are senior outside hitter Mileidi Bueno, who Kelly describes as a steadying force, and freshman middle blocker Makayla Oliver, who has raw athletic ability and natural volleyball instincts. Both are forces on the net and exciting to watch!
“We are getting better each week,” said Kelly. “We continue to come together to defy the odds and we have a chance this season to surprise some people.”
For the remainder of the season, the Raiders believe that everything they do is preparing them for district play. One of their main goals is to become more consistent with every district game they play.
See the full schedule at rankone.com and keep up with Northbrook High School Volleyball at @NorthbrookVball on Twitter.
Spring Woods High School Tigers
Spring Woods Volleyball is ready to take on opponents with a growth mindset and competitive spirit
Leaders on the court will be junior middle blocker Noelle Berry, senior setter Morgan Banks, senior outside hitter Valeria Boone, and freshman setter Adriana Castro.
“We only have three returning varsity players, so it is literally a whole new team,” said Head Coach Rebecca Campbell. “We also have some strong newcomers in our sophomores and freshmen. We are excited about all this season has to offer!”
Campbell describes the team personality as united, kind and supportive. In every position, the team remains persistent and adaptable.
“At the end of the day, unity both on- and off- the court is always a win,” commented Campbell.
Matchups to watch will be versus in-district rival Northbrook on Sept. 30 and Oct. 25 for Senior Night. The Tigers are also looking forward to their three tournaments this season, as that is where the team feels they can experiment and find the best fit for their talent.
See the full schedule at rankone.com and keep up with Spring Woods High School Volleyball at @volleyball_swhs on Twitter.
Stratford High School Spartans
Spartans begin season ranked #7 in Houston high school volleyball power rankings
Head Coach Jenny Adcock and the Spartans are gearing up for a season of competitive and top-tier volleyball. In the preseason, the squad faced off against some of the state’s top teams with a goal of preparing for district and postseason play. Their motto is to ‘always be hungry’ in every practice, game and tournament.
“We’ve lost to some strong teams that have given us an opportunity to work on areas of the game we weren’t looking at prior to that match-up, so the competition has been really positive so far,” said Adcock.
Leading the Spartans are seniors Skylar George, Emma Hickman and Olivia Abbott, junior Chloe Popkin, and freshman Audrey Cook.
“I knew this group of seniors was going to be special when they came in as freshmen,” said Adcock. “Not only are they gifted athletically, but their personalities, work ethic and leadership are really making this season special.”
Coupled with a strong junior class and underclassmen who have important roles, Adcock has developed a well-rounded team with a solid depth chart.
“I think this team is capable of a pretty deep playoff run,” said Adcock. “It’s definitely one of our goals to make it to regionals. We’re working to stay healthy and be as ready as possible for the postseason.”
Matchups to watch will be versus Cy-Fair and Cy-Creek high schools, and in-district rival Memorial High School.
See the full schedule at rankone.com and keep up with Stratford High School Volleyball at @StratfordVball on Twitter.