Spring Branch ISD Featured News

 

 

For the Stratford High School (SHS) Spartans, the 2025 volleyball season is less about repeating the past and more about building something new—together.

“We’ve talked about owning our own identity,” said Head Coach Jenny Adcock. “This is a new team, with new players and a new energy. It’s not about trying to copy last year—it’s about being who this team is and growing into our own potential.”

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Building chemistry, one rep at a time

With nine new players on the varsity squad, building chemistry has been both a challenge and an exciting opportunity.

“Any time you bring up players from sub-varsity, there’s a learning curve,” Adcock said. “It takes time to adjust to the speed of the game and learn how to play next to new teammates. But this group has leaned into that process.”

The Spartans are working to raise the level of play across the board while emphasizing communication and trust. “It’s all about getting everyone on the same page—literally and figuratively,” Adcock added.

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Offensive firepower leading the way

Stratford’s strength this season lies in its offense, with several key returners and rising stars stepping up in big ways.

Senior Audrey Cook is the engine behind it all. As the team’s setter, she plays all six rotations and is known for her relentless pace and leadership on the court.

“She never lets up,” said Adcock. “It’s all gas, no brakes with Audrey. She’s doing a phenomenal job running our offense.”

Outside hitter Gwyn Koss and Middle Blocker Milena Miladinovic are also making a big impact, with Gwen playing six rotations and providing consistent offensive production from the left side and Milena as a solid force in the middle with both her offense and blocking.

“They’re doing a fantastic job,” Adcock said. “They bring power, poise, and a lot of maturity to our attack.”

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Fresh faces, fresh energy

Integrating a large group of new varsity players has added a layer of excitement and motivation to the season.

“There’s a spark when new players get their shot at the varsity level,” said Adcock. “They’re hungry, they’re learning, and they’re raising our energy in the gym.”

It’s not always a smooth transition, but the coaching staff sees the growth happening in real-time. “We're working through the early kinks,” she said. “But the progress is clear, and the potential is there.”

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Goals for the season: Be who we are

After a strong 2024 season, expectations were high—but the Spartans are focused on forging their own path.

“We’ve had honest conversations as a team. This isn’t about matching last year—it’s about being the best version of this year’s team,” said Adcock. “We’re setting our goals based on who we are now, not who we were then.”

The team’s focus remains on daily improvement, strengthening team culture, and competing with grit and pride.

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Players to watch

• Audrey Cook, S – The senior setter leads the team with pace and passion, running the offense through all six rotations.

• Gwyn Koss, OH – A versatile six-rotation player bringing consistency and power from the left side.

• Milena Miladinovic, MB – Matches Gwyn’s intensity and impact in the middle; both are keys to the Spartan attack.

• Other rising contributors are quickly adjusting to varsity play and showing promise as the season progresses.

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Looking ahead

With a balance of seasoned leadership and fresh energy, the Spartans are focused on building a strong team identity—one that reflects resilience, unity, and belief in their potential.

“We’ve embraced the idea that this is a new chapter,” Adcock said. “We’re building something special—one practice, one point, one match at a time.”

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For schedules, tickets, and more on SBISD volleyball, visit the SBISD Athletics website.