By Andy Tolbert
Channelview – home of Philadelphia Eagle Jalen Hurts – took care South Houston, 35-28, in an important district contest over the weekend.
VYPE’s Andy Tolbert was on the scene to see the action.
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Channelview – home of Philadelphia Eagle Jalen Hurts – took care South Houston, 35-28, in an important district contest over the weekend.
VYPE’s Andy Tolbert was on the scene to see the action.
The featured standouts of the 2026–27 Friendswood Mustangs volleyball team.
Friendswood enjoyed a banner season in 2025, going 37-10 en route to the UIL State Semifinals and further cementing its place among the state’s elite programs. While generational talent Nadi'ya Shelby has moved on to the University of Florida, along with Caroline Adams (US Naval Academy) and Haley Patton (North Dakota), the cupboard is far from bare for coach Sarah Paulk.
At the forefront is Boise State (Beach Volleyball) commit Elaina Holtvluwer and Sarah Grace Hickl (SFA)—both outside hitters and first-team all-district selections a season ago—while younger sister Ashley Adams (Liberty commit), another first-teamer, steps in to direct the offense from the setter position. Senior Ellie Leitko will stabilize the middle for the Mustangs after being named District 20-5A Blocker of the Year.
“We have had three four-year starters graduate, so we need to establish our team ‘us’,” Paulk said. “We return great setting and middles, but will have to figure out who will pass for us.”
With a strong foundation returning and several players ready to assume larger responsibilities, Friendswood is well-equipped to remain a serious threat in 2026.

The featured standouts of the 2026–27 College Park Cavaliers volleyball team.
The Cavaliers have authored a historic stretch over the past two seasons, built around one of the program’s most accomplished groups in recent memory.
Last fall, seniors Caroline Prihoda (Kentucky) and Lacy Tinnell (Baylor) helped set the tone as College Park finished 31-12 and advanced two rounds deep into the postseason. With those standouts now at the collegiate level, a new group steps into the spotlight.
Junior Skylan Johnson, a first-team all-district selection a year ago, will be relied upon for steady scoring production alongside Lacy’s younger sister, Kansas commit Hailey Tinnell, another junior first-team pick who continues to emerge as one of the area’s rising talents at the middle blocker position.
The District 13-6A Newcomer of the Year, Abby DiMatteo, looks to build on an exceptional freshman debut, with expectations of making an impact in multiple phases—whether defensively or in a potential setting role. Senior outside hitters Sadie Kendrick (Central Arkansas beach volleyball commit) and Drew Cameron, both district honorable mention selections, are also positioned for expanded roles this fall.
“We are excited to get started in August,” coach Candice Collins-Gibson said. “There is so much opportunity with this upcoming squad.
With veteran leadership, strong returners and some new faces, this season will be a great opportunity for growth, achievement and excitement.” CP may be entering a new chapter, but expectations remain high as the Cavs look to continue their winning tradition.

The featured standouts of the 2026–27 Stratford Spartans volleyball team.
The Stratford Spartans have been on a heater. Two seasons ago, Stratford reached the UIL 6A Division II state title match, squaring off against Byron Nelson. Last fall, the Spartans followed that up with another deep postseason push, advancing to the Regional Finals and finishing 26-16 overall.
Stratford will have some holes to fill following the graduation of Audrey Cook (Grand Canyon) and Gwen Koss (Providence), two cornerstone players who helped fuel the program’s recent success.
Headlining the next wave will be reigning District Blocker of the Year Milena Miladinovic, a senior Winthrop commit expected to serve as the centerpiece of Stratford’s lineup. Coach Jenny Adcock believes the keys to the season will be strong ball control, an effective middle attack, and tough serving.
First-team all-district selections Emmaline Glazner (Jr. MB/RS) and Sydney Hatcher (Jr. OH), along with second-teamer Lauren Gioco (Sr. L/DS), are proven contributors who now take on expanded responsibilities, while Amiyah Foreman-Shaw could emerge as a breakout presence capable of surprising opponents.
“I think that we are really locked in to prove ourselves this season,” Adcock said. “We graduated a couple of very high-level players, and our 2026 group really wants to make their personal mark on Stratford volleyball.”
The championship-level culture is already in place, so don’t expect the Spartans to take a step back anytime soon.

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