By Andy Tolbert
By Andy Tolbert
A year after finishing 17-21 and fourth in District 22-5A before falling in the opening round of the playoffs, the Cougars have transformed themselves into one of the Houston area’s most intriguing teams. At 24-2 overall and a perfect 6-0 in district play, Kempner has surged to the top of a competitive district and into the latest VYPE Houston Volleyball Rankings, where the Cougars currently sit at No. 4 in the 5A/4A Top 10.
The turnaround is even more remarkable considering the timing. This is the first season under head coach Melynda McGregor, who has helped usher in a new level of belief for a program that has made the postseason sporadically but hasn’t seriously threatened for a district title or made an extensive playoff run in more than two decades.
The Cougars have already taken down several of their biggest district challengers, including Lamar Consolidated, Freeman and Crawford. One remains: Randle, which Kempner will face this week with plenty at stake.
Kempner has gotten plenty of production from a group that brings different strengths to the floor. Junior outside hitter Olivia Algard has been a force on both sides of the net, totaling 168 kills and a team-best 154 digs.
Senior setter/outside hitter Chyanne Bates has done a little bit of everything with 179 assists, 124 kills and 152 digs, while junior setter Ava Galvan has added 157 assists to keep the offense moving. Behind them, senior libero Alexis Luna has helped solidify the back row with 137 digs.
For a squad that has spent years searching for its breakthrough, Kempner has found it in a hurry. And with the biggest tests of the season still ahead, the Cougars are no longer simply chasing a postseason berth—they’re setting their sights much higher.
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