The featured standouts of the 2026–27 The Woodlands Highlanders volleyball team.
The Woodlands is coming off a 23-19 season in which the Highlanders advanced to the Area Round of the playoffs. They were on the verge of reaching the Regional Semifinals before falling to Cy Ranch in a five-set thriller.
First-team all-district selection Cate Vickers returns at outside hitter after recording 215 kills last season. Honorable mention picks Olivia Hertel, a libero who totaled 327 digs and 565 serve receptions, and outside hitter Brynn Lagasse, who finished with 296 kills and 156 digs, also return for the Highlanders.
Other players to watch include Claire Tidwell (OH), Elizabeth Kath (MB) and Tinley Williams (Libero).
Cate Vickers (Sr. OH) of The WoodlandsMatt Powell (VYPE)
Julian Cromartie has carved out his own path as one of the top wide receivers in Texas, proving there's much more to his story than a famous last name.
The College Park standout, and son of former NFL All-Pro Antonio Cromartie, enjoyed a breakout junior campaign that helped propel the Cavaliers to a district championship and a three-round playoff run. His combination of size, athleticism and polished route running quickly established him as one of the premier pass catchers in the state and earned him a commitment to Clemson. While football has always been part of his life, Julian has worked tirelessly to build his own identity.
A dynamic playmaker with outstanding hands and the ability to stretch the field, he consistently creates separation and delivers in big moments. Whether making contested catches in traffic or turning short receptions into explosive gains, Cromartie has become the focal point of College Park's offense.
VYPE caught up with Cromartie during the 2026 VYPE Football Media Day to discuss his breakout season, his commitment to Clemson, his all-time favorite football player, what separates his game from other elite receivers and the goals he hopes to accomplish before taking the next step to the college ranks.
Isaac Coughran is the next great offensive lineman to emerge from Katy High School, carrying on the Tigers' tradition of producing elite talent in the trenches.
As Katy looks to reestablish itself among the state's championship contenders, Coughran will be one of the cornerstones of the program. A physical, technically sound offensive lineman with a relentless work ethic, he has developed into one of the top prospects in Texas and is committed to the University of Oklahoma, where he'll trade one shade of red for another.
Known for his selfless approach and leadership, he is the type of player who takes just as much pride in creating opportunities for his teammates as he does earning individual recognition. Whether it's opening running lanes, protecting the quarterback or setting the tone with his physical play, Coughran's impact often extends far beyond the stat sheet.
VYPE caught up with Coughran during the 2026 VYPE Football Media Day to discuss his commitment to Oklahoma, his leadership role at Katy, what it means to represent one of Texas' most storied football programs and the goals he has for his final high school season.
Columbus made an impressive run to the regional finals a season ago, and a big reason was "Big Key"—one of the nation's premier offensive line prospects.
Keyon Hemphill-Woods is the complete package.
The University of Texas commit has the size, athleticism and physicality that have made him one of the country's most sought-after linemen.
Off the field, the 6-foot-5 standout is just as memorable. With his infectious smile, larger-than-life personality and genuine charisma, "Big Key" is a marketing manager's dream.
Pair that with his dominance in the trenches, and it's easy to see why he's become one of the faces of Texas high school football.
VYPE caught up with Big Key at the 2026 Football Media Day to talk about his journey, his leadership and what's ahead for the Cardinals.
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