VYPE recently traveled out to Klein ISD for their 2022 Winter Media Day having all the fun that Media Days entail.
Check out this video where VYPE interviews Ashley Dennis, Head Coach of Klein Forest Girls Basketball.
VYPE recently traveled out to Klein ISD for their 2022 Winter Media Day having all the fun that Media Days entail.
Check out this video where VYPE interviews Ashley Dennis, Head Coach of Klein Forest Girls Basketball.
Grand Oaks Sr. OH Halle Thompson
As the 2025 Volleyball season looms, all eyes are once again on Grand Oaks -- the reigning two-time UIL State Champions, who most recently defeated Fulshear 3-1 in the 6A-D1 Final last November.
And at the center of their dominance stands Halle Thompson.
The 6-foot-1 senior outside hitter, already a two-time 6A State MVP, is poised to guide the Grizzlies towards a historic mark. With another title run, Grand Oaks would join Hebron (2015–17) as the only 6A program to win three consecutive state championships.
It’s a daunting challenge — but not one that fazes Thompson.
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
“I think we’ll respond the way we always have,” Thompson said. “We’re going to stay on track and do what we do best, which is to prove people wrong.”
There’s a quiet fire to her voice — not born out of arrogance, but the hardened humility of a leader who has risen through consistency and conviction.
“We’re aware that it’s going to be a difficult task to accomplish, because of how rare of an achievement it is just to do it once,” she added. “That won’t hold us back, though. It will be used as motivation. Above all else, this team isn’t defined by the trophies we already have. It’s defined by the ones we intend to get.”
The 2024 Championship team is presented with their brand new State rings (6/20/2025)Matthew Ogle (VYPE)
Since her freshman year, Thompson has been the cornerstone of Grand Oaks’ rise, embodying a certain athleticism that few at the high school level can replicate.
This season, however, presents a new wrinkle: the Grizzlies are without longtime offensive counterpart Samara Coleman — now at TCU — who was equally instrumental in their title runs.
Now, the future Wisconsin Badger steps fully into the spotlight. But her team-first attitude remains unwavering.
“My mentality is the fact that I wouldn’t be in the position I am without my liberos, my setters, Samara, the team as a whole,” said Thompson. “I know some people think about themselves at this stage, but in this position you can’t.”
It’s a grounded approach that continues to earn her respect. She accepts the leadership role but refuses to separate her success from the group’s.
“Everyone is ready to put their ‘big girl pants’ on to do what is necessary,” she said with a smile.
The stars of 2025-26 Grand Oaks VolleyballBradley C. Collier (VYPE)
Beyond her high school accolades, Thompson’s talent has gained national attention. For the second straight year, she’s been selected for the USA Volleyball U19 national team. After strong showings at the National Team Development Program (NTDP) camps, she earned a spot on the travel roster for this summer’s U21 World Championship in Indonesia.
“It’s been such a fun experience so far,” Thompson said. “It’s definitely made me a more well-rounded player since I get to compete with and against the nation’s best.”
She laughs off Olympic comparisons — “that’s the elite of the elite” — but sees the U19 team as a key step toward her long-term goals. Even with the accolades, Thompson points to a less glamorous influence on her growth: failure.
“You don’t learn anything by winning all the time,” she said. “I know it might not seem that way, especially when you play for a team like Grand Oaks. But that’s because I’ve messed up a lot. However, I don’t let that define me. I grow from the experience as everyone should try to do.”
As Grand Oaks chases a place in the record books, they do so with a clear advantage: a leader built not just by victories, but by everything in between.
The city of Houston is at the epicenter high school volleyball.
Grand Oaks volleyball is on the cusp of making history with the opportunity winning three consecutive UIL State Titles, and this 2025 class is one of the most coveted in the Bayou City, ever.
Welcome to the 19th Annual VYPE Volleyball Preview presented by Daspit Law as we feature, rank and break down the top teams, players and coaches in Houston.
The magazine is AVAILABLE NOW to purchase and will be on stands later on this month.
The Woodlands has long been a breeding ground for elite quarterbacks — from Chance Mock (Texas) to Eric Schmid (Sam Houston State) to Mabrey Mettauer (Sam Houston State). But could Jack Daulton top them all?
The incoming senior has all the tools: blazing speed, a high football IQ, and a cannon for an arm. His skill set has made him a national recruit, and he gave his verbal pledge to TCU earlier this year.
Daulton’s stock rose even higher this summer when he led the Highlanders to the UIL State 7-on-7 Championship, showcasing his leadership and playmaking under pressure.
VYPE’s Matt Malatesta caught up with the rising star as he gears up for the 2025 season — from his offseason grind to his goals for the fall.
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