3. The John Cooper School Dragons
4. Concordia Lutheran Crusaders
5. Fort Bend Christian Academy Eagles
Others to Watch: Cypress Christian Warriors, Episcopal Knights, Faith West Academy Eagles, Houston Christian Mustangs, Legacy Prep Christian Academy Lions, Logos Prep Lions, Providence Classical Paladins, Second Baptist Eagles, St. Agnes Academy Tigers, St. John XXIII Lions, St. Pius X Panthers, The Awty International School Rams, The Kinkaid School Falcons, The Woodlands Christian Academy Warriors
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Lutheran South Academy Pioneers
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1. St. John's School Mavericks
The Mavericks fulfilled their destiny last November, turning a 26-15 campaign into an SPC 4A championship run capped by a 3-1 win over Episcopal—the program’s first since 2018. Now, the title defense begins for head coach Shelbi Irvin and company. St. John’s School still features one of the most explosive and relentless offenses in the private school ranks, spearheaded by Jacey Carroll on the outside. Recently committed to Washington University in St. Louis, she amassed nearly 600 kills and 300 digs a year ago, earning All-SPC honors for her efforts. Fellow senior and All-SPC selection Olivia Landahl, an NYU commit, also returns after totaling just under 1,000 assists in her junior year. She’ll be complemented by junior setter Macie Chase, while junior DS Sammie Berzin anchors the defensive side after posting 382 digs in 2025. Outside hitter Alice Engelbrink will operate opposite Carroll in a larger role, joined by rising sophomore Lidia Rajevac, who offers flexibility across the floor.
2. Lutheran South Academy Pioneers
LSA enters 2026 with unfinished business. The Pioneers authored a remarkable 31-win campaign a year ago, advancing all the way to the TAPPS 5A State Championship match before falling just short of the ultimate goal. However, Lutheran South Academy welcomes back plenty of star power and should be squarely in the mix once again. Head coach Geoff Stresman steps into his 21st season at the helm and brings 426 career victories into the fall. Among the six returning starters is Georgia Tech commit Addison Musgrove, one of the state’s most dynamic players. The first-team all-state selection stuffed the stat sheet in 2025 with 607 assists, 361 kills and 110 aces, earning recognition on both the GHVCA Postseason Team and AVCA Phenom List. The Pioneers also welcome back second-team all-state libero Charlie Marisco, who anchored the back row with 449 digs. Additional contributors expected to play significant roles include Addison Wilson (Jr. DS), Eli Wittman (Jr. DS), Julia Carpentier (Sr. DS), Hallie Garner (Sr. MB) and Megan Schwanbeck (Jr. OH).
3. The John Cooper School Dragons
The John Cooper School enters the fall under new leadership, with Taylor McColskey taking the reins of a Dragons unit that continues to trend upward. A significant hire, McColskey brings an impressive collegiate background with stops at the University of Houston, Mississippi State, and Georgia Tech, now translating that experience to an emerging SPC contender. The Dragons finished 24-7 in 2025 and placed as the SPC 3A runner-up. JCS is set to return six starters from that group, headlined by rising junior libero Morgan Nesloney, an instrumental defensive presence who recently committed to Rice. On the outside, sophomore Riley Gottsman anchors one of the pins after earning All-SPC honors alongside Nesloney. Fellow sophomores Reagan Cooksen, Dylan Wilson, and Allanah Maimone bolster the offense, while junior Mary George provides the catalyst at setter. According to McColskey, the key to success in 2026 will be continuing to develop last season’s young core while adjusting to a new system.
4. Concordia Lutheran Crusaders
Under head coach Kim Odinga, the Crusaders continued their ascent with a 31-17 record and a trip to the Regional round of the last year’s TAPPS 6A playoff brackets. State contention remains the standard at Concordia Lutheran, and rest assured the Crusaders have every intention of reentering the conversation. Senior setter Adrienne Deleon is back to ignite the spark for CLHS, coming off a season in which she garnered first-team all-state distinction. She’ll be tasked with feeding junior Raegan Odinga and sophomore Ashley Blaine, both second-team all-state picks who power the squad’s attack. Seniors Gracie Hedden (second-team all-district) and Izzy Adcock provide additional offensive support for coach Odinga, while fellow senior Cadyn Albers, also a second-team all-district selection, stabilizes the defense.
5. Fort Bend Christian Academy Eagles
Now that a culture shift has officially taken hold within the FBCA volleyball unit, led by first-year head coach Dana Bass, the Eagles can turn their focus back to business. The group finished 28-12 last season, advancing to the Regional stage of the TAPPS 5A bracket. Fortunately for Bass, Fort Bend Christian wields much of the same explosive rotation, as she takes the reins in her inaugural season at the helm. Senior Tanner Tell, an Arkansas–Pine Bluff commit, returns on the outside after finishing just shy of 400 kills en route to first-team all-state honors. She’ll be joined by junior Madison Jinks (San Jose State commit), who added 220 kills and earned first-team all-district recognition of her own. In the middle, senior Gabi James (second-team all-district) anchors the front line, while second-team juniors Addi Crist and Juliet DeMarr add versatility and depth to a dynamic attack, capable of shifting into multiple roles as needed. “Blending new athletes into the FBCA volleyball unit under new leadership requires a Christ-centered approach focused on relationships, clear communication of our philosophy, and intentional mentoring that develops both skill and spiritual leadership,” Bass said. The Eagles will compete under the “One Team One Goal” motto in 2026, with the ultimate aim of winning a TAPPS State Championship.
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