Attention has naturally shifted toward Tompkins as a legitimate favorite to reach the Culwell Center come November. The Falcons possess the depth, experience, and proven talent to justify the lofty expectations surrounding head coach Allison Merrell's squad.
That said, the well-earned hype won't breed complacency. Motivation should be in ample supply after a dominant 39-6 campaign ended one match shy of the state final, when Austin High rallied from two sets down to eliminate Tompkins in the 6A Division II State Semifinals.
Powering the team’s response is ascending junior Elsa St. Rose. A true Swiss Army knife on the floor, St. Rose fully asserted herself as an all-around force in 2025, earning District 19-6A MVP honors behind a stat line of 568 kills, 705 receptions, and 371 digs.
The spark behind every point will be senior setter Drew Merrell, an East Texas Baptist commit who earned first-team all-district distinction after surpassing 800 assists and 250 digs a year ago. She’ll be supported by junior Ava Shepard (675 assists), while district second-teamer Ava Johnk operates opposite St. Rose as one of the team’s primary pin hitters.
Baylor-bound senior Natalie Kitts brings valuable height in the middle, a presence that will be key as she steps into an expanded role following the graduation of Emma Elsasser (Texas State) and Callie Funk (Yale).
“We’re strong offensively,” said coach Merrell. “This offseason has been about finding the right pieces defensively and realizing how much chemistry drives our success as we build on last year. This team is going to be fun to watch—I can’t wait for it to start.”
