Fresh off a fourth straight district title, Clear Springs closed 2025 at 35-11, falling to Dawson in the Area Round. The Eagles later turned that win into an unprecedented run to the UIL State Tournament. It may be a hot take, but the Chargers appear next in line to take a similar step forward. Region III is shaping up to be a free-for-all in November, but this roster feels too loaded to anticipate anything less.
The most dangerous weapon in head coach Shannon McClellen’s arsenal remains defending District MVP Caylee Young. Now a senior, the Texas Tech commit posted 518 kills, 383 digs, and 728 serve receptions.
Young should deliver similar production this fall—if not more—with fellow senior Madelyn “Mady” Powell back at setter. Just as comfortable on the court as she is in the sand, Powell earned first-team all-district acclaim after totaling over 750 assists and 350 digs.
She’ll be complemented by senior setter Karmen O’Quinn, while junior Olivia Barnett works opposite Young on the pin. Junior middle Gavin Cramer was named District Co-Newcomer of the Year a season ago after contributing roughly 110 blocks and 160 kills.
While Co-Defensive Player of the Year Lianna Kearns (now at Concordia University) has graduated, Alabama-bound junior Aubree Svoboda is expected to fill the void seamlessly after a first-team campaign featuring 320 digs and 624 serve receptions.
According to McClellen, Clear Springs is “a group that understands the game as well as each other. Now, it’s about tightening up the details and making sure the experience shows up every day.”
The district may have shifted to 18-6A in UIL realignment, but the slate remains unchanged. So, will this be the fall the Chargers reset the standard?
