THE TURNAROUND: Willis Looking to Make Some Noise in District

It was tough season for the Willis Wildkat volleyball team in 2020 as they battled through a tough district slate and uncertain COVID season. Let's just turn that page and chalk it up to unprecedented times.

Coach Megan Storms knows how tough this district is being on both sides of the win-loss column. She was an assistant at The Woodlands as they dominated conference play. She's now seeing what a Murderer's Row District 13-6A really is facing the Highlanders, College Park, Oak Ridge and Grand Oaks on any given night. Each playoff representative coming out of the district won at least one playoff game.

Leading the way for Willis is four-year starter Taylor Thomas, who was a first-team, all-district selection a year ago. The team will go as far as Thomas' hard-hitting swing will take them.

While Thomas provides the offense, second-team junior Caroline Woodfill is all over the court trying to keep the ball off the hardwood on defense. Lakin Horne will also help as a defensive speicialist.

Rylee McDonald handles the middle of the net, while Savannah Paske sets up Piper Neumann, Reece Edmiston, Secret Carroll and Thomas. Neumann and Edmiston also double as setters.

It will be a competitive ride in 2021, but keep in mind, it's only been four years since Willis reached the Regional Semis in Class 5A, so the 'Kats have some history.