St. Thomas Episcopal has talent to get into the postseason
These are the teams that have had success in the past, but heading into this fall they have questions around who will step up to fill in for players gone to graduation. There are also new coaches in the mix but these squads could still piece it all together at the right time to make a run. These are the Sleepers!
Fort Bend Christian Academy Eagles (Reached Third Round of TAPPS 5A Playoffs)
NEW LEADER AT THE NEST
It will be a new era at Fort Bend Christian Academy heading into 2019 as coach Preston Smith has headed to the west side of town taking over Katy St. John XXIII. Entering to take her place is Penny Wasem, who will have a team that went 26-10-3 a year ago and was one set away from playing in the TAPPS 5A State Semifinals. There will be some big shoes to fill at the nest as Abigail Ranly and Camryn O'Leary, who were both TAPPS 5A first-team, all-state selections, are gone to graduation. Also gone is Marissa Bjorngjeld, who was an all-state, honorable mention. Some of the key returners this season include first-team, all-district selection Haley Weinstein and second-teamer Bailey Hanner. This will be an interesting team to watch in 2019 with some players needing to step up.
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Second Baptist Eagles (Reached Second Round of TAPPS 5A Playoffs)
FASELER TO GUIDE SQUAD AS SENIOR
Second Baptist reached the second round of the TAPPS 5A playoffs a year ago before falling short to San Antonio Christian School, which reached the state semifinals. The Eagles finished the year 17-13 overall and will look to get back into the postseason conversation again in 2019. Julia Faseler, who was selected TAPPS 5A second-team, all-state a year ago as a junior, will be the guiding light for this team. Faseler, along with Bailey Ireland, will lead a young team to battle through a tough district that is loaded with powers, like Cypress Christian and Lutheran South.
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Kinkaid Falcons (Reached the SPC Tournament)
ELLIOTT TAKES OVER THE NEST
There are some significant changes inside the Kinkaid volleyball program. Senior studs Onuchi Ndee and Marynell Ward have both graduated and new coach Desiree Elliott takes over the nest. Elliott has a tremendous H-Town pedigree. She played at Cy Woods before signing and starring at LSU. She then went on to play professionally for a stint. She was inducted into the VYPE Hall of Fame in May. After getting into the coaching business in Cy-Fair ISD, Elliott has taken over the head job at the elite private school. Now, it's time to get the Falcons back on track after going two-and-out at last year's SPC tourney. Hitter Ann Van Os and sophomore libero Michelle Sekili will be the cornerstones to build upon in 2019.
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St. Thomas Episcopal Saints (Did Not Make Postseason)
THE BIG THREE
Having a "Big Three" is key in all of sports. Steph, KD and Klay or LeBron, DWade and Bosh, right? Well, the St. Thomas Episcopal Saints have a "terrific trio" of their own. Back in the huddle are first-teamers Ava Barcelo, Ella Classen and Cullen Powitzky to carry the baton for STE within the Class 4A TAPPS race. Other up-and-comers include Sophie Barcelo, Loren Valdez and Katherine Lazor. Hannah Huston and Naomi Hughes will also play bigger roles inside the program in 2019. With so much coming back, the Saints should be in the conversation as it relates to the TAPPS postseason.
WANT OUR VOLLEYBALL PREVIEW SENT TO YOU....
August 2019 VYPE Houston Magazine (VYPE Volleyball Preview): Volume 12 Number 1
Hey VYPE Fans! If you are having trouble finding a copy of the August 2019 Issue (VYPE Volleyball Preview), purchase a copy today! You have the option to purchase a hard copy that can get delivered to your door (if you can not find it in stores anymore) or the digital version that will get sent to your email. Purchase
Courtesy @iamspeters
Photo by VYPE Media's Bradley Collier.
Photo by VYPE Media's Bradley Collier.
Photo by VYPE Media's Bradley Collier.
Photo by VYPE Media's Bradley Collier.
Photo by VYPE Media's Bradley Collier.
