By Andy Tolbert
True
The John Cooper School has established itself as one of the premier private schools in Texas, earning a reputation for excellence in both academics and athletics.
With a commitment to developing well-rounded students, the Dragons have built a culture where success extends far beyond the classroom. That philosophy has translated into consistent success in the Southwest Preparatory Conference, with numerous team championships and individual honors across multiple sports.
Coupled with its state-of-the-art athletic facilities and a growing tradition of excellence, John Cooper is poised for an exciting future.
Go behind the scenes with the Dragons as VYPE takes you inside their 2026 Media Day.
A new era begins at Cedar Park as John Henze takes over the reins of a program that captured the Class 5A State Championship in 2025 after finishing with an outstanding 39-12 record.
While there is a new head coach on the sidelines, the expectations haven't changed.
The Timberwolves return a strong nucleus featuring Anna Kurz, Blake Gilkey, Riis Britt and Harper Bohnen. Henze is also excited about the impact newcomers Taylor Walters, along with Britt and Bohnen in expanded roles, can make this season.
According to Henze, the keys to another championship run are continuing the daily grind and remembering what it takes to compete at the highest level.
"Same standard. Different level," Henze said.
With a championship culture already in place, experienced returners and a new leader guiding the program, Cedar Park will once again be one of the teams to beat in Class 5A.
The Maroons are back
After an outstanding 41-7 campaign and a trip to the State Championship match, Austin enters the 2026 season with high expectations despite graduating a talented senior class.
Coach Kiley Woods has built this year's team around one simple theme: Unity.
The Maroons will lean on a strong returning core featuring outside hitter Wesley McGinnis, libero Laven Blumoff and setter Nora Bettis. Together, they'll provide the leadership and experience needed as Austin looks to make another deep postseason run.
One player to keep an eye on is Kendall Anding. The powerful hitter has all the tools to emerge as one of the team's breakout stars this fall.
According to Woods, the keys to the season are playing together and lifting one another up.
"We graduated a lot, but we can be strong when we work as one team," Woods said. "We made it to the state championship last year and know what it feels like to play together and go far."
Woods added, "We want to focus on controlling what we can control and work as a team every time we step on the court.”
With championship experience, a united mindset and several talented playmakers returning, don't expect Austin to be far from the title conversation once again in 2026.
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