VYPE U: Lamar Consolidated gets back on track with win over Montgomery

Trophy Club, Texas

On any given night, Sophee Peterson is the heartbeat of the Byron Nelson volleyball court — the catalyst behind every rally, the voice that drives her teammates, and the player opponents know can change a match in an instant.

Thursday, that influence earned her national recognition: the junior setter was named the 2025-2026 Gatorade National Volleyball Player of the Year, selected from more than half a million candidates.

The Texas A&M-commit is widely regarded as one of the nation’s premier setters — a fact Byron Nelson head coach Brianne Groth highlighted after the Bobcats claimed their second consecutive UIL 6A Division I state title last November. Byron Nelson swept Dawson to finish a perfect 42-0 season, with Peterson at the center of it all.

Photo taken by: Matthew Ogle (VYPE)

The moment carried extra significance when three-time Olympic medalist and former Gatorade National Volleyball Player of the Year April Ross surprised Peterson at school, presenting the award in front of her teammates, family, and friends.

Watching her on the court, the distinction is easy to understand. Peterson’s technique, court vision, and relentless energy make her the linchpin of a program. She orchestrates the offense with precision, feeding top-tier talent like Washington-bound Kylie Kleckner and Rice signee Ashlyn “AJ” Seay.

In 2025, Peterson totaled nearly 1,500 assists and 300 digs, cementing Byron Nelson’s status as the indisputable No. 1 team in the country. More than stats, her leadership, poise, and intensity set the tone for the team.

For Peterson, the award is recognition — but also a reminder: she’s not just running the court, she’s setting the standard.