GAMES
RANKINGS
Friendswood's Nadi'ya Shelby (Florida-signee)
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Here are the UTMB Volleyball Athletes of 2025, highlighting some of South Houston's most prominent performers of the Fall.
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Caylee Young -- Clear Springs Volleyball
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
Clear Springs was one of the hottest teams in H-Town this season, and a clear reason for that surge stemmed from the play of Caylee Young. The junior pin hitter’s blend of precision and power consistently elevated the Chargers’ ceiling, giving them a dependable offensive catalyst in every matchup.
CSHS ultimately ran into Dawson in the Area Round — a squad now bound for the UIL 6A-DI State Final — which brought an end to an otherwise impressive campaign. Still, head coach Shannon McClellan’s group closed the year at 35-11, securing a fourth consecutive district championship in the process.
Individually, Young delivered one of the region’s top two-way seasons, finishing with 518 kills, 383 digs, and 728 serve receptions – a superb stat-line that ultimately earned the Texas Tech-commit District 24-6A MVP honors.
With the exception of imminent senior graduates like Lianna Kearns (24-6A Co-Defensive Player of the Year), the vast majority of standouts for Clear Springs are presumed to return next fall. With Young back as the centerpiece, this team is only just getting started.
Avery Koonsen -- Dawson Volleyball
Matthew Ogle (VYPE)
Dawson was already a perennial regional contender prior to the arrival of senior Avery Koonsen. When factoring in her addition from the outside pin, it makes total sense as to how the program has stood on business and ascended to new heights in 2025.
The team’s refusal to back down was demonstrated perfectly in the club’s monumental battle against O’Connor this past Saturday at the Delmar Fieldhouse. After five sets, the Eagles not only earned some payback against the Panthers — who were the last team to defeat them all the way back in August — but also extended the program’s historic campaign by securing a spot in the 6A-D1 State Final.
On the stat sheet, Koonsen has built a near-irrefutable case for District 22-6A MVP honors, with well over 500 kills and 300 digs to her name this season. More importantly, the soon-to-be SFA Lumberjack could potentially help Dawson secure a title in a highly anticipated matchup with Byron Nelson this Saturday.
Nadi'ya Shelby -- Friendswood Volleyball
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
Friendswood’s pursuit of its first championship since 1994 was unfortunately cut short by Cedar Park this past weekend. Still, a 37–10 finish and the program’s 11th appearance in the UIL State Final Four speak volumes about the consistency and structure established by head coach Sarah Paulk and her staff.
A central reason for that reliability has been clear for years. Across four seasons, Nadi’ya Shelby has remained one of the most genuinely entertaining and gifted volleyball players in Texas — much less Houston — anchoring Friendswood’s identity with her presence on the outside.
By season’s end, Shelby delivered 509 kills, 207 digs, and 398 serve receptions, once again proving to be the Mustangs’ metronome in high-pressure moments. Another District MVP selection was just announced for the Florida-signee, which marks the third consecutive time she's received the distinction -- further cementing her place as one of the program’s all-time greats.
Aniston Collins -- Lutheran South Academy Volleyball
Jamey Wright (VYPE)
It’s safe to say no team was quite as commanding as LSA (31–8) on Houston’s private-school scene this fall. The Geoff Stresman-led Pioneers validated their preseason No. 1 ranking by steamrolling their way to the TAPPS 5A State Final — the program’s fifth appearance all-time and first since 2023.
And while All Saints Episcopal ultimately denied them the crown, Lutheran South more than earned its share of recognition throughout a dominant campaign.
Among the playmakers who powered that run, senior Aniston Collins’ influence was perhaps the most palpable.
In addition to securing TAPPS All-Tournament honors, another all-state nod is essentially assured for LSA’s dynamic setter. The SFA-signee closed out 2025 with a team-leading 388 kills, supported by 498 assists and 203 digs — a stat line that reflects both her versatility and her central role in the Pioneers’ system.
Even if the season didn’t end the way they envisioned, it’s hard to argue against how loaded this group was — and just how vital Collins proved to be in getting them back onto the State stage.
Peyton Aldridge -- Clear Lake Volleyball
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
What a monumental year it was for Clear Lake. Not only did the Falcons (29–16) end a five-year playoff drought, but they followed it by knocking off Goose Creek Memorial and Shadow Creek en route to the 6A-D2 Regional Semifinals.
That kind of precedent doesn’t materialize without a fortified sense of cohesion — and without dependable talent steering things on the court. For Clear Lake, senior setter Peyton Aldridge was at the center of that push, assuming a starring role throughout the campaign and elevating the Falcons’ ceiling week after week.
Aldridge helped unlock the team’s offense in full, eclipsing 1,000 assists and 400 digs this fall, production that earned her first-team, all-district honors and underscored her value as the group’s primary orchestrator. And while she’ll graduate at year’s end, the new standard she helped establish is an achievement that should continue to shape Clear Lake’s trajectory moving forward.
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Tomball's Gemma Hopkins (Jr. L)
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Dawson Eagles vs. Clear Springs Chargers (6A-D1 Region III)
Dawson Eagles
Jamey Wright (VYPE)
WHEN: Monday, November 3rd -- 7:00 PM
WHERE: Friendswood High School
Fresh off a commanding 3-0 sweep of Fort Bend Travis, Dawson enters with a 38-4 record and the momentum of an undefeated District 22-6A title run.
Dawson’s star-studded cast begins with senior outside hitter — and 2025 Homecoming Queen — Avery Koonsen, an SFA-commit who’s delivered a staggering 453 kills and nearly 500 receptions this fall. Her all-around play makes her a frontrunner for 22-6A Offensive Player of the Year – if not District MVP – honors.
On the backline, Jenna Thedford (Texas A&M-commit), last year’s Defensive Player of the Year, anchors the back row with close to 600 digs.
The setting duo of Taylor Ranney (642 assists) and freshman Alexa Koonsen (414 assists) keeps Dawson’s tempo relentless, while senior hitters Sloane Ranney, Keaton Points, and Isabella Tijernia round out one of the deepest rotations in the region.
If the Eagles advance, it would mark their eighth trip to the Regional Tournament in nine years — a testament to the consistency and culture that coach Lauren Leth has built within the program.
Across the net, Clear Springs arrives at 35-10, carrying its fourth consecutive district title and a 3-0 sweep of Summer Creek in the opening round. Head coach Shannon McClellen’s Chargers are no strangers to postseason pressure and have the offensive firepower to potentially match Dawson point-for-point.
Leading the charge is Caylee Young, a Texas Tech-bound junior whose blend of athleticism and shot variety has yielded 511 kills, 688 receptions, and 368 digs — one of the most complete stat lines in the state.
Lianna Kearns (Sr. L), committed to Concordia University, has surpassed 600 digs, while junior setter Mady Powell (739 assists, 344 digs) and sophomore defensive specialist Aubree Svoboda (316 digs, 604 receptions) provide steady hands and reliability.
For Clear Springs, an upset would mean more than just toppling Houston’s No. 1 team — it would secure the program’s first trip to the Regional Semifinals since 2022.
Clear Springs Chargers
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
Tomball Cougars vs. College Park Cavaliers (6A-D2 Region II)
Tomball Cougars
Jamey Wright (VYPE)
WHEN: Tuesday, November 4th -- 5:30 PM
WHERE: Klein Cain High School
While Tomball was solid a year ago, the team has experienced a drastic ascension throughout this campaign under head coach Jordan Williams. The Cougars return to the Area Round with a 38-6 record, fresh off a 3-1 victory over Waller and riding the confidence of one of the city’s most highly-rated clubs.
Senior outside hitter Heidi Horan sets the tone on offense, with 371 kills and 315 digs, anchoring a frontline that also features sophomore Kinsley Moretti, who has emerged as a potent scoring threat with nearly 300 kills, and junior middle hitter Taylor Choate (219 kills, 61 blocks).
Behind the net, freshman setter Greysen Ortmeier has orchestrated the offense with just under 1,000 assists, while junior libero Gemma Hopkins remains the team’s rock, with 546 digs and 466 serve receptions.
College Park enters at 31-11, carrying the momentum of a late-season surge that saw them win 14 of their last 16 matches. After a decisive sweep over Eisenhower in the opening playoff round, head coach Candice Collins-Gibson’s Cavaliers are riding a mix of veteran leadership and emerging talent.
Baylor-commit Lacy Tinnell has worked wonders in the middle, racking up 343 kills and 86 blocks this year, while senior outside hitter Reese Ellen has contributed 211 kills.
On the back row, seniors Macie Fralix and Caroline Prihoda (Kentucky commit) share setting duties, each with just under 500 assists, stabilizing the offense despite Prihoda missing time earlier in the season.
Furthermore, CP has a breakout star of its own, given that freshman libero Abby DiMatteo 476 digs to her name.
College Park Cavaliers
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
Friendswood Mustangs vs. Lake Creek Lions (5A-D2 Region III)
Friendswood Mustangs
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
WHEN: Tuesday, November 4th -- 6:30 PM
WHERE: New Caney High School
After dispatching Nederland 3-1 last week, Friendswood heads into Round 2 touting a 34-9 record and the confidence of a team built for longevity.
There’s no doubt who the alpha of the group is for coach Sarah Paulk's unit, as Florida-bound senior Nadi’ya Shelby has powered Friendswood through sheer athleticism and technique — tallying well over 400 kills to anchor one of the region’s most dynamic offenses.
While Shelby rightfully draws much of the attention, sophomore Elaina Holtvluwer has thrived on the opposite pin, adding 269 kills to help diversify the attack.
Of course, the Mustangs’ success stems from their structure as much as their star power.
Senior setter Caroline Adams (Navy-commit) has orchestrated the offense with precision, totaling nearly 800 assists and close to 200 digs, while senior libero Haley Patton (North Dakota-commit) steadies the back row with more than 450 digs. Together, they give Friendswood a measured rhythm and resilience that’s carried them through a demanding schedule.
Lake Creek, on the other hand, continues to embody the idea that records don’t always tell the whole story.
Despite entering the matchup at 19-23, coach Kayli Kane and the Lions have emerged from one of the toughest districts in the state — featuring powerhouses like College Station, A&M Consolidated, and Montgomery — and are coming off a convincing series sweep over West Fork in the Bi-District round.
Something the Lions can hang their hat on is the considerable balance they’ve displayed offensively.
Junior Ryan Mokry (330 kills), senior Taylor Woods (280), and sophomore Shelby Lee (276 kills, 269 digs) form a capable core at the net, while senior middle Kansas Lamar (160 kills, 82 blocks) adds size and experience up front.
Meanwhile, freshman setter Sutton Breck Tessier has emerged as a revelation — logging 831 assists and 249 digs in her debut season — and fellow freshman Louisa Ertischek has anchored the defense with more than 450 digs.
Lake Creek Lions
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
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