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Whataburger Team of the Week: Memorial VB claims undefeated district title ahead of ensuing playoffs
For the first time since 2020, the Memorial Mustangs sit atop District 17-6A — and they didn’t just get there quietly.
Behind a convincing series sweep of Stratford, last year’s 6A-DII State Finalist, Memorial emphatically secured the district championship while improving to 27-10 overall and an unblemished 14-0 in district play.
The victory capped a dominant regular season that’s seen the Mustangs blend balance, composure, and energy at every turn — all hallmarks of a team built for the postseason.
Under head coach Kaddie Platt, Memorial has thrived behind one of the area’s most complete lineups.
Junior Mary Margaret Schwieder has been a driving force on both ends, leading the team in kills (237) and serve receptions (604) while contributing nearly 400 digs. Fellow junior Tesa Solis has complemented her on the attack, approaching the 200-kill mark as another key piece in the Mustangs’ offense.

Setting the tone for that offensive rhythm has been senior Ella Ross, who’s tallied more than 450 assists while giving her hitters opportunities to capitalize in transition. On the defensive end, senior libero Kassia Tan has been the anchor, registering 483 digs and consistently stabilizing the back row.
Perhaps the biggest X-factor, though, has been sophomore Taylor Harting, whose versatility has made her indispensable. Moving fluidly between setter and right-side hitter, Harting has filled multiple roles with poise — racking up 388 assists, 229 digs, and 157 kills in the process.
Collectively, Memorial has found its stride at the perfect time.
With a district crown in hand and a confident rotation clicking on both sides of the net, the Mustangs now turn their focus toward a playoff run that promises to be as competitive as any in Class 6A — and they look every bit the part of a team ready to make noise when it matters most
THE RANKINGS: Ross, Tan anchor No. 25 Memorial Mustangs
MEMORIAL REACHED THE AREA ROUND OF THE PLAYOFFS IN 2024 AND RETURN TWO STARTERS OFF THAT TEAM.
Kaddie Platt enters her seventh year at Memorial (151-100) and her 30th year of coaching overall. Counting her time at the University of Houston and Houston Baptist University, Platt sits at 744 career coaching victories across high school and college entering 2025.
District 17-6A Defensive Player of the Year Kassia Tan is back for Platt. The senior was also first-team, all-district selection; AVCA Phenom Watchlist, in addition to being a GHVCA Postseason team pick. Tan hit the 1,000 career digs mark in 2024 with 536 on the season.
District 17-6A Setter of the Year Ella Ross is back after registering 621 assists last year, averaging 5.1 assists perset. Ross surpassed the 1,000 career assists milestone in 2024. Other key returners include Anna Scott Tom (1.3 blocks per game, hit .308), who will have a big presence on offense while also being a critical blocking threat.
Also back is Addie Beckcom, who is a “scrappy competitor”.
Other players to watch are Sophie Sharp, Taylor Harting, Mary Schwieder, Tesa Solis, Bess Berg, Adelyn Johnson and Mary Alan Reeves.
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