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MacArthur's Destiny McFarland
TORCH PASSED: McFarland, fellow seniors look to fuel MacArthur's next chapter // Powered by LOVB
The departure of those stars leaves a competitive void in one of the area’s most demanding districts— and an opportunity for McFarland and her fellow seniors to carry the mantle forward.
The stars of 2025-25 MacArthur VolleyballBradley C. Collier (VYPE)
“I feel that I’ll need to be more confident and speak up for my team,” McFarland said. “We’ve lost a lot of players compared to some other teams in the district, and those will definitely be some big shoes to fill. Fortunately, it doesn’t just fall on me to take on that position. It’ll be a combined effort, so we just need to practice harder and prepare ourselves."
Last season, MacArthur finished 24-17 before falling to The Woodlands in the opening round of the postseason. McFarland earned an all-district honorable mention, showcasing her ability as both a physical presence on the court and an emerging leader off of it. But her growth has gone beyond stats.
“My attitude has really improved over the years,” she admitted. “Starting off in my freshman year it was pretty bad, but Coach [Lynda] Eastland changed that quickly. She’s been a great motivator to me and she helped me to become disciplined and humble as an individual.”
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
Off the court, McFarland is the oldest of five siblings — a role that’s helped shape her approach to responsibility and maturity.
“Even though we’re not too far apart in age, I’m kind of the first one to experience things and I hope they learn from my mistakes and my successes,” she said.
As she prepares for her last campaign, McFarland continues to draw inspiration from collegiate stars like Harper Murray (Nebraska) and Logan Eggleston (LOVB Austin). And while this fall will present a new challenge for MacArthur, one thing is clear: the Lady Generals’ future now rests in the hands of someone ready for the moment.
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Alief Elsik's Nafisat Ozigi
LAYING DOWN THE LAW: Elsik's Ozigi may soon be seen on more than one kind of court // Powered by LOVB
“I was initially drawn to volleyball because of my height and I was looking for a productive extracurricular activity to get involved with,” Ozigi said. “Coming to America when I was about to start eighth grade, then moving here from San Antonio, my Dad really encouraged me to join something in order to ease myself into school life. Once I made the team after tryouts, the rest is history.”
The stars of 2025-26 Alief Elsik VolleyballJamey Wright (VYPE)
Ozigi’s path to the court didn’t begin in a gym, but across the globe. She spent her first 11 years in Nigeria, where school life looked very different.
“I attended a few boarding schools and we didn’t necessarily have competitive sports,” she said. “I’d love to go back and visit sometime after high school because life seemed to be simpler then.”
What she values about her time in the U.S., however, is the connection she’s been able to build.
“There seems to be more interaction between the students, teachers, and coaches,” Ozigi noted. “It’s not so much that we’re seen as peers, but it’s more friendly and there’s an emphasis on the individual relationships.”
Volleyball, she says, has helped anchor her in that process. From communication to accountability, it’s been a space for learning beyond the textbook.
“Teamwork is a major component of the game,” she said. “So, whenever I have projects or assignments that require more than one person, I already have a sense of how to interact with and collaborate with others. Also, it’s helped me to understand the value of taking ownership of what you do, which has made me a better leader, I feel.”
Jamey Wright (VYPE)
That same mindset carries over to the classroom. Ozigi, currently ranked fourth in her senior class at Elsik, is as driven academically as she is athletically.
“It (academics) isn’t always my favorite thing, but I think that’s where my competitive side kicks in; if I want a good grade, I’m going to fight for it.”
As for what comes next, Ozigi sees a future in the courtroom, inspired by someone close to home.
“I see myself pursuing a career in Law, since my Dad isa lawyer and I know the extent of where it can take me.”
