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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 MUSTANGS: Memorial Loaded Roster Ready For State Run
While their 26-14-2 record last season showcases a strong campaign, Memorial’s true potential was revealed in the playoffs. Advancing four rounds deep into the 2024 postseason, the Jeremy York-led Mustangs reached heights that no previous team in recent memory had attained.
What makes this even more exciting is the fact that the majority of the roster from that playoff run returns for the upcoming season. Key contributors will include first-team, all-district selections Will Van Wie (Houston commit), Jake Earnest (Baylor commit), and Jackson Castillo (Sr. DH/C), all of whom will play pivotal roles in the batting order.
The Mustangs also boast a dynamic bullpen with two Texas commits: senior Matthew Manis and sophomore Grant Sperandio, both first-team selections, who will reprise their roles on the mound. Seniors such as catcher Jacob Witte (Washington) and outfielder Andrew Baay (Middlebury College) will also play vital roles in rounding out one of the most complete rosters in the state.
The pieces are now in place for Memorial to continue defying expectations. Anticipate another hot streak.





























