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Cooper Phillips of Plano West
COACH SPEAK: Plano West's Phillips preaches fun while winning
Plano West has established itself as one of the premier volleyball programs in North Texas, and expectations remain high after capturing the district championship and advancing to the third round of the UIL playoffs a season ago.
Head coach Cooper Phillips has built a culture that balances championship expectations with an environment where players genuinely enjoy competing. While the pressure to win is ever-present at Plano West, Phillips believes success comes from creating a team-first atmosphere where athletes can play with confidence, energy and enthusiasm.
His ability to keep the season fun while maintaining a relentless competitive standard has become one of the program's defining characteristics.
The Wolves enter the 2026 campaign facing a new challenge. Graduation claimed several key contributors from last year's district championship squad, meaning a new group of leaders must emerge. Rather than trying to replace individual stars, Phillips and his staff are focused on developing the next wave of talent and building a roster capable of sustaining the program's tradition of excellence.
VYPE caught up with Coach Phillips on the eve of the 2026 season.
THE TIER LIST: VYPE DFW Preseason Softball Rankings; Melissa, Guyer flexing early on
Contrary to what the current chilly temperatures might indicate, the spring edition of the UIL season is officially underway, marking the start of the race toward Red & Charline McCombs Field.
In the Dallas-Fort Worth region, the Melissa Cardinals are the early favorites, and for good reason.
After a historic 2024 season, Melissa not only reached the State Tournament for the first time in program history, but they also secured the UIL-5A Title.
What’s even more daunting for opponents is the return of nearly the entire championship roster, including State MVP Caigan Crabtree (Texas-commit), along with All-Tournament selections Alexandra Starr (Michigan State), Kennedy Bradley (Florida), and Amariee Bradford (So. IF).
Shifting focus from the 5A favorites, Denton Guyer, fresh off their second consecutive State Final Four appearance, is aiming for a third trip out of Region I, with no intention of settling for another bronze medal.
Other 6A powerhouses, such as Keller, Forney, and Southlake Carroll, are expected to make noise this season, while Aledo, Centennial, and Walnut Grove will lead the charge in 5A.
While predicting the season's outcome is never an exact science, here are VYPE's top softball teams from DFW to watch as the 2025 campaign begins.
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*Parentheses indicates current district
*Last section indicates 2024 result
VYPE DALLAS-FORT WORTH SOFTBALL TOP-10 (Class 6A-4A)
1. Melissa Cardinals (13-5A) -- 38-2-1; 11-1 in District (UIL-5A State Champions)
2. Denton Guyer Wildcats (5-6A) -- 37-5; 13-1 (State Semifinalists)
3. Keller Indians (4-6A) -- 29-11-2; 12-0 (Regional Finalists)
4. Forney Jackrabbits (10-6A) -- 38-5-3; 12-0 (Regional Finalists)
5. Aledo Bearcats (5-5A) -- 35-4; 12-0 (State Semifinalists)
6. Southlake Carroll Dragons (4-6A) -- 34-10 (Regional Semifinalists)
7. Centennial Spartans (8-5A) -- 32-9; 15-1 (Regional Finalists)
8. Walnut Grove Wildcats (13-5A) -- 38-5; 14-0 (Regional Semifinalists)
9. Plano West Wolves (6-6A) -- 24-14-1; 8-6 (Regional Semifinalists)
10. Wakeland Wolverines (12-5A) -- 24-10; 11-3 (Regional Semifinalists)
Honorable Mentions: FM Marcus (5-6A), Timber Creek (4-6A), Sanger (9-4A), Hebron (5-6A), Aubrey (10-4A)