Photo by VYPE Media's Bradley Collier.
2019 VYPE San Antonio Public School Volleyball Contenders
You've already seen the VYPE San Antonio preseason public school volleyball rankings, so it's time to learn about the contenders. Check out the team breakdowns below, and learn about the sleepers and dark horses in the coming days!
No. 1 San Antonio Brandeis Broncos (Reached 2018 UIL 6A Region IV Quarterfinal)
San Antonio Brandeis made a run to last year's UIL 6A Region IV quarterfinal, and is expected to top that in 2019. That's because the Broncos have Saint Mary's University commit Mia Munoz back for her senior year, and TCU commit Jalyn Gibson is ready for her sophomore campaign. They also welcome former San Antonio Reagan player and 2022 TCU commit Carlee Pharris, so they can extend their playoff streak to seven seasons and inch closer to a UIL state final four berth. You can also expect outside hitter Selby Draker, setter Chase Kluna and right side hitter Ava Magnabosco to provide important experience as seniors.
No. 2 Schertz Clemens Buffaloes (Reached 2018 UIL 6A Area Round)
Schertz Clemens only reached last year's UIL 6A area round, but has a lot of upside in 2019. The Buffaloes' roster features a trio of 2020 college volleyball recruits. Arizona commit Shelby O'Neal kicks off the lineup, and Texas Woman's University commit Cassidy Steadman and East Texas Baptist-bound Elizabeth Hill provide important depth. The seniors' experience should also pave the way to another district title and a multi-round playoff appearance.
No. 3 San Antonio Clark Cougars (Reached 2018 UIL 6A Region IV Final)
San Antonio Clark lost a heartbreaking five-set UIL 6A Region IV final against Northside ISD foe Helotes O'Connor, so it's hungry for a 29th consecutive postseason berth in 2019. The Cougars will stay on course because Elise McGhee, Shadee Briggs and Grace Gibson make up a strong big three. McGhee and Briggs are college volleyball commits, and Gibson is coming off a first-team all-district campaign. Coach Melissa Miller, who has led the team to 120 wins, also expects Taylor McDonough, Madison Cuellar, Irie Mendez and Mackenzie Wolff to play notable roles.
No. 4 Helotes O'Connor Panthers (Reached the 2018 UIL 6A State Semifinal)
Helotes O'Connor is coming off a 41-win season and a trip to last year's UIL 6A state semifinal, so everyone's excited for its 2019 encore. The Panthers will stay competitive because outside hitter Bryshanna Brown and setter Terez Chavez make up a strong junior class, and senior outside hitter Kali Nelson adds important experience.
No. 5 Geronimo Navarro Panthers (Reached the 2018 UIL 4A Region IV Semifinal)
Expect Geronimo Navarro to be a force in 4A this season because it has seven returning starters from its 2018 run to the UIL 4A Region IV semifinal. Libero Carolyn Burch and Southwestern-bound right side hitter Kelly Helms will lead the Panthers in 2019, but they're not alone. That's because middle hitters Madison McCaig and Haley Hoffmann, defensive specialists Nelly Brumley and Ashley Gosch, and setter Sara Brenner provide important depth.
No. 6 San Antonio Harlan Hawks (Reached 2018 UIL 5A Region IV Quarterfinal)
It's a great time to be associated with San Antonio Harlan High School. The Northside ISD campus advanced to the UIL 5A regional quarterfinal in its inaugural varsity volleyball season in 2018, and is expected to add to its resume in 2019. That's because the Hawks have six returning starters and a notable trio that includes middle hitter Ayanna Jackson, outside hitter Kiana Fallaha and Eastern New Mexico commit Mikaela Garvin.
No. 7 San Antonio Churchill Chargers (Reached 2018 UIL 6A area round)
San Antonio Churchill has had one of the area's most consistent volleyball programs in recent memory, and 2019 won't change its course. The Chargers advanced to the area round of last year's playoffs, and plan to lean on their college volleyball commits to advance to a 15th consecutive playoff appearance. The quartet includes Isabel Fichtel, Emma Sevening, Julia Lopez and Deziree Flowers. Additional depth will come from Lourdes Gomez, Alyssa Ortega, Shayla Garrison, Briana Billie and Mia Flores.
No. 8 New Braunfels Canyon Cougars (Reached 2018 UIL 6A Region IV Quarterfinal)
New Braunfels Canyon only has three starters back from its 2018 run to the UIL 6A regional quarterfinal, so it'll have to fill some holes to clinch its 10th consecutive playoff berth. The Cougars will lean on SMU commit Angel Jones and Our Lady of the Lake commit Lauren Woitena. Erin Jones, Matti Theurer, Emma Jubela and Kyla Malone will provide additional depth, so coach Heather Sanders can add to the 605 victories she's already led the team to.
No. 9 Devine Arabians (Reached UIL 4A Region IV Quarterfinal)
Devine has only missed one UIL volleyball postseason since its program began, so the Arabians know what the expectation is. The 2019 team still has outside hitter Megan Runyan, setter Macey Hein, libero Gabby Rodriguez and middle blocker Madison Pike from its 2018 run to the UIL 4A Region IV Quarterfinal, and Jasmine Pompa, Kaylee Howard and Myla Miles provide important depth.
No. 10 New Braunfels Unicorns (Reached UIL 6A Area Round)
New Braunfels only has two starters from its 2018 run to the UIL 6A area round, but history says it will find to way to stay competitive in 2019. The Unicorns will lean on outside hitter Madison Glassco, who's a Colorado School of Mines commit, as well as setter Lena Baumann and defensive specialist Edie Welch. Additional depth will come from Cypress Guenther, Rian Millership, Ella Brunson and Morgan Baese.
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