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VYPE 2022 Volleyball Preview - THE DARK HORSES: Stratford Spartans
Stratford marched its way into the playoffs in 2021, making it back-to-back postseason appearances for the first time since 2013-14.
Now, the Spartans will try and make it a third straight year and try to advance past the Area Round for the first time since 2010.
Skylar George and Sophia Cornell, who both enter their senior years, come back as the main firepower on offense after registering 442 and 300 kills, respectively. Emma Hickman will lock down the middle after registering 100 blocks a year ago, along with West Texas A&M-commit Sharlotte McClintock, who had 89. Cornell also chipped in 68, while George had 45.
The defense will be headed up by University of Incarnate Word-commit Olivia Abbott, who led the team with 523 digs, followed by George’s 469. Maryville University- commit Nina Terry will maneuver the offense at the setter position after racking up 800 assists in 2021, averaging 9.8 per set. Abbott can step into that role as well after collecting 392 in 2021.
This Stratford squad has enough talent and experience to get back in the playoffs and make a run.
VYPE 411: Skylar George of Stratford
Skylar George recently won the VYPE Houston Public School Preseason Outside Hitter of the Year Fall Poll! VYPE caught up with George for the 411 on the star from Stratford.
VYPE: How long have you been playing volleyball and how did you get your start?
George: I have been playing volleyball since 4th grade and started club my 8th grade year. I did cheer my whole life and found a love for volleyball during school season at Spring Forest Middle School.
VYPE: Who's your favorite athlete and why?
George: Jhenna Gabriel because of her determination and leadership on the court. She is a strong leader for her team and a hard worker.
VYPE: What's your pre-game meal? Routine?
George: I try to have a sandwich before games but the night before I eat pasta. My pregame routine is dancing with my teammates getting hype, I also give myself a pep talk when I'm alone.
VYPE: Off the court, what is your favorite thing to do?
George: I love to hang out with my family and friends. Karaoke night is always my favorite!
VYPE: What's your favorite subject in school?
George: My favorite subject is probably science base classes.
VYPE: What is the one memory from the game you'll never forget playing volleyball?
George: One memory I will never forget was when my libero dislocated her thumb, my middle was back row, my setter was front row, I was back row with my ds front row because we were out of subs. It was the third set at Nationals in Vegas and we were down the whole game and we ended up winning the game with our only outlets for hitting being the back row attack and our middle. It was insane and I will never forget it.