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GAMES
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RANKINGS
The featured standouts of the 2026–27 Tompkins Falcons volleyball team.
THE SETUP: No. 1 Tompkins | VYPE Houston Volleyball 2026 Preseason Rankings
Powering the team’s response is ascending junior Elsa St. Rose. A true Swiss Army knife on the floor, St. Rose fully asserted herself as an all-around force in 2025, earning District 19-6A MVP honors behind a stat line of 568 kills, 705 receptions, and 371 digs.
The spark behind every point will be senior setter Drew Merrell, an East Texas Baptist commit who earned first-team all-district distinction after surpassing 800 assists and 250 digs a year ago. She’ll be supported by junior Ava Shepard (675 assists), while district second-teamer Ava Johnk operates opposite St. Rose as one of the team’s primary pin hitters.
Baylor-bound senior Natalie Kitts brings valuable height in the middle, a presence that will be key as she steps into an expanded role following the graduation of Emma Elsasser (Texas State) and Callie Funk (Yale).
“We’re strong offensively,” said coach Merrell. “This offseason has been about finding the right pieces defensively and realizing how much chemistry drives our success as we build on last year. This team is going to be fun to watch—I can’t wait for it to start.”
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Tompkins' Drew Merrell (Sr. S), Natalie Kitts (Sr. MB), and Ava Johnk (Sr. OH)Matt Powell (VYPE)
Tompkins Jr. OH Elsa St. Rose
NO BLUEPRINT REQUIRED: Signature St. Rose carves her own path while driving Tompkins’ title aspirations
Yet, her story extends past the numbers.
Versatility is woven into St. Rose’s identity. She has excelled across multiple sports at Tompkins while emerging as a five-star collegiate prospect according to Prep Dig. Through it all, volleyball remains where her passion burns brightest.
“For the longest time, basketball and soccer were the only sports I played until I picked up volleyball in seventh grade,” she said. “As the years went on, the competition felt more organized. Every point feels different, the celebrations are bigger, and the connection with my teammates has felt deeper. I’ve been with the same group (Houston Juniors) since I was 13, so we’ve grown together, making it even more meaningful to me.”
Tompkins teammates Ava Shepard and Elsa St. Rose pose back-to-back Matt Powell (VYPE)
CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE THE 2026 VYPE HOUSTON VOLLEYBALL MAGAZINE
CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE PHOTOS FROM THE 2026 CITYWIDE PHOTOSHOOT
CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE DIGITAL MAGAZINE
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At 5-foot-11, St. Rose may not have the prototypical frame of a modern offensive weapon. But, the recent Duke commit's ingenuity and ability to attack from anywhere have made her one of the most dynamic players in Texas.
“I’ve always been a little smaller for my position,” she said. “I knew I wouldn’t be able to just hit straight down on most of these girls, so I had to learn how to place the ball and get the defense out of rhythm. Technique is everything because hitting over or through some of these bigger blockers isn’t always an option.”
That mindset will be critical as Tompkins enters another championship pursuit. The Falcons were one set away from the 6A Division II title match a year ago, holding a 2-0 lead over Austin in the semifinal round before falling in five sets.
“We’re still aware of how close we were,” she said. “But I’m not upset with how we lost. We all gave everything we had, and sometimes things just don’t go your way. I’d rather focus on knowing what it takes to win and using that experience moving forward.”
Now, as the focal point of head coach Allison Merrell’s roster, St. Rose recognizes that impact is built on more than statistics—it’s measured by the ability to elevate those around her.
Matt Powell (VYPE)
“The older girls gave me a lot of insight into what it means to lead,” she said. “It was really about watching how they executed actions and held others accountable. That’s helped shape what I believe a leader should be: someone who pours into younger players, builds confidence, and strengthens relationships.”
That same intentionality carries into how she views the modern athlete experience. As visibility and personal branding become part of the journey, St. Rose understands the importance of authenticity.
“I’ve never really posted anything bad, but I’m definitely more aware of what I share online now,” she said with a laugh. “I try to be conscious of the little things so someone doesn’t get the wrong impression of me down the road. But honestly, the way I carry myself on and off the court hasn’t changed much. I just try to be more outgoing and make sure I’m someone people enjoy watching and being around.”
For St. Rose, standing out has never been about fitting a certain mold. It’s about embracing what makes her different—and using it to leave her own mark.
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