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Emily Hubacek of Lake Highlands
THE STANDARD: Lake Highlands' Hubacek intentional in building power program
Building a program from the ground up is never easy, but Lake Highlands head coach Emily Hubacek has wasted little time establishing a championship standard.
In just its first season, the new program exceeded expectations by finishing undefeated in district play and capturing a district championship. While the results were impressive, Hubacek knows sustaining success presents an entirely new challenge as the Wildcats prepare for a much tougher district in 2026.
"When you're starting a new program, the biggest challenge is getting everyone to buy in," Hubacek said. "Not just the players, but the parents as well."
That buy-in has become the foundation of everything Lake Highlands does. Hubacek has built an intentional culture that extends far beyond the volleyball court. Every workout has a purpose. Every practice has a standard. Even the relationships her players build away from the gym are viewed as an extension of the program.
"Our culture is very intentional—from how we work out, to who we hang out with off the court, to how we play every point," she said.
With a tougher schedule looming, much of the offseason emphasis has centered on conditioning and preparing for the physical demands of competing against stronger opponents. One message has been repeated throughout the offseason.
No complacency.
Winning a district title in Year One was an accomplishment, but it doesn't guarantee future success. Every position must continue to be earned, and competition is embraced rather than avoided.
"This is not for everyone," Hubacek said. "If it were easy, everyone would do it. Our kids have to have the mentality to compete every day—for their spot, for that game, for that match. We feed on competition."
That mindset has quickly become the identity of the program. Lake Highlands isn't satisfied with simply having a successful inaugural season.
The Wildcats are focused on building a culture capable of sustaining success year after year, regardless of who graduates or which district they compete in.
CULTURE CHANGE: Boyd turning corner under Coach Johnson's energy
A new culture is taking root at McKinney Boyd, and head coach Stu Johnson believes that change will be the catalyst for turning the Broncos into a contender.
After playing a number of underclassmen a season ago, Boyd enters 2026 with valuable experience and renewed confidence. The record may not have reflected it last fall, but the foundation was laid by a young roster that gained meaningful Friday night reps. Now, those players return bigger, stronger and fully invested in Johnson's vision.
"The strength of our program is our culture," Johnson said. "The standards are different. Our kids have bought into what we're doing, and they want to change the direction of this program."
That buy-in has created a different atmosphere throughout the building. From the weight room to the practice field to the locker room, there is a renewed energy surrounding the Broncos. Expectations have risen, accountability has become the norm and competition is bringing out the best in everyone.
Offensively, McKinney Boyd has several exciting pieces to build around. Running back Kayden Washington is coming off an outstanding season and looks poised for an even bigger year after adding strength and explosiveness during the offseason. On the perimeter, Hudson Drake gives the Broncos a reliable outside target, while AJ Stewart creates matchup problems from the slot with his quickness and playmaking ability.
The offense will also benefit from the return of its junior quarterback, who gained valuable experience as a sophomore starter. With another offseason of development and a better understanding of the system, Boyd expects the passing game to take another step forward. Up front, center Drew Bowman anchors an improving offensive line that will be counted on to establish the physical identity Johnson wants.
Defensively, the Broncos believe the front seven can become one of the strengths of the team. Defensive linemen Chaston Stephens and Pierre Roby are physical forces at the point of attack, while linebacker Ugo Anosike flies sideline to sideline as the unit's "heat-seeking missile."
Their ability to control the line of scrimmage and create negative plays will be key as Boyd looks to compete in a challenging district.
Perhaps the biggest difference, however, isn't found on the depth chart. It's the belief inside the program.
The positive vibes throughout the locker room and school are impossible to ignore. Players are embracing the higher standards, competing every day for playing time and taking ownership of changing the narrative surrounding McKinney Boyd football.