Since the doors of Klein Cain High School first opened, James Clancy has been more than just a head football coach — he’s been the architect of a winning culture.
From his early days as an assistant at Klein Oak, to leading Strake Jesuit as head coach, to now building the nationally recognized Reign Cain brand, Clancy has become one of the most respected names in Texas high school football.
And his influence extends far beyond the sideline.
This past spring, Clancy was fielding calls from NFL GMs ahead of the 2025 NFL Draft in Green Bay — proof of the program’s credibility at the next level. Former Klein Cain star Matthew Golden was selected in the first round by the Green Bay Packers, while Jaydon Blue heard his name called later by the Dallas Cowboys.
Clancy’s resume speaks for itself — playoff runs, elite player development, and a deep understanding of how to navigate the ever-evolving high school sports landscape.
VYPE’s Matt Malatesta caught up with Clancy to discuss the state of high school athletics, the pressures of exposure and recruitment, and what it means to build not just a football team — but a program with staying power.
One thing is clear: under James Clancy’s leadership, Klein Cain isn’t just winning games — they’re sending players to the league and redefining what it means to ‘Reign Cain.’
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BETTER TOGETHER: Stratford's Cook Reflects on Team Bond Following Historic 2024 State Run
15 Jul, 2025
Stratford Sr. Setter Audrey Cook
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
When Audrey Cook stepped onto the court last fall as Stratford's starting setter, few expected the season to end on the biggest stage in Texas high school volleyball.
Cook and the Spartans defied those odds. Behind a resilient group led by Cook and fellow standout Gwen Koss, the team reached the UIL 6A-Division II State Final, marking the program’s first appearance in the title match since 2002.
Though they fell to nationally top-ranked Byron Nelson, the run redefined expectations for the Spartans—and Cook’s impact was undeniable.
“I think the whole experience was so surreal,” said Cook, now a senior. “Of course, it’s not something that many people expected us to do, even ourselves at some points.”
Stratford didn’t need outside validation. Internal belief and team-first culture became their fuel.
“We tend to be against the odds, and I feel like that was a big part of what motivated us,” Cook said. “The team was fired up every round because of the doubts we faced. More so than that, we felt like we were doing it for each other, since that’s the culture which has been built upon each season.”
The stars of 2025-26 Stratford VolleyballBradley C. Collier (VYPE)
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For Cook, the journey went beyond the scoreboard. It was the small, in-between moments that made the experience unforgettable.
“The trips we took are something that’s going to be ingrained in my memory forever,” she said with a laugh. “The stops at Buc-ee’s, making pallets on the bus when we were trying to sleep. It all sort of combines to make the journey that much more special.”
Cook was named Co-District 17-6A MVP in 2024, sharing the honor with Koss. But heading into her final season, the challenge looks different. Stratford is no longer the underdog—they’re the team to beat.
“For the first time in a while, the target is on us,” Cook acknowledged. “It’s pretty clear that we have to adapt, especially now that a newer group of girls is being brought up into the program. We compete in a super competitive region, so regrouping and understanding that this is a new season will be critical.”
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
With graduation on the horizon, Cook is embracing an introspective and emotional chapter.
“For me, it’s a really sad experience,” she said. “This has been like family and like home to me for so long. Coach Jenny (Adcock) has been like a mom to me—go to her any day, she’s there for you. That’s something I’m definitely going to cherish, and I’m sure that I’ll continue to stay in contact with her once I graduate.”
Still, her volleyball story is far from over. Cook has committed to Grand Canyon University, where she’ll play at the Division I level—fulfilling a longtime dream.
“I’m so blessed that I get to play beyond high school,” Cook said. “It relates to the welcoming environment I’ve grown used to feeling at Stratford. I’m going to be spending plenty of time with the coaches and players, so it was imperative that I felt something a little more profound when I went to the campus—which is exactly how it played out.”
From locker room laughs to state finals, Audrey Cook’s journey has been anything but ordinary. As she looks ahead, she’s sure to leave behind a footprint rooted in belief, tenacity, and the team that became her second home.
CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE THE 2025 VYPE HOUSTON VOLLEYBALL PREVIEW
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We are in a Renaissance of women’s sports like we have never seen.
Social media, television, live streaming, marketing, big personalities, and the elevated level of play have all collided in a perfect storm—and women are riding the wave with style and swagger.
Caitlyn, Angel, Paige, Harper, Madisen, Livvy, Birdie—these aren’t household names; they’re the life blood of Madison Avenue’s next ad campaigns.
Female high school and college athletes are building their social platforms at an astounding pace.
It’s nothing short of brilliant.
Big brands are clamoring to connect with these micro and macro influencers, who are redefining what it means to be an athlete in 2025.
These girls aren’t just running side hustles for coffee money; they’re captaining empires—collaborating with athletic wear giants, skincare powerhouses, and everything in between.
In Greater Houston, volleyball isn’t just a sport—it’s the epicenter of elite talent and marketable athletes.
Flip through the pages of our 2025 VYPE Volleyball preview and you’ll see what we mean.
Winning and recruiting don’t hurt, either—everyone loves a winner, right? And the biggest influencer in Texas high school volleyball? None other than Grand Oaks. With back-to-back UIL Class 6A titles under their belt, they’re gunning for a historic third.
At the heart of the Grizzly den is the nation’s next big star—Halle Thompson. She’s not just the pride of Texas volleyball; she’s heading to Wisconsin, taking her talents and brand to the national stage.
This year’s cover girls weren’t chosen by accident.
Marketability, elite-level play, and college signings—these are the pieces of the new sports business puzzle. Because today, being really good isn’t enough anymore.
It’s time to connect all the dots.
See you all on the court in 2025.
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