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VYPE Live Lineup - Thursday 9/11/25

Sep 10, 2025

THE FULL LINEUP IS BELOW THE AD
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COACH SPEAK: Plano West's Phillips preaches fun while winning

Cooper Phillips of Plano West

Plano West has established itself as one of the premier volleyball programs in North Texas, and expectations remain high after capturing the district championship and advancing to the third round of the UIL playoffs a season ago.

Head coach Cooper Phillips has built a culture that balances championship expectations with an environment where players genuinely enjoy competing. While the pressure to win is ever-present at Plano West, Phillips believes success comes from creating a team-first atmosphere where athletes can play with confidence, energy and enthusiasm.

His ability to keep the season fun while maintaining a relentless competitive standard has become one of the program's defining characteristics.

The Wolves enter the 2026 campaign facing a new challenge. Graduation claimed several key contributors from last year's district championship squad, meaning a new group of leaders must emerge. Rather than trying to replace individual stars, Phillips and his staff are focused on developing the next wave of talent and building a roster capable of sustaining the program's tradition of excellence.

VYPE caught up with Coach Phillips on the eve of the 2026 season.

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THE RISE: Director Damion Hopkins & new HC Clarence McKinney aligned on future of Channelview

The Channelview Falcons are building momentum, and the future of the athletic department has never looked brighter.

Under the leadership of athletic director Damion Hopkins, Channelview is making a statement that it intends to compete across every sport. The biggest move came this offseason when the Falcons landed one of the most respected football minds in Texas, hiring Clarence McKinney as the program's next head coach.

The timing made the hire even more impressive.

Longtime head coach Averion Hurts announced his retirement late in the hiring cycle, leaving Hopkins with little time to find the right successor. Rather than settling, Channelview landed a coach whose résumé speaks for itself.

McKinney returns to the high school ranks after serving as the head coach at Texas Southern University and spending time as an assistant at Texas A&M, Houston and Arizona. Before his college career, he built powerhouse teams at Jack Yates High School, making him one of the most respected coaches in Texas football.

For Hopkins, bringing McKinney to Channelview wasn't just about hiring a football coach—it was about finding a leader capable of changing the trajectory of the entire program.

McKinney brings decades of experience, a reputation for developing talent and a proven ability to build winning cultures. His return to the sidelines has energized the Falcon community, creating excitement for what lies ahead.

Together, Hopkins and McKinney share a vision centered on accountability, discipline and giving student-athletes every opportunity to succeed both on and off the field. Their partnership represents a new chapter for Channelview athletics, one built on high expectations and a belief that the Falcons can compete with anyone.

VYPE's Matt Malatesta and Alex Hinson sat down with both Hopkins and McKinney to discuss the vision for Channelview athletics, the excitement surrounding the football program and why they believe the Falcons are only beginning their ascent.

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SMALL TOWN GIRL: Montgomery's Wright Is a Homegrown Talent

Montgomery Sr. OH Delaney Wright

Farrah Sheeren (VYPE)

Ask around... Montgomery's Delaney Wright can play.

While she's tucked away in far north Houston, Wright possesses one of the heaviest swings in the state of Texas. She has already been named District Newcomer of the Year, earned All-State honors and become one of the nation's top recruits.

Salt Lake City, Utah, is a long way from Montgomery, Texas, but the lethal outside hitter will be putting on a show for the Utes in the years to come.

For now, however, Wright hopes to lead the Bears on a deep postseason run in 2026 with her team-first mentality and contagious on-court energy.

VYPE caught up with Wright for our favorite feature — The 411.

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VYPE: Utah? What was it about the Utes that you loved?

WRIGHT: "The recruiting journey is tricky because you have a short amount of time to figure out what college program is the right fit for you... over about three days on a visit. Utah has been one of my favorite schools since I was 15 years old. It's a lifetime decision, and I'm very comfortable with the entire package Utah has to offer."

Farrah Sheeren (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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VYPE: How would people describe you?

WRIGHT: "I am really silly. On the court, I play with big energy and am always talking. I don't know how our opponents take it, but that's always been my game. I just love having fun on the court, and I think it shows."

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VYPE: What do you do outside of volleyball?

WRIGHT: "I love to golf. I'm no Tiger Woods, but I'm pretty good with my 6-iron. My pickleball game? 10 out of 10. I love hanging out with my friends, and I'm pretty good at hacky sack."

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VYPE: What advice would you give your freshman self?

WRIGHT: "Easy... don't take things so seriously. I was so hard on myself early in my career. You have to know you're going to have good matches and bad matches. All of the ups and downs are opportunities to learn."

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VYPE: What is your go-to spot to eat?

WRIGHT: "Of course, Chick-fil-A. I eat there so much, though. I also love Texas Roadhouse. Those rolls are amazing."

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VYPE: If you had an NIL (Name, Image and Likeness) deal, who would you love it to be with?

WRIGHT: "Something I use all the time, like TELETIES hair ties. I'm also in love with Minky Couture blankets. I'm definitely going to need them in Utah."

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VYPE: What has the town of Montgomery and the Bears meant to you?

WRIGHT: "Everything. It's home. No matter what, I know I have so many people to lean on—from my family to my coaches to my teammates. It has been a great place to grow up."

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VYPE Live Lineup - Thursday 9/11/25

THE FULL LINEUP IS BELOW THE AD-SCROLL DOWN TO FIND YOUR MATCH-UP AND CLICK THE IMAGE TO WATCH YOUR GAME LIVE!

GAMES

THE FULL LINEUP IS BELOW THE AD
-SCROLL DOWN TO FIND YOUR MATCH-UP AND CLICK THE IMAGE TO WATCH YOUR GAME LIVE!