Grand Oaks celebrates their first UIL State Championship in school history
However, it didn’t come as easily as the Grizzlies (50-1; 16-0) have made it seem all year.
When facing Prosper in the State Semifinals match on Friday, the H-Town representatives fell down two sets to begin the match. Subsequently, Grand Oaks rallied like never before to emerge victorious in their first five-set bout of the Fall.
“I feel like we came into the match on Friday really nervous and that’s why we got knocked down to our heels initially,” said sophomore OH Halle Thompson. “Once we were down two sets, we knew it was go-time. After that, we emphasized locking in and digging deep, and we were able to isolate their stars, while getting into our rhythm which obviously worked out for us.”
Shana Willeford (VYPE)
Head Coach Morgan Rogers concurred with that sentiment.
“I think it just speaks to how unshakable their chemistry and bond are,” said Rogers. “As a team, we’ve worked really hard to form all these connections throughout the season. At that point, that’s what brought us through. That family aspect, and the fact that they’re fearless is really what helped us to push when it mattered most.”
Following their incredible comeback on Friday night, the Grizzlies would go on to sweep fellow Houston powerhouse Cinco Ranch to claim the school’s first-ever state title in its six-year history.
“The only word I have to describe it is ‘surreal’,” said Thompson. “It’s the moment you want to happen but you’re not sure if it ever will. There was a release of emotion, love, and unity, which brought us all together on the court. It’s an unmatched feeling – one of those full-circle moments that I’ll remember forever.”
Shana Willeford (VYPE)
“I stood there for a second with my head in my hands and I just thought ‘wow, this actually happened’ as I took it all in,” Rogers said. “We talk about doing it and having those expectations in that pressure, but when it’s finally there, and doing it the way we did – fighting and clawing back – it was overwhelming. I know that was the way our eleven seniors wanted to go out, so I was just so happy and proud of them.”
Following the epic swirl of emotion, Thompson was named the UIL-6A State Tournament MVP for her remarkable performance throughout the Final Four competition.
Photo provided by Halle Thompson
Despite competing alongside a slew of star upperclassmen – such as Jaela Auguste (Florida-commit), Audrey Terry, Samara Coleman (Pittsburgh-commit), and Ceaelyn Emmerling – the sophomore managed to make her mark on the grand stage.
“I think it all begins with practice, because they have pushed me to be better,” said Thompson. “That’s why I feel so grateful to have had the opportunity to play with great players like them. The way I think I managed to stand out was because they’ve shown me ways to stay composed under pressure, and find ways to lead when we need it.”
Now that several of their key playmakers will be graduating at the end of the school year, it will be up to the remaining figures for coach Rogers’ group to take up the mantle a year from now.
“I’m definitely ready for that responsibility,” Thompson said. “This season has taught me that volleyball is very much a team sport, but there will always be those who have to be a leader in some sort of way. I feel like that’s one of the roles I’ve begun to take on and I’m excited to see where next season takes us.”
However, for right now it is time for Grand Oaks to revel in their accomplishment, as they enjoy a well-earned break before the holiday season.
