The Hockaday Daisies are the Southwest Preparatory Conference 4A volleyball state champions following an intense showdown with Houston's Episcopal. Both teams posted incredible seasons before finding themselves in a rematch from last season's state title match! VYPE DFW takes a look at Hockaday's tremendous run this season:
Regular Season
After opening their season with a hard-fought loss to Hebron, Hockaday utilized every moment through non-conference play to get stronger and remain focused. The team was able to secure multiple big victories over the likes of Frisco Reedy (3-2), Flower Mound Marcus (3-0), Parish Episcopal (3-1), The Colony (2-0), Prosper Walnut Grove (2-0), and more. With huge moments on the court and outstanding energy brought to the court match in and match out, the team continued to build their game IQ headed into conference play.
In conference play, Hockaday posted an undefeated record (5-0) against their opponents while not allowing a single set to be won against them by conference opponents. Sweeping ESD, Greenhill, Trinity Valley, Oakridge, and Fort Worth Country Day, the Daisies secured huge moments on the court heading into the playoffs.
Playoffs
With zero hesitation, the Daisies went into playoffs poised and ready for success. Defeating Cooper (3-0) and St. John's (3-0), the team was set up for excellence as they entered the state title game against Houston's Episcopal. In a tough revenge match from last season in which Episcopal won the title with a 3-0 sweep over Hockaday, the Daisies geared up and focused on the match play-by-play.
State Title
Hockaday defeated Episcopal in three hard-fought sets (25-18, 25-20, 25-17). The team hit .609 in system and .406 out of system. Avery Jackson led the team with 37 kills and a .616 hitting percentage. Jackson recorded 11 digs, two blocks, and a 2.5 serve rating. In the semifinals the night before, Jackson also recorded 31 kills, a .569 hitting percentage, two ages, and 12 digs. Olivia Wayne passed a 2.1 with 8 kills and 8 digs while hitting .300. Libero Siena Ebert led the team in digs with 15. Campbell Trubey had 25 assists while Ai-Vy Ho recorded 22. Katherine Shoup led the team in blocking with 3 while Bennett Trubey hit .333 with two blocks. Remaining resilient through hard moments, Hockaday has truly made an impact on the volleyball world. Showcasing tremendous talent, the team can be expected to continue their legacy.
Impact
"This win meant so much for our team," said varsity assistant coach Allison Camp. "They have been working so hard since the whistle blew last November to make sure they were prepared and ready to win SPC this year. They ended up completing a perfect SPC season and never dropped a set."
"This senior class went 35-1 in SPC matches over their four years; their only loss coming in the SPC Championship last year. Their leadership is what sets them apart," Camp continued. Discussing the weekend of excellence for Hockaday, Camp also credited the team with the ability to create strong bonds and relationships that led to their success: "The team executed the game plan perfectly this weekend and especially in the final match. They hit every serve location, focused on matchups, and remained positive and constant supporters of each other through every single point. They are each others' biggest cheerleaders no matter what and that played a massive role this weekend."
Not only was Hockaday excellent on the court, but the team was excellent in sportsmanship as well as humility. Remaining respectful of each opponent, there is a lot to say when it comes to the example the Daisies set for younger athletes. With talent and dedication, the team has been impactful on the court, but also to the volleyball community as a whole. Hockaday has fun playing on the court and it's evident through every moment.
Camp was stopped by another coach during the SPC Championship weekend who gave a major compliment to the team that she says she will carry with her forever and is better than any stat. The coach said: "Congratulations coach, you guys are so fun to watch. Getting to see your matches, it's clear how much talent you guys have. We've seen your group over this weekend though and what was most clear was how much love and respect they have for each other and you as coaches. You can tell how bonded everyone is and it's been so fun to watch that.'"
"This meant so much more to us as coaches than any trophy. A championship is nice and the trophy leaving on our bus was incredible; the perfect ending for this class of 2024, but the relationships and bond this team has built is what was always most important to us."
PHOTO GALLERY:
Check out photos from the game provided by Hockaday athletics. Photo credit is given to Matt Smith Photography.
Matt Smith Photography
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Matt Smith Photography
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Matt Smith Photography
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Matt Smith Photography
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Matt Smith Photography
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Matt Smith Photography
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Matt Smith Photography
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Matt Smith Photography
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Matt Smith Photography
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Matt Smith Photography
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Matt Smith Photography
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Matt Smith Photography
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Matt Smith Photography
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Matt Smith Photography
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Matt Smith Photography
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Matt Smith Photography
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Matt Smith Photography
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Matt Smith Photography
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Matt Smith Photography
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Matt Smith Photography
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Matt Smith Photography
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Matt Smith Photography
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Matt Smith Photography
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