Through three rounds of the UIL volleyball postseason, Tomball Memorial has wasted no time in establishing that they are a bonafide contender.
Fresh off the heels of five-set instant classic against The Woodlands, the Wildcats established a new precedent for the school by reaching the Regional Semifinals for the first time in program history.
After starting as an assistant coach 13 years ago, head coach Sydney Lynch took over the reins of the program in 2020. Tomball Memorial has taken off from there.
“I definitely think that consistency has helped this team to grow,” Lynch said. “We focus on a lot of the little things, even off the court... being good humans, good teammates and growing our culture to be a supportive one. That has produced the success we’ve seen.”
As one would expect, Lynch had nothing but good things to say about her key contributors throughout this postseason – namely, Avery Craig (Sr. OH), Sarah Odell (So. OH), Anahi Alvarado (Sr. L) and a surprise surge from Lily Reins (So. OH/MB).
“Obviously, Avery and Sarah have been our go-to weapons all year,” she said. “They’re just so consistent from the outside, and have been all year long. My libero, Anahi is fire from the defensive side and offers great leadership.
Sarah Odell (So. OH)
Doug Brown (VYPE)
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Avery Craig (Sr. OH)
Jamey Wright (VYPE)
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Anahi Alvarado (Sr. L)
Jamey Wright (VYPE)
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Lily Reins (So. OH/MB)
Doug Brown (VYPE)
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“In the postseason, I have to give some credit to one of my right-sides, Lily Reins. She hasn’t always been a standout because we’re so deep offensively, but since we started district and playoffs she’s lit a fire and has been a big difference-maker for us.”
It might be assumed that Tomball Memorial’s greatest motivator would be on the court. However, it happens to be in the stands.
“Our parents are amazing,” said Lynch. “They’re decorating buses, buying Hawaiian shirts with their kids’ faces on them. They’re a fun group and they love our girls so much, which can really be felt when we compete.”
History has already been made for the Wildcats, but they don’t plan on stopping now.
“I think every one of us is going to have to step it up,” she said. “At this point, everybody is hungry for the opportunity to make it to the State Championship. We just need to make sure that we’re on our A-game and as prepared as we can be.
“We’re going to be ready to show what Tomball Memorial volleyball is all about. We’re staying hungry. We’ve been focused on that the whole way through and I believe the girls are ready for the next challenge.”
That ‘next challenge’ would be against Wylie East (26-8; 14-2) this Friday. With everyone backing them, a trip to the State Tournament could be in the cards for Tomball Memorial.