It’s been six years in the making, but Grand Oaks (48-1; 16-0 in district) has finally made it to the coveted UIL State Tournament.
There was undeniable anticipation for the Grizzlies in the preseason, which brings a certain level of expectation that coach Morgan Rogers has prepared her team for.
“The pressure has built as the season has moved along, but we just try to focus on what match is next instead of thinking about rankings and the hype that surrounds it,” said Rogers. “It’s fun and it’s been exciting to have this kind of expectation. But, I think as we got closer to this point, that pressure did kind of sit heavy on us for a little bit, especially that second round playoff match.”
“So, we had to work through that, and make sure we’re staying focused, re-framing and making sure we’re working on where we’re at right now. Nothing is guaranteed at this point, so that’s my message and our message to each other.”
Conroe ISD is undoubtedly a hot-bed for volleyball, and given the overall youth of the school itself, it begs the question what Rogers was expecting when she began her tenure with the program in 2018.
“When I took the job I didn’t necessarily have State on my mind,” Rogers said. “I knew we had some talent and some people that are invested in the sport, which is always a plus. I just wanted to grow in my role as a head coach. But, in 2020, when we saw this freshman class come in we noticed that this could be a legit group once they developed, and they’ve done exactly that.”
The Grizzlies were knocked out of the playoffs in the Area Round each of the last five seasons. Now that the stigma has been broken, it is clear that the mentality has changed.
“We had that ‘second round cloud’ looming over us for some time,” said Rogers. “Building up to that, I think there may have been a little fear of losing because it’s where we’ve exited every year. But after that, I think they’re truly joyful for each round and getting one step closer to achieving the goal they made in the preseason. They really are just relishing in that, and it’s really cool to see that they aren’t taking anything for granted.”
When witnessing how Grand Oaks plays, it’s not difficult to see where all the energy comes from.
“I’d say my ‘big personality’ type comes from Halle Thompson (So. OH) and Jaela Auguste (Sr. MB),” Rogers laughed. “They definitely bring a lot of hype onto the court. My more silent types that lead by example would be Samara Coleman (Jr. OH) and Audrey Terry (Sr. S/DS). They’re both laser-focused at all times and put up immense effort on the court.”
Jaela Auguste
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Halle Thompson
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Audrey Terry
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Samara Coleman
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Caelyn Emmerling
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Cali Reece
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In addition to those unquestionable leaders, Caelyn Emmerling (Sr. OPP) and Cali Reece (So. DS) round out what could be the deadliest rotation in the state.
If everything goes according to plan for Rogers and her team, then Grand Oaks as a whole will have earned its first state title in school history.
“It would speak volumes to the community and the kids we have, as well as the involvement they have not only in the sport, but into the school and making the program what it is in such a short time,” she said. “It would be a great reflection of the work that staff and administrators have put in since year one. It’s also for their friends and family that have given so much support over the years.”
Stay tuned for the thrilling climax to the Fall season, as Grand Oaks prepares for their matchup against Prosper in the State Semis tonight at 5 PM.