GAMES
RANKINGS
The stars of 2024-25 Cinco Ranch Volleyball
CONQUERORS OF THE COURT: No. 2 Cinco Ranch emboldened for another State-run
NO. 2 -- CINCO RANCH COUGARS
Head Coach: Danielle Wells
2023: 38-6/UIL-6A State Finalists
CINCO RANCH WAS ON THE DOORSTEP OF WINNING A STATE CHAMPIONSHIP A YEAR AGO.
Now, the Cougars are ready to kick that door in, after going 38-6 overall and finishing as the Class 6A State Runner-Up.
Three starters return off that squad including Kentucky-commit Kassie O’Brien. The State All-Tournament Team selection and District 19-6A co-MVP has a laundry list of honors as she returns for 2024.
Gabi Martinez, a California Baptist University-commit, actually shared the District 19-6A co-MVP honors with O’Brien making this a dynamic duo coming back for the Cougars. Another player to watch is Maggie Finnegan (Sr. L), who proved to be an exemplary asset a year ago.
This Cougars squad graduated more than six seniors after last season, so one of the major keys to success for Danielle Wells’ squad will be how fast they can find that cohesiveness. Wells is entering year No. 12 at the helm and sits just four wins away from career-coaching victory No. 300.
CLICK HERE TO ORDER THE 2024 VYPE HOUSTON VOLLEYBALL PREVIEW
CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE 2024 VYPE HOU VOLLEYBALL PREVIEW DIGITAL EDITION
CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE PHOTOS FROM THE 2024 VYPE CITYWIDE VB SHOOT
Cinco Ranch's Kassie O'Brien
MAGICAL: Cinco Ranch's O'Brien one for the ages
Ask anyone around the volleyball landscape from high school coaches to elite club directors, who is the best volleyball player in Houston?
It’s Cinco Ranch senior Kassie O’Brien
She is an uber-talent, but like any great setter… she makes everyone around her incrementally better.
She’s Tom Brady, wrapped in Magic Johnson.
For those who don’t know Magic Johnson, he is the best point guard in the history of the NBA with a Hollywood smile and lovable personality.
Everyone’s bestie with a killer competitive side… that’s Kassie O’Brien.
The 6-foot quarterback led Cinco Ranch to the State Final last season, before falling to juggernaut Grand Oaks. The awards came pouring in as expected for the University of Kentucky-commit throughout the offseason, and her game has only sharpened since we’ve last seen her.
So, now what?
…
VYPE: After reaching the State Final a year ago, what’s the mentality moving forward?
O’BRIEN: “This year is going to look a little different, just from the aspect that we only have six returning varsity players. I don’t want to just settle from last year. I think we still have lots of talent in this program. It's going to take plenty of determination, teamwork, and staying positive if we want to make another deep run in the playoffs, which I do believe we can do again. You just never know, right?”
VYPE: Who has been the most influential person in your life and why?
O’BRIEN: “My parents. They were the ones that laid the foundation and taught me everything I know today. They are always supporting and pushing me to be the very best. With my Mom always setting such an amazing example on what it takes to be successful and my Dad teaching me many valuable lessons, I firmly believe that they have shaped me into the person I am.”
VYPE: What is about Kentucky that made you love the place?
O’BRIEN: “From the minute I stepped onto campus, I fell in love and could picture myself there. The campus is beautiful, but the coaches were even more welcoming and made me feel at home. The interaction between the team and coaches and the culture of the program was huge for me. Everyone was so nice and everything aligned with what I wanted in a school and program.”
VYPE: What’s the most cherished item you have and why?
O’BRIEN: “My scrapbook that my mom made me when I was younger. It has so many pictures from when I was just born to going into kindergarten. This is very special to me because I can look back at all the pictures and it reminds me of my childhood. It brings back so many memories and even some moments I don’t even remember. It is something I will keep forever and hopefully show my own family one day.”
VYPE: Who would be your celebrity dream date?
O’BRIEN: “Gavin Casalegno.”