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The stars of 2024-25 Cypress Ranch Volleyball
STARTING THE STAMPEDE: McKinney, Porter back to lead No. 13 Cypress Ranch
NO. 13 -- CYPRESS RANCH MUSTANGS
Head Coach: Dr. Collea McKinney
2023: 35-6/Area Finalists
THE MUSTANGS ARE COMING OFF A 35-WIN SEASON, WHICH CAME TO AN END IN THE AREA ROUND OF THE PLAYOFFS.
Second-year coach Dr. Collea McKinney has five starters returning, led by Vanderbilt University-commit and reigning District 16-6A MVP Taylor Porter. She was a TGCA All-Star and All-State selection after registering 542 kills and 343 digs in her junior season for the Stangs.
Another key returner includes District 16-6A co-Outstanding Hitter of the Year Zora Bello (Rice-commit), who had 526 assists, 231 digs, 225 kills and 52 aces. Bello was also All-GHVCA Honorable mention.
Watch out for first-team, all-district pick Kaylee Parker (251 kills, 114 digs), second-teamer Kinsley Hooper (184 digs) and honorable-mention selection A’Miyrie Anderson as well.
Keys to success for the Mustangs include “playing together (utilizing individual strengths for the greater good of the team), remaining focused, and being relentless”, according to McKinney.
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Cy Ranch's Taylor Porter
THE COMMODORE: Before leaving to Vandy, Porter wants to leave legacy
When Dr. Collea McKinney took over the Cypress Ranch program a few years back, she needed someone to lead the locker room.
She has leaned on Taylor Porter.
Now a senior and the returning District 16-6A MVP, Porter looks forward to final season through a bittersweet lens. Yes, she heads to Nashville to play for Vanderbilt, but leaving the Mustang stable will be
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VYPE: What’s the mentality as you prepare to lead the team one last time?
PORTER: “Moving forward, I just want to leave it all on the court, because I hate to lose. I want to leave a positive and impactful legacy here at Cy Ranch, as well as a lasting impression. I also want to bring everyone together and lift up my teammates so that we can meet our goals.
VYPE: Why Vanderbilt?
PORTER: “I chose Vanderbilt because I wanted to be a part of making history and be the first in building out a new program. I love the coaching staff, and the school is also in the SEC. Vandy offers so many opportunities beyond volleyball that’ll help me in the long run.”
VYPE: What’s something about yourself that you think people may not know about you?
PORTER: “I’m really easy-going and personable, and I love my teammates. I feel like most people think otherwise or think I’m cocky or brash. But, if you get to know me, you’d be surprised with how much of a people-person I am.”
VYPE: If you got any tattoo, what would it be and why?
PORTER: “I’d probably just get a heart or something simple. I feel like that’s my style and it wouldn’t look bad as a tattoo.”
VYPE: Do you have any guilty pleasures, and if so, what are they?
PORTER: “It might be weird, but I like to put ice in my milk. Also, I love cookies.”
VYPE: Who is someone you could tell any secret to?
PORTER: “Probably my two sisters, Jordan and Reese, who are my closest friends. I feel like I can trust them with anything.”