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Grand Oaks' Samara Coleman
DREAM TEAM: Coleman ready to take reins of reigning State Champs
Naturally, their stacked roster will likely vie for a repeat this Fall, despite the departure of Jaela Auguste (Florida), Audrey Terry (Sam Houston State) and Caelyn Emmerling (Texas State) over the offseason.
It will now be up to incoming senior Samara Coleman and junior Halle Thompson to lead the new group of title-contenders.
Coleman is coming off a year which saw her earn first-team, all-state honors, as well as being named the District 13-6A Co-Most Valuable Hitter and to the 6A All-Tournament team.
We caught up with the Pittsburgh-commit as she prepares for the final stretch of her high school career.
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VYPE: What’s a quote or saying that you live by?
COLEMAN: “My older brother, Anthony Patrick Coleman (3/13/1988 - 4/11/2024), wrote a motto nine years ago that will still reside in my heart for years to come: ‘Yesterday is the past. Today is brand new. Tomorrow is a mystery, so use your time wisely because it may be few. I know it sounds corny, but it’s true’.”
VYPE: What is your favorite part of the State ring design?
The 2023 State Champs acquire some new jewelry at their Ring Ceremony in MayMatthew Ogle (VYPE)
COLEMAN: “I would have to say it’s ‘#dreamteam’ engraved on the inside of it, because it represents the team aspect that went into our success this past season.”
VYPE: What would be your cheat day food menu?
COLEMAN: “That easy. It would be a plate of orange chicken, lo mein, and white rice from Panda Express.”
VYPE: What’s it like being an older sister to twins?
COLEMAN: “It’s taught me how important teamwork and having someone by your side really is.”
VYPE: Why did you commit to Pittsburgh?
COLEMAN: “I chose Pittsburgh because I knew it was a place where I was going to excel in volleyball and also feel at home. Not to mention the amazing coaches and staff at the school. It’s a dream come true.”
VYPE: How does it feel to have a target on your back this upcoming Fall, after winning a State Title?
COLEMAN: “It can be both exciting and challenging. It shows that others see me as a strong competitor. I’ve just learned to embrace it, stay focused and keep working hard. It's a chance to prove myself again and show everyone why we’re the champs!”
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Grand Oaks celebrates their first UIL State Championship in school history
DESTINY FULFILLED: Grand Oaks relishes in historic accomplishment
However, it didn’t come as easily as the Grizzlies (50-1; 16-0) have made it seem all year.
When facing Prosper in the State Semifinals match on Friday, the H-Town representatives fell down two sets to begin the match. Subsequently, Grand Oaks rallied like never before to emerge victorious in their first five-set bout of the Fall.
“I feel like we came into the match on Friday really nervous and that’s why we got knocked down to our heels initially,” said sophomore OH Halle Thompson. “Once we were down two sets, we knew it was go-time. After that, we emphasized locking in and digging deep, and we were able to isolate their stars, while getting into our rhythm which obviously worked out for us.”
Shana Willeford (VYPE)
Head Coach Morgan Rogers concurred with that sentiment.
“I think it just speaks to how unshakable their chemistry and bond are,” said Rogers. “As a team, we’ve worked really hard to form all these connections throughout the season. At that point, that’s what brought us through. That family aspect, and the fact that they’re fearless is really what helped us to push when it mattered most.”
Following their incredible comeback on Friday night, the Grizzlies would go on to sweep fellow Houston powerhouse Cinco Ranch to claim the school’s first-ever state title in its six-year history.
“The only word I have to describe it is ‘surreal’,” said Thompson. “It’s the moment you want to happen but you’re not sure if it ever will. There was a release of emotion, love, and unity, which brought us all together on the court. It’s an unmatched feeling – one of those full-circle moments that I’ll remember forever.”
Shana Willeford (VYPE)
“I stood there for a second with my head in my hands and I just thought ‘wow, this actually happened’ as I took it all in,” Rogers said. “We talk about doing it and having those expectations in that pressure, but when it’s finally there, and doing it the way we did – fighting and clawing back – it was overwhelming. I know that was the way our eleven seniors wanted to go out, so I was just so happy and proud of them.”
Following the epic swirl of emotion, Thompson was named the UIL-6A State Tournament MVP for her remarkable performance throughout the Final Four competition.
Photo provided by Halle Thompson
Despite competing alongside a slew of star upperclassmen – such as Jaela Auguste (Florida-commit), Audrey Terry, Samara Coleman (Pittsburgh-commit), and Ceaelyn Emmerling – the sophomore managed to make her mark on the grand stage.
“I think it all begins with practice, because they have pushed me to be better,” said Thompson. “That’s why I feel so grateful to have had the opportunity to play with great players like them. The way I think I managed to stand out was because they’ve shown me ways to stay composed under pressure, and find ways to lead when we need it.”
Now that several of their key playmakers will be graduating at the end of the school year, it will be up to the remaining figures for coach Rogers’ group to take up the mantle a year from now.
“I’m definitely ready for that responsibility,” Thompson said. “This season has taught me that volleyball is very much a team sport, but there will always be those who have to be a leader in some sort of way. I feel like that’s one of the roles I’ve begun to take on and I’m excited to see where next season takes us.”
However, for right now it is time for Grand Oaks to revel in their accomplishment, as they enjoy a well-earned break before the holiday season.