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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.
The stars of 2023-24 Grand Oaks Volleyball
WITHIN REACH: Grand Oaks nears historic achievement in State Tourney
“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.”
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
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
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.