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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.
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2023-24 Cinco Ranch Volleyball
YEARS IN THE MAKING: Cinco Ranch on the cusp of making history
The Cougars fell to Tompkins in the Regional Finals a year ago, only to flip the script this Fall by defeating the district rival twice before advancing all the way to this year’s State Final Four in Class 6A.
This is familiar territory, given the last time Cinco Ranch was on this stage was during the 2009 season in which they fell to Austin Westlake. Head coach Danielle Wells was the Freshman A-team coach back then.
The Cinco Ranch Volleyball familyJamey Wright (VYPE)
So, what’s been the difference this season?
“I think a lot of it has to do with the team’s chemistry and leadership,” said Wells. “You can really see that they’re playing for each other and wanting the same thing. There’s much more cohesiveness this year. They have the same goal and they’re willing to do anything to achieve it.”
There’s no secret who the stars of the show for Cinco Ranch (37-5; 16-0 in district) are.
It all begins with their junior setter, Kassidy O’Brien (Kentucky-commit).
“She (O’Brien) has really grown into leadership this year, after being on varsity since her freshman year,” Wells said. “Being in the setter position you kind of have to be, as the team’s ‘quarterback’. But, she leads the right way – with encouragement and with a demand from her teammates. She knows what her team is capable of and I think she understands that if the team gives us something good, she can make us better.”
Kassidy O'Brien
Alongside O’Brien, Wells has been able to depend on Gabriella Martinez (Jr. OH), Makenna Loo (Sr. OH), Emily Killam (Sr. MB), Magdalene Finnegan (Jr. L), and a surge from Ariana Willis (Sr. OH) time and time again throughout the season.
Wells has been working towards this moment since she began working with the Cinco Ranch program in 2006. But more importantly to her, the team has pushed past their limits to earn this opportunity.
Given everything that’s preceded them, what would a championship mean for the Cougars?
“It would be so satisfying,” said Wells. “These girls and my coaching staff have worked so hard, and it would solidify that we put our minds to something like this and achieved it. With that mentality, you can achieve anything, whether it’s in volleyball or life in general. They’ve been phenomenal all year, and they’re showing that hard work does pay off.”
The Cougars are just two wins away from making history, starting with their Friday (7 PM) matchup against Harlan in the State Semifinals.
Could this be the year Cinco goes all the way?