The University Interscholastic League honored The Woodlands volleyball team Saturday at the state tournament. It was the 10th anniversary of the Highlanders’ first championship, a feat they would repeat the following year.
At the time of the ceremony, The Woodlands was the only Conroe ISD school with a volleyball championship. That would change in a matter of hours.
Grand Oaks joined select company with its sweep of Cinco Ranch in the Class 6A final at the Curtis Culwell Center in Garland. A program that had not advanced past the area round conquered heights few ever reach.
Morgan Rogers, head coach since Grand Oaks opened its doors in 2018, took a moment to appreciate the atmosphere in front of an elated group of blue and orange clad fans 250 miles from home.
“To be a Houston team and show out like this the last two nights is pretty special,” Rogers said. “Coming into a new program, I couldn’t be more excited to be part of Grand Oaks and all that’s going on around us. We had watch parties all over the place (Friday) night and I’m sure (Saturday) as well.”
Grand Oaks opened strong as a program going 36-11 in 2019, its first varsity season and only one in Class 5A.
The Grizzlies marked a new win total last year, going 38-10 and matching The Woodlands for the District 13-6A title. But they would have to wait for their first long playoff run.
Grand Oaks flew past every previous standard during a 50-1 season, perhaps even surpassing expectations.
“Last year we were happy with 38 so 50 is pretty incredible,” Rogers said. “We try not to think of that number. It was cool to know we could get 50 here but that wasn’t something we harped on. The end goal was to be here and win this and we knew with the team we had this was the year to do it. I couldn’t be more happy.”
The Grizzlies made their case as one of the state favorites early, winning the Katy ISD/Cy-Fair ISD Tournament without their complete lineup.
Grand Oaks barely broke stride from there, winning its first 26 matches while losing only three sets. Only a third-set tournament loss to Plano Prestonwood Christian on Aug. 26 kept the Grizzlies from a perfect season.
Grand Oaks started district play three days later and swept all 16 matches. The Grizzlies were 43-1 entering the playoffs, ranked No. 1 in the state and in the top five in multiple national polls.
“It sat on our shoulders entering playoffs because we won district and we knew it wouldn’t be easy,” Rogers said. “We had to work through it and push through being scared of not being able to live up to the hype. They did a great job of working through it. It wasn’t pretty at times, but they fought through it and they finished on top so I’m really proud.”
A team with 11 seniors, Grand Oaks had an ideal combination of skill, athleticism and experience.
The Grizzlies boasted one of the nation’s top players. While Team USA U19 middle blocker Jaela Auguste took over some matches, notably the state semifinal, Grand Oaks had an abundance of playmakers.
“We always have someone to lean on,” junior outside hitter Samara Coleman said. “We’re full of talent. We can always rely on everyone.”
The Grizzlies’ depth came into play during a five-set state semifinal victory against Prosper. A setting rotation of seniors Audrey Terry and Brooklynn Sheridan and sophomore Samantha Sampson produced four attackers in double figures as Auguste, Coleman, sophomore Halle Thompson and senior Caelyn Emmerling had 14 kills or more.
Thompson led the attack both matches, posting 17 kills against Prosper and 15 against Cinco Ranch. She had a combined 25 digs, five blocks and five assists to earn state tournament Most Valuable Player.
“It’s crazy to get an opportunity to play with Jaela and Halle and Samara and all of them,” Emmerling said. “They’re really great teammates along with their skill level.”
The Grizzlies needed everyone in the state semifinal, defying the odds after losing the first two sets. They faced match point in set three and fell behind 10-4 in the fifth set, making a remarkable rally to win 15-12.
“Incredible resilience,” Rogers said. “I didn’t know how that would go because we hadn’t been in that situation. But the grit and fight and togetherness they showed was special. To have that result the way it happened is something I’ll never forget.”
Senior Jonaida Donawa was among the key players at the net in the championship match with six blocks and four kills. Sophomore Julia Flessas served two aces in both state matches, while senior Brookelynn Anderson contributed two kills and three digs in the semifinal. Sophomore Cali Reece led with 30 digs at state, adding two key aces in the semifinal.
Adding contributions throughout the season from seniors Kalin Wardell, Kenzie Padgett, Jayla Davis, A’talia Kelly and Carly Johnson, and sophomore Hailey Lotspeich, the Grizzlies earned a place in history.
Grand Oaks eyes a return trip to state next year. At the very least, the Grizzlies could be back on the state court in 10 years to commemorate an indelible season.
“I feel like it’s a dream,” Sheridan said. “We worked so hard to get here and this is the best goal we had for ourselves. It’s like the relief that comes off of achieving our goal.”
