Lady Eagles junior Reagan Hope (0) hits the ball as junior Addison Ridge (7) backs her up during a district match between the Canton Eaglettes and Lindale Lady Eagles in 2023 at Lindale High School. (Scott Starkey/Contributed)

TYLER LEGACY LADY RAIDERS

Head coach: Bryan Winegeart (6th year at Legacy)

Assistant coaches: Catherine Ripka, Traci Devance, Cristy Smith

District: 10-6A (Longview, Rockwall, Rockwall-Heath, Forney, North Forney, Royse City)

2023 record: 19-21

Returning varsity players: Audra Carter, Jr., opposite-side hitter … Mya Casel, Sr., opposite-side hitter … Lexie Correa, Sr., setter … Kate Moore, Sr., defensive specialist … Kinzie Parks, Sr., defensive specialist … Kate Priest, Jr., defensive specialist … Abby Trahan, Jr., setter … Londen Whelchel, Sr., middle blocker … Taylor Woods, Jr., outside hitter

Notable newcomers: Olivia Graves, Jr., middle blocker … Blair Leisch, Jr., outside hitter … Peyton Neely, Soph., opposite-side hitter

Additional comments: “We are excited to begin the new season with lots of players that have a full season of varsity experience under their belt. We feel these kids are now ready to push it to the next level and win in our new district. We have scheduled a tough preseason with the hopes of preparing them for what our district will be night in and night out.” — Winegeart

TYLER HIGH LADY LIONS

Head coach: Dawn Stewart (1st year at Tyler)

Assistant coaches: Gabriella Wilson-Mosley, Jazmyne Hicks, Morgan Norwood

District: 10-5A (Hallsville, Jacksonville, Lufkin, Marshall, Mount Pleasant, Nacogdoches, Texas High, Whitehouse)

2023 record: 11-31

Returning varsity players: Kaelyn McLean, Jr., junior middle blocker/outside hitter … Latajia Hambrick, Sr., outside hitter, setter, left back … Jazlynn Duran, Jr.,setter … Esmeralda Lozano, Sr., defensive specialist

Notes: The Lady Lions have a scrimmage set for 10:45 a.m. Saturday at Whitehouse High School. … The regular season opener is Tuesday at Tyler with matches against Longview (4:30 p.m.) and Kilgore (7 p.m.). … Tyler and Tyler Legacy will host the Tyler Invitational on Thursday and Friday. The annual match with Tyler Legacy is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 20 at the Lady Raiders’ gym. … The Lady Lions will also play in the Van Tournament (Aug. 23 and 24) and will open district play on Aug. 27 in Nacogdoches.

WHITEHOUSE LADYCATS

Head coach: Britney Nordin (15th year at Whitehouse, 342-188)

Assistant coaches: Stacey Hendrix, James Crouse, Toy Wilson

District: 10-5A (Tyler, Hallsville, Jacksonville, Lufkin, Marshall, Mount Pleasant, Nacogdoches, Texas High)

2023 record: 31-13

Returning varsity players: Ashley Rhame, Sr., setter (54 aces, 205 kills, 607 assists, 489 digs) … Ella Reese, Sr., defensive specialist (55 aces, 383 digs) … Emerson Hurley, Sr., outside hitter … Emma Thomas, Sr., middle blocker/right-side hitter (142 block attempts) … Kassidy Meyer, Sr., defensive specialist (34 aces, 326 digs) … Makenzie Ford, Sr., defensive specialist

Notable newcomers: Nicole Magourik, Sr., setter … Brooke Cooley, Sr., outside hitter … Ellie Cooley, Jr., outside hitter … Trinitti Stevenson, Jr., middle blocker … Anna Sowell, Jr., defensive specialist … Ava Wise, Jr., outside hitter

Additional comments: “Whitehouse is returning several players from the 2023 varsity team so we are working to continue building on their success. The newcomers are stepping up into big roles and creating a high level of depth on the team.” — Nordin

GRACE COMMUNITY LADY COUGARS

Head coach: Leo Scott (9th year at Grace, 194-90)

Assistant coaches: Monica Bozeman, Ashley Zavala

District: TAPPS 5A District 2 (Brook Hill, Dallas Bishop Dunne, Austin Brentwood, Garland Brighter Horizons, Dallas Cristo Rey, Austin Hyde Park, Austin Regents)

2023 record: 21-10

Returning varsity players: Kennedi Pickrell, Sr., outside hitter (178 kills, 14 blocks, 142 digs, 14 aces) … Gracie Jewell, Sr., libero (37 aces, 218 digs) … Keely Bozeman, Sr., middle blocker/setter (130 kills, 31 aces, 19 blocks, 164 digs) … Aubrey Felton, Jr., middle blocker (193 kills 31 blocks) … Hannah Rath, Sr., defensive specialist/outside hitter (37 aces, 85 kills, 193 digs)

Notable newcomers: Elizabeth Rath, Fr., setter/right-side hitter … Jacie Whitson, Fr., outside hitter

Additional comments: “Grace will have three sets of siblings on varsity this season.” — Scott

BROOK HILL GUARD

Head coach: Savanna Wilson (1st year at Brook Hill, 0-0)

Assistant coach: Paige Schmoker

District: TAPPS 5A District 2 (Grace Community, Dallas Bishop Dunne, Austin Brentwood, Garland Brighter Horizons, Dallas Cristo Rey, Austin Hyde Park, Austin Regents)

2023 record: 32-12

Returning varsity players: Julianna Mize, outside hitter … Cassidy Clark, setter … Brettlee Bellar, libero

Notable newcomers: Hadleigh Clark, outside hitter … Kamryn Buske, middle blocker

Additional comments: “Our defensive side of the ball is looking a lot stronger than it has in the past at this time in the season. Our offense is young, working on expanding our horizons along the net.” — Wilson

BISHOP GORMAN LADY CRUSADERS

Head coach: Tynnecia Malbroue (2nd year at Gorman)

Assistant coaches: Susan Porter, Angela Carney

District: TAPPS 4A District 3 (All Saints, Dallas Christian, McKinney Christian, Dallas Shelton)

2023 record: 4-10 in district

Returning varsity players: Kate Cleofe, Sr., libero … Molly Madsen, Jr., setter … Rose Favre, Jr., setter/defensive specialist … Elianah Mooney, Soph., middle blocker … Sylvia Herrera, Soph., outside hitter

Notable newcomers: Teresa Hall, Soph., outside hitter … Macy Vanderhorst, Soph., defensive specialist … Olusayo Ifafore, Jr., middle blocker

Additional comments: “I am looking forward to a great season with a group of hard-working young ladies. I really want to showcase all of the work we’ve been putting in in order to change the culture here on the Bishop Gorman volleyball team.” — Malbroue

WILLS POINT LADY TIGERS

Head coach: Kristal Thornton (1st year at Wills Point)

District: 13-4A (Caddo Mills, Farmersville, Sunnyvale, Nevada Community, Quinlan Ford)

2023 record: 20-16

Returning varsity players: Mavery Salisbury … Addison Douglas … Sadie Bannister

Notable newcomers: Lydia Turner

Additional comments: “I’m excited for the energy the girls are bringing in the offseason and ready for the season to begin. I am an identical mirror twin, she is out of coaching but is a volleyball official in the TVCC chapter, and I have moved back home to East Texas and am looking forward to this coming season.” — Thornton

ATHENS LADY HORNETS

Head coach: Caitlin Mitchell

District: 15-4A (Brownsboro, Lindale, Canton, Kemp, Van, Mabank)

2023 record: 9-22

Returning varsity players: Lilly Mycke … Ryleigh Strock … Aubrey Godwin

Notable newcomers: Layla Carnes

Additional comments: “We have some great athletes coming up that are going to make a good impact on the program. We will be a pretty new team with only having a few returners, so making those connections will be our main focus this season.” — Mitchell

BROWNSBORO BEARETTES

Head coach: Anna Cleere (3rd year at Brownsboro, 52-25)

Assistant coaches: Kim Fisher, Kirsten Anderson

District: 15-4A (Athens, Lindale, Canton, Kemp, Van, Mabank)

2023 record: 29-14

Returning varsity players: Tiykeah McKenzie, Sr., outside hitter (314 kills, 30 aces, 52 blocks) … Savanah Grimes, Jr., middle hitter (72 kills, 37 blocks) … Brooklynn Rinehart, Sr., right-side hitter/setter (182 kills, 27 aces, 266 digs)

Notable newcomers: Chyann Stidham, Soph., outside hitter … Parmer Fitzgerald, Soph., libero/defensive specialist

Additional comments: “I am so excited to have this group. They are a good mix of older and younger players. They have been working hard and have shown some great potential. They are coachable and willing to go out and compete at a high level.” — Cleere

CANTON EAGLETTES

Head coach: Kailey Marsh (27-13 at Canton; 175-63 overall)

District: 15-4A (Athens, Lindale, Brownsboro, Kemp, Van, Mabank)

2023 record: 27-13

Returning varsity players: Addison Alexander … Allison Rickman … Jayden Huff … Lily Reese … Peyton Goodson … Jadie Jones … Rylee Busby … Mallory Alexander

Additional comments: After having a year coaching in Canton, I am excited about the growth we have seen in our overall program this offseason. Our strength and IQ have grown tremendously. Our aggressiveness and court presence is a big aspects I am looking forward to this season. We have a couple different types of lineups offensively we are looking at implementing, which will be a key role for us in district play. A random fact about my coaching experience is that in the seven years I have been a head varsity coach, I have always had a set of twins on my team. Our current twins are Addison and Mallory Alexander.” — Marsh

LINDALE LADY EAGLES

Head coach: Jessica Dimsdle (8th year at Lindale, 235-118; 361-203 overall)

Assistant coaches: Brenna Thompson, Meredith Grant, Shannon Williams, Liz Groves

District: 15-4A (Athens, Brownsboro, Canton, Kemp, Van, Mabank)

2023 record: 36-9

Returning varsity players: Addison Ridge, Sr., outside hitter/defensive specialists (401 digs, 331 kills) … Callie Schmidt, Sr., defensive specialist (171 digs) … Reagan Hoper, Sr., libero (412 digs) … Alyssa Potts, Jr., middle blocker (41 kills, 27 blocks, 15 digs) … Macy Luster, Jr., setter 227 digs, 655 assists) … Ella Hutchens, Soph., opposite-side hitter (106 kills, 70 blocks, 45 digs)

Notable newcomers: Brooke Gissell, sophomore, middle blocker

MABANK LADY PANTHERS

Head coach: Britney Martin (230-116)

District: 15-4A (Athens, Brownsboro, Canton, Kemp, Lindale, Van)

2023 record: 7-24

Returning varsity players: Kai Hudson … Madisyn Roberts … Lindsey Cope

Notable newcomers: Kendal Woods

Additional comments: “All the girls seem so excited about the new season and year.” — Martin

VAN LADY VANDALS

Head coach: Ashton Carpenter (8th year at Van, 181-94)

Assistant coaches: Alli Maddox, Keylee Adair

District: 15-4A (Athens, Brownsboro, Canton, Kemp, Lindale, Mabank)

2023 record: 25-16

Returning varsity players: Kayla White, Jr., outside hitter (218 kills, 86 digs, 25 blocks) … Jordan Flodder, Soph., right-side hitter (202 kills, 80 blocks, 37 digs, 27 assists) … Mahayla McKinney, Jr., setter (131 assists, 88 digs) … Alicia Monzon, Sr., middle blocker (153 kills, 66 blocks, 56 digs, 28 aces)

Notable newcomers: McKenzi Crawford, Soph., middle blocker … Keeley Walker, Soph., setter

CHAPEL HILL LADY BULLDOGS

Head coach: Natkeshia Raibon (1st year at Chapel Hill)

Assistant coaches: Jerry Villela, Isabelle Hernandez

District: 16-4A (Carthage, Cumberland Academy, Gilmer, Henderson, Kilgore, Pine Tree, Spring Hill)

2023 record: 18-20

Returning varsity players: Aryssa Cooper, Soph., outside hitter/middle blocker … Liza Delgadillo, Sr., setter/defensive specialist … Clara Brown, Sr., defensive specialist … Kendyl Riordan, Sr., outside hitter/defensive specialist … Kerra Moore-Eubanks, Sr., setter

Notable newcomers: Din’ya Griffin, Soph., middle blocker/right-side hitter … Shahayla Starks, Jr., right-side hitter … Jaleyah Davis, Jr., middle blocker … Skye Figueroa, Sr., setter … Tori Scott, Soph., right-side hitter/middle blocker … Addison Rains, Sr., defensive specialist … Necie Johnson, Sr., middle blocker/outside hitter

Additional comments: “The Lady Dogs have been working all summer on their skill and with teamwork they will be able to have much success. The goal this season is GISA, grace is sufficient always. Give grace and work with each other through grace. We got Lady Dogs.”

CUMBERLAND ACADEMY LADY KNIGHTS

Head coach: LaVonda Harris (8th year at Cumberland)

Assistant coaches: Blythe Hopkins-Cunningham, Mikayla Swift

District: 16-4A (Carthage, Chapel Hill, Gilmer, Henderson, Kilgore, Pine Tree, Spring Hill)

2023 record: 16-22

Returning varsity players: Jessica Barroso, Sr., defensive specialist … Nicole Sharp, Jr., strong-side hitter … Skarleth Cervantes, Jr., libero … Evelia Carrasco, Jr., setter … Cori Wortham, Jr., strong-side hitter/middle blocker … Kelci Zelaya, Soph., setter/weak-side hitter … Makenna Wade, Soph., middle blocker/strong-side hitter

Notable newcomers: Olivia Shockey, Jr., weak-side hitter … Caroline Kinsley, Soph., middle blocker/setter … Apphia Conner, Soph., defensive specialist

HENDERSON LADY LIONS

Head coach: Keasa Bonds

2023 record: 24-16

District: 16-4A (Spring Hill, Gilmer, Carthage, Chapel Hill, Pine Tree, Kilgore, Cumberland Academy)

Key returning players: Kate Charlo … Addison Standley … Nolyn Norris … Brinklee Bowman … Mary Ella Hampton … Tara McNew

Looks good: “We have several returners that are hungry and want to build on what has been established over the past three years.” — Bonds

Needs work: “We will focus on learning new roles, getting better every play and never being satisfied.” — Bonds

Did you know: Bonds has a 104-41 record as a head coach … Henderson volleyball will be participating in its 25th season

BULLARD LADY PANTHERS

Head coach: Cristy O’Bannon (10th year at Bullard, 245-109; 452-193 overall)

Assistant coaches: Julie Murry, Tracey Giorgio

District: 17-4A (Palestine, Center, Hudson, Madisonville, Rusk)

2023 record: 24-21

Returning varsity players: Sterling Cox, Sr., outside hitter … Emma Smith, Sr., right-side hitter … Saydie Whiteland, Sr., middle blocker … Dakota Payne, Sr., defensive specialist … Aubrey Norton, Jr., setter … Julia Garrick, Jr., setter … Karli Miller, Jr., defensive specialist … Brooklyn Brannen, Jr., middle blocker … Kalia Andres, Soph., outside hitter

Notable newcomers: Ava Quesenberry, Jr., middle blocker/right-side hitter … Shae Quesenberry, Jr., defensive specialist … Avery Fussell, Jr., defensive specialist

PALESTINE LADYCATS

Head coach: Stephanie Dillard

Assistant coaches: Ashley Durham, James Dillard, Mikayla Tripaldi

District: 17-4A (Bullard, Center, Hudson, Madisonville, Rusk)

2023 record: 16-21

Returning varsity players: Hope Garcia … Kelsey Grayson … Vivian Eckerman … Caroline Alder … Sydney Hughes … Malina Thompson

Notable newcomers: Faith Garcia … Kylie Johnson

Additional comments: “Our team chemistry on the court has really been good the first few practices and as a coach sometimes that is hard to teach and by the looks of it this could end up being one of our strengths. We will struggle a bit early with having some of our ladies having to learn new positions on the court and some inexperience at other positions.” — Dillard

RUSK LADY EAGLES

Head coach: Corinna Ford (3rd year at Rusk; 40-40)

Assistant coaches: Cassi Hart, Emily Weeks

District: 17-4A (Bullard, Center, Hudson, Madisonville, Palestine)

2023 record: 20-20

Returning varsity players: Gracie McCown, Sr., outside hitter … Ava Kozlovsky, Sr., setter/defensive specialist … Alyjia Katon, Sr., middle hitter … Claire Tipton, Sr., middle blocker … Aubrey Hassell, Jr., right-side hitter … Ainsley Vargas, Jr., setter … Lilly Gates, Soph., defensive specialist/right-side hitter/setter

Notable newcomers: Jakaiyah Jenkins, Soph., middle hitter … Lizzy Kimbrell, Sr., libero

Additional comments: “We are expecting to have at least 10 seniors on our team this year. We want to capitalize on their experience and are excited to see what they can do. I’m expecting our middles to be blocking powerhouses this year, and we are adding a phenomenal libero. This year, we are going to be mixing things up a bit and running several different offenses and we are hoping this will get us over the hump we hit several times last year of being so close to winning but not being able to finish. This year is Rusk’s year to shine.” — Ford

HARMONY LADY EAGLES

Head coach: Dena Martin

2023 record: 28-14

District: 13-3A (New Diana, Mount Pleasant Chapel Hill, Jefferson, Daingerfield, Hughes Springs)

Key returning players: Rendi Seahorn, Gabby Hector … Trista Tittle … Maecy Toland … Isabel Morris … Lakyn Trimble … Hannah Martin … Addison Fisk … Mally Davidson

Looks good: “We have almost our entire returning team this season, so we feel great about being able to build off of what we accomplished last year as a team. We have a large senior class. We feel good about leadership and experience.” — Martin

Did you know: Harmony advanced to the regional tournament a year ago

EDGEWOOD LADY BULLDOGS

Head coach: Ashley Hagood (1st year at Edgewood, 0-0)

Assistant coaches: Katina Cooper, Dawn Davison

District: 15-3A (Eustace, Grand Saline, Malakoff, Mineola, Quitman, Winona)

2023 record: 31-11

Returning varsity players: Kenneday Kovar, Sr., middle blocker (48 blocks, 175 kills, 73 digs) … Kagan Grant, Sr., libero (296 digs) … Khrisy Prince, Jr., setter (194 digs, 818 assists) … Berklie Bigham, Jr., outside hitter/defensive specialist (43 digs, 25 kills)

Notable newcomers: Madelyn Cecil, Soph., defensive specialist … Jaedyn Eldrige, Jr., middle blocker … Josilyn Graham, Fr., middle blocker … Izzy Lasater, Fr., opposite-side htiter

MINEOLA LADYJACKETS

Head coach: TaShara Stephens

District: 15-3A (Eustace, Grand Saline, Malakoff, Edgewood, Quitman, Winona)

2023 record: 22-19

Returning varsity players: Olivia Hughes, Sr., setter … Mahayla McMahon, Jr., outside hitter … Trinadee Jackson, Sr., setter

Notable newcomers: Tierany Neighbors, Jr., outside hitter

ARP LADY TIGERS

Head coach: Sydney Jones

2023 record: 21-21

District: 16-3A (West Rusk, Gladewater, Sabine, Tatum, White Oak, Troup)

Key returning players: Maddie Birdsong … Aubrey Poole … Addison Carpenter

Newcomers to watch: Kaitlynn Raymond

Looks good: “Our experience level is higher than normal. We have seven seniors, with three of them starting last year as varsity players.” — Jones

Needs work: “Our mindset as an aggressive program. We need to attack every opponent we play.” — Jones

Did you know: Birdsong needs 324 attacks to break the school record … Jones is in her first season as a head coach

SABINE LADY CARDINALS

Head coach: Chelsea Mayfield

District: 16-3A (White Oak, Tatum, Gladewater, Troup, Arp, West Rusk)

Key returning players: Camryn Tatum … Caitlyn Stewart … Addy Carney … Emily McBride … Anslee Brown … Landry Griffith … Sarah Roberts … Keeley McCann

Looks good: “Our communication and leadership on and off the floor. We have some young ladies that are really stepping into their roles. We are going to do everything we can to keep the ball alive.” — Mayfield

Needs work: “We are always working on ball control. We want to be more aggressive with our serving.” — Mayfield

Did you know: McCann handed out 654 assists last season

WEST RUSK LADY RAIDERS

Head coach: Melissa Abrams

2023 record: 21-14

District: 16-3A (Arp, Gladewater, Sabine, Tatum, White Oak, Troup)

Key returning players: Bella Mata … Carlie Buckner … Keke Murphy … Irelind Hunt … Hannah Haffner … Kamyah Lacy … Kimora Pryor … Paisley Smith … Kara King

Newcomers to watch: Jalah Newton

Looks good: “We have all girls coming back, so experience and unity is amazing.” — Abrams

Needs work: “Serve receive.” — Abrams

Did you know: Abrams has 155 coaching wins at West Rusk

ALBA-GOLDEN LADY PANTHERS

Head coach: Jamie Webster (6th year at Alba-Golden)

Assistant coaches: Kelli Stevenson, Josh Neill, Summer Jones

District: 12-2A (Como-Pickton, Fruitvale, North Hopins, Yantis)

2023 record: 13-17

Returning varsity players: Alyssa Murdock, Sr., libero … Lainey Wright, Sr., outside hitter … Alexis Wilmut, Sr., outside hitter … Lainey Teel, Sr., middle hitter … Piper Hallman, Jr., defensive specialist

Notable newcomers: Averi Stevenson, Fr., setter … Jayyla Sitar, Fr., setter

Additional comments: “This year we will have a good mix of diverse players on the team. I am excited to run our offense and watch our girls work. As always, we expect to make it to the post season, but I have set up our preseason schedule to be more difficult than the past. We have not gotten past round one for two years now and I am ready. The girls are ready and I fully expect this schedule to get us there. We will have some bumps in the road I am sure, but nothing my girls won’t be able to overcome.” — Webster

BIG SANDY LADYCATS

Head coach: Courtney Sheeley

2023 record: 6-23

District: 18-2A (Hawkins, Union Grove, Linden-Kildare, Ore City, Paul Pewitt)

Key returning players: Journie Plunkett … Ryleigh Allen … Kenzie McCartney … Maddie Freeman

Newcomers to watch: Bailey Isaac … Aaliyah McCleveland … Lexie McCartney

Looks good: “This team is really cohesive and scrappy.” — Sheeley

Needs work: “We need to focus on blocking and defensive movement.” — Sheeley

Did you know: Sheeley is a first-year head coach

HAWKINS LADY HAWKS

Head coach: Christy McQueen

2023 record: 12-17

District: 18-2A (Linden-Kildare, Ore City, Union Grove, Big Sandy, Paul Pewitt)

Key returning players: Taetum Smith … Alaya Scoggins … Abby McQueen … Londyn Wilson … Kalyn Ellison … Jentri Evans … Alana Gipson … Jaci Smith

Looks good: “The girls are a joy to be around. They all have great attitudes with a drive and work ethic coaches love. Being coachable is a skill, and they are eager to learn, adjust and get better each day.” — McQueen

Needs work: “We have to connect better on offense. Timing is going to be the biggest struggle in our hitting game. If we can lock in on this during the preseason, then I would hope we could find success in district and postseason.” McQueen

Did you know: Scoggins, Ellison and McQueen are the top three students in Hawkins’ 2025 graduating class … McQueen has a 145-49 coaching record, all at Hawkins

UNION GROVE LADY LIONS

Head coach: Carolee Musick

2023 record: 17-23

District: 18-2A (Big Sandy, Hawkins, Linden-Kildare, Paul Pewitt, Ore City)

Key returning players: Taylor Campbell … Hannah Coulter … Sarah Prince … Gracie Lawrence … Karen Chavez … Chloe Brooks … Natalie Woodard

Looks good: “We are much more prepared for the beginning of the season than we were last year. We just need to continue the building of our offense and defense/serve receive.” — Musick

Needs work: “We will need to fill leadership roles within the team. We lost some good leaders to graduation last year.” — Musick

Did you know: Union Grove improved from 8-24 the previous season to 17-13 last year in Musick’s first year at the school … Musick has an 839-274 career record, including a 648-146 record at White Oak where she led that program to six state tournament trips and one state championship

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LONGVIEW

Mascot: Lady Lobos

Coach: Chaka Jackson

2023 record: 28-13

District: 11-6A (Royse City, Rockwall, Rockwall-Heath, Tyler Legacy, Forney, North Forney

Key returning players: Trinity Jackson … Lailah Horton … DaNaucia Johnson … Jaharia Hunter … Kayla Lewis … Aubrey Orban

Newcomers to watch: Landry Tubb … Kheyli Johnson

Looks good: “Team chemistry and energy.” – Jackson

Needs work: “The Lady Lobos will really focus in the preseason on working together and building trust among each other.” – Jackson

Did you know: DaNaucia Johnson and Kheyli Johnson are sisters … Chaka Jackson has a career coaching record of 309-237

PINE TREE

Mascot: Lady Pirates

Coach: Lacy Dennis

2023 record: 12-25

District: 10-5A (Spring Hill, Carthage, Gilmer, Henderson, Kilgore, Chapel Hill, Cumberland Academy)

Key returning players: Laney Schroeder … Allison Bean

Newcomers to watch: Carly Chadwick … T’ajah Dennis … Allison Vasquez

Looks good: “Team chemistry and the girls having a true passion for the game.” – Dennis

Needs work: “We will be a young team, so we will need to work on getting used to the varsity level and the speed of the game.” – Dennis

Did you know: Dennis has 119 coaching wins overall, including 73 at Pine Tree

SPRING HILL

Mascot: Lady Panthers

Coach: Andrew Harbison

2023 record: 40-7

District: 16-4A (Carthage, Gilmer, Henderson, Kilgore, Pine Tree, Chapel Hill, Cumberland Academy)

Key returning players: Abby Fisher … Tyhia Mack … Lesley Sanchez … Savannah Irwin … Lizzie Corbitt

Newcomers to watch: Calleigh Secord … Kaylee Londeau

Looks good: “Experience, defense, setting and offense are looking good for this year. We have a lot of key returners who are upper classmen.” Harbison

Needs work: “We graduated two really good middles, so we have been working on filling those shoes. We will continue to work on our middle attacks and blocking in the first part of the season.” – Harbison

Did you know: Spring Hill has won back-to-back district championships and has reached the regional finals two years in a row … Last year’s 40 wins set a school record for victories in a season … Harbison has a career coaching record of 322-192 overall and a 135-71 mark at Spring Hill

HALLSVILLE

Mascot: Ladycats

Coach: Tara Wager

2023 record: 37-6

District: 10-5A (Texas High, Tyler, Jacksonville, Nacogdoches, Lufkin, Mount Pleasant, Marshall, Whitehouse)

Key returning players: Kaycin Farrell … Presley Johnson … Andi Davis … Miller Goswick

Newcomers to watch: Olivia Odom … Caroline Slaten … Lilly Fry … Chesney Jeter

Looks good: “We have a very young team and will have a lot of fresh faces this year. With that comes a new type of energy and chemistry. Most of these girls have played together their entire childhood and know each other very. I believe our team chemistry and overall skill will be a key rol in our success this year.” – Wager

Needs work: “We are putting a lot of focus on defense right now. We are replacing our 4-year starter at Libero and three six-rotation players from the 2024 class, and it’s exciting to see who’s been stepping up and eager to take on those roles for us.” – Wager

Did you know: Wager has a career coaching record of 147-91, including a 97-25 mark at Hallsville … She recently married New Diana graduate Colton Wager, who is head basketball coach at Shelbyville High School

MOUNT PLEASANT

Mascot: Lady Tigers

Coach: Terry Lambert

2023 record: 3-32

District: 10-5A (Hallsville, Jacksonville, Lufkin, Marshall, Texas High, Tyler, Whitehouse)

Key returning players: Miyah Ferrier … Tyia Allen … Sidney Harbor … Jamesia Lamb … Kaylin Brannon … Shannon Hines

Newcomers to watch: Anna Norman … Gabby Zachry … Monserrat Gonzales … Azlyn Fluellen

Looks good: “Blocking, serving, athleticism and speed.” – Lambert

Needs work: “Consistency, volleyball IQ, playing at an upper level, defense, setting, attack mechanics.” – Lambert

Did you know: Lambert is in his first season as head coach at Mount Pleasant, but has a career coaching mark of 185-171 in 10 previous seasons

TEXAS HIGH

Mascot: Lady Tigers

Coach: Melissa Trotter-Hardy

2023 record: 32-12

District: 10-5A (Hallsville, Mount Pleasant, Marshall, Whitehouse, Tyler, Lufkin, Jacksonville, Nacogdoches)

Key returning players: Carlyn Clack … Taryn Stiger … Kyleigh Perkins

Newcomers to watch: Eva Treadway

Looks good: “I always feel good about the start of the season because my kids put in work. Even though I lose key players from year-to-year, others always step up and fill those shoes.” – Trotter-Hardy

Did you know: Trotter-Hardy has a career coaching record of 426-305

GILMER

Mascot: Lady Buckeyes

Coach: Keirsten Seahorn

2023 record: 25-21

District: 16-4A (Spring Hill, Carthage, Chapel Hill, Cumberland Academy, Henderson, Kilgore, Pine Tree)

Key returning players: Lacey Wilson … Alex Werbeck … Alexis Kemp … Brie Jones … Jayna Rucker … Livi Brown

Newcomers to watch: Macy Stocks

Looks good: “Our team chemistry is top notch this season. We have several experienced leaders on this team that are determined to make this year the best possible. These girls know what it feels like to battle and make a good playoff run.” – Seahorn

Needs work: “Communication is something we are emphasizing this season, so during tournament play we will be making sure we are always communicating with one another to set us up for the best possible chance at success.” – Seahorn

Did you know: Seahorn has a career coaching record of 47-42 … Wilson (volleyball) and Kemp (softball) competed in the Texas Girls Coaches Association All-Star Games this summer

CARTHAGE

Mascot: Lady Dawgs

Coach: Mandy Lancaster

2023 record: 18-13

District: 16-4A (Spring Hill, Cumberland Academy, Henderson, Gilmer, Kilgore, Chapel Hill)

Key returning players: Addison Rowe

Newcomers to watch: Laney Alexander … Alli Bitter

Looks good: “We have a very competitive drive.” – Lancaster

Needs work: “We are going to be young. We will have to keep mistakes to a minimum.” – Lancaster

Did you know: Every coach on the Carthage volleyball staff graduated from Carthage High School

PITTSBURG

Mascot: Lady Pirates

Coach: Johnathan Folse

2023 record: 11-29

District: District 14-4A (Bonham, Paris, North Lamar, Sulphur Springs, Pleasant Grove)

Players to watch: Jakyra Fletcher … Emily Janway … Camryn Mackey … Emie Castaneda … Audrina Landin … Krystal Campos … Aubrey Chalmers … Haromony Robinson … Vivianne Marquez … Tatum Reynolds … Kyler Johnson … Gina Mackey … Nataly Gonzalez … Emma Carpenter

Looks good: “The team has worked hard to transition to a new defense this summer during our summer league. We have several seniors this year, which will play a huge role in our success throughout the season.” – Folse

Needs work: “The speed of our game. We are looking to take our offensive game to a new speed. Early in the season it will be crucial for us to work on that part of our game to help achieve the goals that we have set.” – Folse

WHITE OAK

Mascot: Ladynecks

Coach: Morgan High

2023 record: 31-15

District: 16-3A (Arp, Gladewater, Sabine, West Rusk, Tatum, Troup)

Key returning players: Alli Sims … Karsyn Edwards … Addison McClanahan … Londyn Bodovsky … Andee Bridges … Peyton Thompson

Newcomers to watch: Londyn Baker

Looks good: “We are a very scrappy team that will be on the floor at all times. We also have great senior leadership, and young players who have improved drastically to give us more depth on the front row.” – High

Needs work: “We need to work on consistency and playing at a high level on every single play.” – High

Did you know: High, the libero on White Oak’s 2021 state championship team, has a 70-24 record in two seasons as head coach at White Oak … The Ladynecks have won at least 30 games in each of the last three seasons, going 38-3 in 2021, 39-9 in 2022 and 31-15 a year ago … White Oak holds homecoming every three years, and 2024 is a homecoming year for the school

TATUM

Mascot: Lady Eagles

Coach: Leven Barker

2023 record: 39-9

District: 16-3A (Arp, Gladewater, Sabine, West Rusk, White Oak, Troup)

Key returning players: Karly Stroud … Kaysen Foster … Kamdyn Scott … Taydem Barker

Newcomers to watch: Taylor Jacobs … Adriana Lomas

Looks good: “Defense, serving and work ethic. All of these kids enjoy the defensive side of the game and they understand that has to be the backbone. All of these ladies have great work ethics, which carries over into playing hard and wanting it.” – Barker

Needs work: “Offense. We will have to develop our 4-5-6 hitter, but they are working to fill those shoes. The good thing is that we play a tough schedule, so we will know by district exactly what our weaknesses were and hopefully will have them fixed.” – Barker

Did you know: Barker has a 756-276 career record and a 187-48 record at Tatum … He has won at least 100 games at four schools – Tatum, Pine Tree, Mexia and Carthage – to go along with 70 victories at Crockett

NEW DIANA

Mascot: Lady Eagles

Coach: Kaitlyn Orren

2023 record: 28-19

District: 13-3A (Hughes Springs, Mount Pleasant Chapel Hill, Daingerfield, Harmony, Daingerfield)

Key returning players: Chloe Green … Jolie Ballard … Taryn Reece … Ava Smith … Gaby Martinez

Looks good: “Out of our six starters, five are returning for this season. We have a strong junior and senior classes that have shown tremendous grown and maturity since last season.” – Orren

Needs work: “We need work on making the game quicker by creating a faster offense to make it more difficult for our opponent to defend us.” – Orren

Did you know: Orren, in her second season at New Diana, is a 2016 Longview High School graduate who played volleyball at Panola College and Louisiana Tech University

JEFFERSON

Mascot: Lady Bulldogs

Coach: Misty Randolph

2023 record: 15-23

District: 13-3A (New Diana, Hughes Springs, Chapel Hill, Daingerfield, Harmony)

Key returning players: Kourtlyn Dowell … Christian Justice … Nahnah Wallace … Ava Phillips

Newcomers to watch: Janaa Goynes … Rayleigh Gulk … Maddie Cooner

Looks good: “The hard work and dedication that was put in during the offseason.” – Randolph

Needs work: “Maintaining consistent communication on the court.” – Randolph

Did you know: Randolph, a 2004 Jefferson graduate, is starting her second tenure as head volleyball coach at the school

ORE CITY

Mascot: Lady Rebels

Coach: Rick Wilson

2023 record: 1-31

District: 18-2A (Big Sandy, Hawkins, Linden-Kildare, Paul Pewitt, Union Grove)

Key returning players: Kayla Peckham … Aaryana Jones … Brooke Byrd … Jaycee Sewell … Mazye Hawkins … Ar’mani Jones

Newcomers to watch: Addisyn Perez … Bailey Thomas

Looks good: “Participation was up all summer. The girls came out and put in the extra work, and I’m really hoping that pays dividends this season. The core of the team answered the challenges presented to them.” – Wilson

Needs work: “Trusting one another and playing withing the confines of the system. These relationships will be built throughout the season.” – Wilson

Did you know: Wilson is a first-year head coach

PAUL PEWITT

Mascot: Brahmas

Coach: Laura Fortner

2023 record: 4-24

District: 18-2A (Big Sandy, Hawkins, Linden-Kildare, Union Grove, Ore City)

Key returning players: Avery Perry … Gillian Lum … Audrey Green … Milee Morris … Darriyah Thomas

Newcomers to watch: Gloria Pureco … Peyton Hill … Ryleigh Denmon

Looks good: “We have been working hard to create a resilient culture in the weight room, and we are looking forward to it carrying over onto the volleyball court.” – Fortner

Needs work: “Increasing our passing percentage and giving our offense the best opportunities at the net.” – Fortner

Did you know: Perry, Lum and Green are the only seniors on the Paul Pewitt roster

ELYSIAN FIELDS

Mascot: Lady Yellowjackets

Coach: Crystal O’Brien

District: 20-2A (Gary, Garrison, Beckville, Timpson, Waskom)

Key returning players: Allison O’Brien … Taylor Youngblood … Kyleigh Stephens … Madison Owens

Newcomers to watch: Kaleigh Presley … Peyton McDonald … Avery Woodley … Layla Adkins

Looks good: “We have a large group of returning players and a group of athletic freshmen girls joining the high school squad. The move to 2A has us optimistic about the future of Jacket volleyball.” – O’Brien

Needs work: “We need to continue to build strength and resilience in the face of adversity.” – O’Brien

Did you know: Elysian Fields derives its name from Elysium, which is the classical (Greek/Roman) term for heaven

BECKVILLE

Mascot: Bearcats

Coach: Andee Poteet

2023 record:25-19

District: 20-2A (Timpson, Garrison, Elysian Fields, Waskom, Gary)

Key returning players: Hannah Hester … Kellen Weaver … Karsyn Coleman … Carli Tuttle … Adyson Davis … Ayanna Burroughs … Kaitlyn Mauritzen … Gracey Struwe

Newcomers to watch: Maci Morris … Emily Grandgeorge

Looks good: “We have eight returning players with a desire to win. Our setter-hitter connection is a solid foundation.” – Poteet

Needs work: “Serve receive and communication.” – Poteet

Did you know: Beckville will be playing in a new coliseum in 2025 … The Ladycats have not lost a district match since Oct. 12, 2012 against Overton – a stretch of 124 straight league wins

WASKOM

Mascot: Lady Wildcats

Coach: Beth Lawson

2023 record: 5-21

District: 20-2A (Beckville, Elysian Fields, Garrison, Gary, Timpson)

Key returning players: Jada Spencer … Peyton Myers … Kyleigh Minner … Michelle Hernandez

Newcomers to watch: Jayla Rodriguez Sanchez … Peyton Fussell

Looks good: “We are young and have some good hitters.” – Lawson

Needs work: “We need to work on serve receive.” – Lawson

Did you know: Lawson will be in her first season as Waskom’s head volleyball coach

LONGVIEW CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

Mascot: Lady Eagles

Coach: Ami Haygood

District: TAPPS 2A District 4 (Poetry Community Christian, Greenville Christian)

Key returning players: Madi Newlin … Bella Smith

Newcomers to watch: Gentry Parker

Looks good: “We have new players joining the team as transfers and new contributing players moving up. The chemistry is really positive, and we are eager to get started.” – Haygood

Needs work: “We are really hoping to return to the playoffs this year.” – Haygood

Did you know: Longview Christian School is starting its 30th year of having sports

TRINITY SCHOOL OF TEXAS

Mascot: Lady Titans

Coach: Shay Quinn

2023 record: 0-18

District: TAPPS District 4 1A

Key returning players: Morgan Teague … Bri Medina … Ellie Cochran … Avery Drever

Newcomers to watch: Elizabeth Drever

Looks good: “Aggressive defensive specialists.” – Quinn

Needs work: “Learning to trust each other on the court.” – Quinn

ATLANTA

Mascot: Rabbits

Coach: Melissa Waddell

2023 record: 21-16

District: 14-3A (De Kalb, Hooks, New Boston, Queen City, Redwater, Liberty-Eylau)

Key returning players: Aysia Heard … Eliana Edwards … Carlajah Adger … Jaliyah Brown

Newcomers to watch: Makalya Collins … Kherington Baca … Harper Highland … Jaliyah Gordon … Mackenzie Birmingham … Brooklyn Thompson … Kayden Allen … Gabriella Petrofsky

Looks good: “The girls have put in a lot of work over the summer with strength and conditioning along with volleyball skill workouts. They are really coming together as a whole very well.” – Waddell

Needs work: “The program lost several seniors last season, so we have some spots that will be young.” – Waddell

Did you know: Waddell is an Atlanta High School graduate

MAUD

Mascot: Lady Cardinals

Coach: Cory Fothergill

2023 record: 8-19

District: 17-2A (Clarksville, Detroit, Harts Bluff, Rivercrest, Simms Bowie)

Key returning players: “McKenzie Bishop … Mallori Bishop … Kasynn Pickering … Keira Mangtamag

Newcomers to watch: Leah Pemberton

Looks good: “We are a very young team that has potential to develop and be a force over the next two years.” – Fothergill

Needs work: “Serve/receive and defense need a lot of work.” – Fothergill

Did you know: The Lady Cardinals’ roster includes two sets of sisters

— Ogden can be reached at bogden@tylerpaper.com