By Michael Adams
Austin Sports Journal
There are two and a half weeks left in the 2025 Texas high school volleyball season. The Austin Sports Journal takes a look at playoff races in all four Class 4A area districts as we head into the home stretch.
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One of the more intriguing storylines to watch is in Class 4A Division II as a powerhouse programs Salado and Wimberley appear to be on a collision course for a semifinal rematch.
The top four teams make the playoffs, which begin on Oct. 30, with the two schools with the largest enrollments placed in the Division I bracket and the other two in the Division II bracket.
The UIL state volleyball championships are scheduled for Nov. 20-22 at the Curtis Calwell Center in Garland.
Here is a breakdown for each district:
District 22-4A (Region III)
Front-runners: Bellville (5–0) is undefeated and on the verge of clinching a playoff berth. La Grange (4–1) is right behind and in strong shape for second.
Playoff chase: Caldwell (3–2) holds third, while Smithville (2–3) is currently in fourth.
On the bubble: Giddings (1–4) and Navasota (0–5) both need a big turnaround. Navasota is in danger of elimination.
Bottom line: Bellville and La Grange are clearly the teams to beat. The Leopards are a dangerous team, due to their athleticism. The second half of district play will carry some parody as Smithville looks to break a three-year playoff drought. Giddings is the wild card as the Buffaloes could shake up the division split.
Divisional breakdown: While rivals, La Grange will be the biggest fans of Smithville in the second half of district. Here’s why: If Smithville and Caldwell both make the playoffs, the Leopards will move to the Division I bracket with Bellville. That’s significant because the top seeded team from the 22-4A in Division II is almost assured of a second-round matchup with Salado. If Giddings is in, that will be La Grange.
District 24-4A (Region III)
Front-runners: Salado (8–0) has already clinched a playoff spot. Gateway Prep (6–1) is nearly there as well.
Playoff chase: Burnet (5–3) is comfortably in third. Marble Falls (3–5) currently holds fourth.
On the bubble: Taylor (2–5) and Jarrell (2–6) are still alive but must finish strong. Lampasas (1–7) is nearly eliminated.
Bottom line: Salado is clinched; Gateway Prep and Burnet are close; the final spot is up for grabs among Marble Falls, Taylor and Jarrell.
Divisional breakdown: Salado and Gateway Prep are assured to be the Division II representatives from the district, as both schools have the lowest enrollments of the seven teams. Burnet has a two-game lead over fourth place Marble Falls and Taylor.
District 25-4A (Region IV)
Front-runners: Lago Vista (9–0) is unbeaten and has clinched a playoff spot. Manor New Tech (6–2) and Legacy Ranch (6–3) are in strong position for postseason berths. Legacy Ranch is in its first varsity season.
Playoff chase: Travis (3–4) currently holds fourth, with Austin Eastside (3–6) and LBJ (2–2) close behind.
On the bubble: Austin Achieve (2–6) has only slim hopes remaining. Austin Northeast (0–8) is eliminated.
Bottom line: Lago Vista has clinched; Manor New Tech and Legacy Ranch are safe bets; Travis, Eastside, and LBJ are fighting for the last spot.
Divisional breakdown: Manor New Tech and Legacy Ranch will likely be the Division II representatives, while Lago Vista is assured of a Division I representative along with whomever emerges between Eastside, Travis and LBJ. If Legacy Ranch can beat Manor New Tech and overtake the second-place spot from the Titans, the Wranglers will avoid a first-round playoff matchup with defending Class 4A Division II state champion Wimberley.
District 26-4A (Region IV)
Front-runners: Wimberley (5–0) is unbeaten and has clinched a playoff berth. Davenport (4–1) is close to clinching as well.
Playoff chase: Canyon Lake (3–2) is in a good position for third. Fredericksburg (2–3) sits in fourth for now.
On the bubble: New Braunfels Long Creek (1–4) still has a chance to overtake Fredericksburg. Bandera (0–5) is eliminated.
Bottom line: Wimberley has clinched; Davenport and Canyon Lake are safe; Fredericksburg and Long Creek are in a battle for the final playoff spot.
Divisional breakdown: Wimberley is assured to be in the Division II bracket along with Canyon Lake. That means Davenport and either Fredericksburg or Long Creek.
