By Michael Adams
Austin Sports Journal

Trips to the TAPPS state volleyball tournament have become routine for St. Michael’s senior outside hitter Claire Montgomery.

When the Warriors (36-12-1) take the court Thursday morning at Waco Robinson High School for a TAPPS Class 6A state semifinal, it will mark Montgomery’s third appearance at the state tournament, but her first with St. Michael’s.

However, she’ll share the court with a familiar face in head coach Rory Tyson, who’s in her third season leading the Warriors.

“Winning state would be a full-circle moment for me,” Montgomery said. “I came into high school with coach Tyson, and we went to state (at Brentwood Christian). To finish my career with a state title would be a full-circle moment for me.”

Montgomery played her first three seasons at Brentwood Christian, where Tyson coached her freshman year. She helped the Bears reach the TAPPS state tournament in both her freshman and sophomore seasons before transferring to St. Michael’s this summer.

Her arrival made an immediate impact. Montgomery has become the team’s vocal and statistical leader, helping guide the Warriors to their first state tournament appearance since 2022.

“From the very beginning, I knew this team was special,” Tyson said. “As a freshman, I could see right away that Claire was going to be a special player. This year, she’s been a leader all over the court. It’s not just her skill, it’s her attitude and effort. She’s just a really special kid.”

Montgomery has quietly built one of the strongest high school resumes in South Central Texas. The 5-foot-9 outside hitter leads the area with 705 kills this season. However, it’s been done under the radar as players like Henley Anderson of Dripping Springs, Riley Malloy of Austin High and Joy Udoye of Cedar Park dominate headlines.

Through four years, Montgomery has totaled 2,008 kills, a .237 hitting percentage, 1,666 digs, 161 blocks and 358 aces.

“I’ve never been one to look at stats, but of course they’re always in the back of my mind,” Montgomery said.

Her play has drawn attention from college programs, though she hasn’t yet made a decision about where she’ll continue her career. For now, her focus remains on the task at hand – leading St. Michael’s to a state championship.

“We’re really talented, well-coached and coachable, three things that make you successful,” she said. “If you have a good team, you should go as far as you can. We want to win state. That’s everyone’s goal at the beginning of the season, and we have a chance to go do it.”

St. Michael’s will face Antonian Prep in the TAPPS Class 6A semifinals at 10 a.m. Thursday. The winner will advance to Friday’s championship match to meet either Nolan Catholic or Bishop Lynch.

TAPPS volleyball state tournament

Class 6A

All games played at Waco Robinson High School, Waco

Semifinals

St. Michael’s vs. Antonian Prep, 10 a.m., Thursday

Nolan Catholic vs. Bishop Lynch, 1 p.m., Thursday

Championship

1 p.m., Friday