Wimberley aims for an eighth state title as both teams enter championship without dropping a postseason set
By Michael Adams
Austin Sports Journal
Two of the hottest teams in Texas high school volleyball will meet Friday night with a UIL state championship on the line. But for Wimberley, the spotlight is firmly on a quest for history.
The Texans (46-5) return to the Curtis Culwell Center in Garland for looking to defend their Class 4A Division II state title and secure the program’s eighth championship. It marks Wimberley’s 12th appearance at the state tournament and another opportunity to add to one of the most decorated legacies in Texas high school volleyball. First serve is set for 6 p.m., Friday.
Wimberley has won back-to-back titles twice before, in 2002–03 and again in 2006–07. Another repeat would further cement the program’s run under coach Misty Remmers as one of the most consistent in the state.
The Texans arrive in Garland playing their best volleyball of the year.
Wimberley has not dropped a set in the postseason and has swept its last eight matches, including a dominant semifinal performance against Salado. Behind a deep offense, a relentless service game and one of the strongest middle-blocking duos in Class 4A, the Texans enter the final with confidence and cohesion.
“I think it goes back to knowing that if you’re struggling you can look to the person next to you and know they believe in you,” said senior outside hitter Lilli Sandoval. “Every girl on this team believes in each other, coach (Misty) Remmers believes in us, and we can all just lean on each other.”
Wimberley tops Salado
Sandoval remains a stabilizing presence with a team high 408 kills, averaging 3.0 per set on a .264 hitting percentage. Freshman standout Trinity Laney has emerged as a centerpiece of both the attack and the back row, with 383 kills to go along with 394 digs and 82 aces.
At the net, seniors Mariah McCoy and Cameron Thames anchor a physical middle that has disrupted opponents all season. McCoy has recorded 85 blocks, while Thames enters the final leading the team with a .304 hitting percentage and 63 blocks.
For the Texans, the story is as much about connection as it is talent.
“We’re going to enjoy it, but we’re going to get to work and do what’s needed to win,” McCoy said. “I play for my team. Everyone is in this together, and I know it takes me and everyone else to put together this team.”
Standing in the way of Wimberley’s repeat is first-time state tournament qualifier Fort Worth Eagle Mountain (37-11), a team that hasn’t lost a set in the playoffs either.
The Knights have swept 16 straight matches and feature dominant senior middle blocker Keoni Williams, who enters the final hitting .549 with 359 kills and 140 blocks. Senior outside hitter Brooke Lacewell leads the team with 367 kills, and junior setter Molly Aubert has compiled 1,321 assists.
Both teams arrive playing their best volleyball of the season, but only one will leave with a championship. For Wimberley, the moment offers a chance to add to a storied dynasty built over three decades.
