Longhorns Spike Their Way to an Unbeatable Season

The high school has long dominated girls' volleyball, and the 2025 season has been no exception. The freshman team, led by captains Sophia Beatty, Ellie Stroud, and Zinnia Turry, holds a 6-6 record. The junior varsity team, led by sophomore captains Sevyn Knecht and Ashleigh and Alyssa Jaros, is 10-4. Meanwhile, the varsity team, led by senior captains Holland and Stalena Van Deusen and Lucy Weeber, remains undefeated with a record of 14-0.

Coaches Mr. Kevin Long of the freshman team, Reilly of the JV team, and U'i, Kelly, and Ms. Steph Dunn of the varsity team are responsible for building the high school's incredible girls' volleyball program. Though the records are astonishing, the bonds between teammates, both off and on the court, are what truly sets the team apart.

Freshman Brooke Simko, right and outside hitter, is the only varsity freshman on the team. "It's so fun being on varsity and all the girls are so nice," Simko states. "They supported me throughout the season. Being the only freshman is so fun and I absolutely love being on the team." She exemplifies the high school's values: hard work, dedication, and teamwork.

An example of the team's exceptional commitment occurred over homecoming weekend. On the day of the homecoming game, the JV and varsity teams were dismissed from school early to attend an overnight tournament five hours away in Pittsburgh.

Despite the long trip and missing the homecoming football game, both teams performed excellently in pool play, with each beating multiple top programs. They came straight from the team bus to the school locker rooms halfway through the homecoming dance, where they changed into their dresses to celebrate their victory. Seniors are crucial to the varsity team, making up eleven of the eighteen varsity players. Many of the seniors have been with the high school's volleyball program from the start and will be missed by everyone. However, the season isn't over yet - with two home games left in the regular season and playoffs ahead, there is still plenty of competition left to go! Be sure to come to home games with Longhorn spirit and cheer for the amazing team!