Houston Area Five Players to Watch: 6A – District 20
The high school volleyball season is set to start in just a few weeks in the state of Texas and after a quick break following the conclusions of the club season, we can’t wait any longer to watch the top…
Access all of Prep Dig
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingThe high school volleyball season is set to start in just a few weeks in the state of Texas and after a quick break following the conclusions of the club season, we can’t wait any longer to watch the top prospects of the Lone Star State in action again.
There will be several thousand players in action across the 1,207 high school teams that compete in the six divisions of the University Interscholastic League (UIL) and among them, there are some very talented ones, who certainly have a bright future in the sport.
As we continue to preview what the high school season will look like in the Houston area, we shift our focus from teams to players and highlight five of the most intriguing prospects in the districts located in the region.
It’s time we give it a good look at Division 6A – District 20:
Kaylin Daniels Kaylin Daniels 6'0" | MB William P. Clements | 2023 State TX – Middle Blocker – Fort Bend Clements – Club: Houston Juniors – 2023
A physical and dominant middle blocker, Kaylin Daniels Kaylin Daniels 6'0" | MB William P. Clements | 2023 State TX will likely be Clements’ most important player in the upcoming season. Her net presence can be a game-changer for the teams she plays on both offense and defense. A six-footer, Daniels has excellent reach with her long arms, superior reading of the game and great mobility thanks to her quick feet, a combination that makes of her a very efficient blocker. Her offense is very reliable too and she ended last season with 219 kills and 82 blocks for Clements.
Kyla Paulino – Setter – Fort Bend Austin – Club: Houston Skyline – 2023
While his technique is undoubtedly excellent, it’s Kyla Paulino’s mental game that makes of her a standout player. The 5’9” playmaker is relatively new at the setter position, but is very intelligent on the court and her repeated good decisions make her team better and generate points for them. She does a great job with her setting and if her style might not be flashy, it’s extremely efficient because it provides exactly what her team needs at every moment. Paulino was a top contributor to Austin last season, tallying 617 assists, 174 digs and 50 aces.
Kylie Mueller Kylie Mueller 6'0" | OH Dulles | 2023 State TX – Outside Hitter – Fort Bend Dulles – Club: Willowbrook – 2023
A very complete and dynamic and complete outside hitter, Kylie Mueller Kylie Mueller 6'0" | OH Dulles | 2023 State TX is a tremendous asset for her Dulles team. She has great size at six feet, but has worked hard over the years to develop her game and has turned into a lethal offensive player, one who has a lot of power, but who can also score when set off the net because of her incredible variation. Mueller can play at either pin and is also very solid on the backcourt, as her performance in 2021-2022, which had 405 kills, 452 digs, 558 passes, 35 blocks and 30 aces displayed.
Sydney Bryant Sydney Bryant 6'3" | OH George Ranch | 2025 State #26 Nation TX – Outside Hitter/Right Side – George Ranch – Club: Houston Juniors – 2025
It will be really interesting to see where Sydney Bryant Sydney Bryant 6'3" | OH George Ranch | 2025 State #26 Nation TX ends up in George Ranch’s lineup this season. She played middle for them in 2021-2022, producing 68 kills and 102 blocks, but split her time with her Houston Juniors team between the outside hitter and right side roles. Playing her at the pin might make the most sense for the Longhorns this season and considering how much her overall game improved, that might be a very good option. Standing at 6’3”, Bryant is a terrific offensive player, combining power, reach and the ability to hit multiple sets, and also has an excellent blocking presence.
Sydney Jordan Sydney Jordan 6'3" | OH Ridge Point | 2023 State #44 Nation TX – Outside Hitter – Ridge Point – Club: Houston Juniors – 2023
Another elite outside hitter in the Houston area, Sydney Jordan Sydney Jordan 6'3" | OH Ridge Point | 2023 State #44 Nation TX was a difference-maker for Ridge Point last season, when she produced 396 kills, 490 digs, 517 passes, 55 blocks and 33 aces for her team. At 6’3”, she’s very explosive and difficult to stop with her offense, especially because of her excellent shot variation. Jordan is very calm and efficient on the court and is a player her teammates know they can count on at any time. She’s also extremely solid on the backcourt, playing big roles in Ridge Point’s passing and defensive systems.