UIL STATE: New Faces You NEED To Know

After watching a lot of volleyball, I have tracked down 10 players that are new to me and may be new to you as well. These players are solid hustle athletes that deserve our attention.

Kinsley McPherson Kinsley McPherson 5'8" | OH Blum | 2026 TX was the MVP of the 1A state title game. You read that right, the freshman outside hitter was the most valuable player. Kinsley has a very unique approach and swing that would make spotting her easy. She looked calm and collected in the state title game, and her overall playing ability won her the award.

If you haven't heard of Henley Anderson Henley Anderson 6'3" | OH Dripping Springs | 2026 State #1 Nation TX , you will know her after last weekend's performance in the state title game. The freshman had the game-winning kill on an out-of-system set and lined up perfectly for the aggressive swing. What I liked about Henley was that she never played scared. Facing up against big 6A competition as a freshman can be daunting and we have seen freshmen crumble before under pressure, but Henley rose to the occasion and then some.

One of the most under-the-radar positions on the court is our middle blockers, and Callie Funk Callie Funk 6'3" | MB Tompkins | 2026 State TX slid into that position this season seemingly unknowingly to most, but after watching her in the state tournament, she did an excellent job for Tompkins. The middle position is sometimes a hard thankless job, and Callie did an amazing job for a freshman and played the position very aggressively.

The lefty right side Carley Wright Carley Wright 6'0" | RS Keller | 2025 State TX got our attention after she played a great game against Tompkins. Tompkins had 3 very good pin hitters and Carley was able to help shut each of them down. She had a great out-of-system swing as well, and would also come in and hit a quick ball from behind the setter.

A lot of talk went on about this player in the stands, Columbus's outside hitter Ally Tribe. She has one heck of an arm swing and knows how to make the ball find the floor. She may be a common name to some in the Houston area, but for me, this was my first time seeing her in action and she is 100% a baller.

Sidney Soria Sidney Soria 5'9" | S Randall | 2025 State TX stood out to me in the state title game, where it seemed to me that she took absolute leadership control early on. She was running the floor as far as offensive schemes and serving areas. She has a ton of spark and energy and held that level through all 3 sets. Her energy was contagious to teammates, and I believe that played a huge part in Randall's overwhelming success.

Colleyville Heritage's libero Ava Ash was stunning through 2 games over the weekend. I saw some incredible defensive plays, saves, dives, and all-out hustle from Ash. She was so solid and so consistent in the backcourt that Colleyville's offense was able to just go to work.

The freshman setter Sydney Lund Sydney Lund 6'2" | S Dripping Springs | 2026 State TX did a great job filling a setting need for Dripping Springs. She had a great connection with her other freshman teammate Anderson as well as her senior teammate Plante. Her serving was aggressive and her defense was there. Dripping Springs will be loaded again next year at the setting position with both setters returning.

Emily Sitton Emily Sitton 5'9" | OH Leon | 2024 TX must have an award for most headshots because she hits the ball so hard and so fast. She has a lot of range in her swing, and she can hit areas all over the floor with precision. She had a great game in the Semi Final round and that earned her a spot on the State All-Tournament Team.

Chloe Johnson Chloe Johnson 5'11" | OH Gunter | 2025 State TX was easily one of the best outsides in the entire state tournament. Her athletic ability and range allowed her to hit a variety of balls and hit them hard. She is long and has a great verticle. She definitely attributed to Gunter's stellar firepower they had this year on the front row.