Texas Private Schools Most Underrated Players Vol.1: TAPPS

The stars of the University Interscholastic League (UIL) are often highlighted due to their impressive performances in a variety of sports and academic competitions. However, it is essential to recognize that there are other organizations and conferences in Texas brimming with elite athletes who deserve attention for their remarkable talents and achievements as well. Among these, the Texas Association of Private and Parochial Schools (TAPPS) stands out, showcasing a diverse array of gifted individuals across multiple disciplines. These athletes not only excel on the field and court but also demonstrate outstanding character and sportsmanship in their endeavors. From record-breaking performances to incredible teamwork, I want to bring light to some standout athletes within TAPPS who embody the spirit of competition and showcase the depth of talent present in Texas beyond the UIL spotlight.   St. Agnes started off their season very strong. Sadly, they ended it during their second round of playoffs in Austin against Antonian College Preparatory High School. However, they had one player that stood out to me all season, and that is [player_tooltip player_id='254135' first='Casey' last='Hyde'].    Casey is an all-around athlete that should be on everyone's radar. As an outside hitter she not only dominates in the front row, but also in the back row. Her court vision and awareness is elite as she easily finds ways to get the ball to the floor. This entire season she has been a star on St. Agnes's varsity. She was named their Offensive Player of the Year and TAPPS Second Team All-District. This club season she will be playing up on an 18's team and will probably excel there too.     Prestonwood Christian Academy, TAPPS 2024-2025 6A Champions, have a dynamic duo that really standout. [player_tooltip player_id='534300' first='Nyla' last='Livings'] and [player_tooltip player_id='534373' first='Naomi' last='Livings'] are two sisters that have been on Prestonwood's varsity squad for the last two seasons. Having these two girls on their team significantly contributed to their championship win. Together, they collectively received 12 kills.    When the ball is up, Nyla makes sure she's there to get her hand on the set. The combination of her height and vertical explains her ease of getting her kills. She sees the court well. This allows her to identify holes in the opponents' defense and attack them. This is a great and underrated skill to have a middle blocker. She ended her sophomore season with 266 kills and 103 blocks.      The best way to describe Naomi is to say she is a true hitter. While she is primarily utilized as a right side during this high school season, she was extremely versatile. She successfully runs several plays with her setter. These plays confuse the defense of her opponents. This strategy makes her an option across the entire net, resulting in her 293 career kills. Naomi has also accumulated 59 total blocks, 81 digs and 10 aces in her varsity career.     Lutheran South Academy, first in TAPPS 5A District 5, is another team full of talent. But, there one player that needs some more recognition. [player_tooltip player_id='644451' first='Aniston' last='Collins'] is one of the best setters I've seen of her class and definitely led her team to their district win.    Aniston is a very versatile setter, showcasing her impressive skills on the court. She not only sets from the back row, where her vision and playmaking abilities shine, but also is available as a right side in the front row, demonstrating her adaptability and willingness to contribute in various roles. Her innate understanding of the game allows her to successfully create one-on-one opportunities for her hitters, enabling them to capitalize on favorable matchups and secure crucial kills during high-pressure moments. Aniston's contributions are statistically significant; she completed her junior season with a remarkable total of 1,972 assists, 264 aces, 661 digs, and an impressive 290 kills, illustrating not just her capability as a setter but also her effectiveness in scoring and defense.

The stars of the University Interscholastic League (UIL) are often highlighted due to their impressive performances in a variety of sports and academic competitions. However, it is essential to recognize that there are other organizations and conferences in Texas brimming with elite athletes who deserve attention for their remarkable talents and achievements as well. Among these, the Texas Association of Private and Parochial Schools (TAPPS) stands out, showcasing a diverse array of gifted individuals across multiple disciplines. These athletes not only excel on the field and court but also demonstrate outstanding character and sportsmanship in their endeavors. From record-breaking performances to incredible teamwork, I want to bring light to some standout athletes within TAPPS who embody the spirit of competition and showcase the depth of talent present in Texas beyond the UIL spotlight.