The Austin High varsity Volleyball team is halfway through its fall season, and seems to be on track for yet another successful year.
Their recent victories against Westlake and Lake Travis highlight the strength of the team and reason that it is ranked an impressive 3rd in the state. Last year, the Austin High School Varsity Volleyball team went 39-7. Skilled players who frequently dominate the court are Riley Malloy, Camille Presley, Maggie McCarrol, and Jenna Tello.
Over the past 5 years, Austin High Varsity Volleyball has shown great improvement based on their stats and records, and proven to be a strong contender in UIL.
This Friday, Austin High has an especially challenging match against Dripping Springs, which was ranked number 6 in UIL in 2024. Having played earlier this season, Austin High came through with a 3-1 victory over Dripping Springs, although both teams played very well. It will be interesting to see if next week brings the Maroons another win.
One of the powerful motivators behind this team is Coach Woods, a tough and supportive leader. Woods’ coaching philosophy includes “trying to encourage the girls and bring the best out of them, push them beyond what they’re capable of doing.” The teams’ success relies not only on individual motivation and talent but also team chemistry. Woods encourages players to “[work] on playing as a team throughout the entire match, and stick together in the highs and the lows.”
In order to motivate the team to play at their peak performance, Coach Woods prioritizes “trying to give them encouragement whenever they do something well.” This provides confidence “when they’re not playing their best so they can think back to the times when they were called out positively.” Despite a winning streak and mass of talent, the Austin volleyball team tries to remain humble. “I think we do a really good job at staying focused on the next point so we don’t want to get too excited, too high, or too low. Whether we win a point or lose a point, we’re ready for that very next point.”
So far, the season has been packed with success. “This season is going great! The girls are working hard [and] are improving at a rate that I am happy with,” says Woods. It has not all been without challenge and hardship. “We have competed against some really tough competition this season. We went up to Dallas and played in the Allen tournament, and ended up just losing one match there.” However, the team has accumulated an impressive portfolio of wins.“Through the first round of districts we’ve beat Dripping Springs, Westlake, and Lake Travis.”
During home games, the Austin high gym is packed with spectators. At every point won, serve aced, or rally blocked, the halls echo with exciting cheers. The girls volleyball team remains one of the most successful teams at Austin high, and will continue to bring back accomplishments and spread pride across the maroon community
