Grand Oaks Grizzlies Aim for Texas Volleyball History with Ambitious State Championship Three-Peat… See more…
THE WOODLANDS, TEXAS — As the sun rises on a new high school volleyball season in Texas, all eyes are on a powerhouse team that has rewritten the rulebook of consistency and dominance: the Grand Oaks Grizzlies. With back-to-back state titles under their belt, the team now stands on the cusp of making UIL Class 6A history by clinching a third consecutive state championship—a feat accomplished by only a handful of programs in Texas volleyball history.
As Friday morning practices resume and preseason intensity ramps up, Grand Oaks isn’t just preparing for another season—they’re chasing legacy.
A Culture of Winning
Located in Montgomery County, Grand Oaks High School has rapidly built one of the most successful volleyball programs in Texas since its UIL debut. Under the guidance of head coach Morgan Rogers, the Grizzlies have become a disciplined, relentless force—anchored by strategic training, elite athleticism, and an unshakable team culture.
“We don’t talk about trophies every day,” Coach Rogers said in a Thursday press conference. “We talk about effort, accountability, and how we represent this program. The titles are the result of doing things the right way, every day.”
That approach has paid off in stunning fashion. In the past two seasons alone, Grand Oaks has gone undefeated in district play, winning 41 straight matches. The team has become a perennial state title contender, drawing national attention and pushing the competitive standard in Texas high school volleyball to new heights.
Meet the Leaders: Halle Thompson and Cali Reece
At the heart of Grand Oaks’ success are two standout players who have come to define the Grizzlies’ dominance: Halle Thompson and Cali Reece.
Thompson, a senior outside hitter and two-time state championship MVP, is already committed to playing Division I volleyball next fall. Known for her explosive vertical, powerful swings, and court awareness, Thompson racked up 614 kills last season and is widely considered one of the top high school players in the country.
“I’m just focused on giving everything to my team this year,” Thompson said. “Winning again would be amazing, but I want to leave it all out there—no regrets.”
Meanwhile, Cali Reece, the team’s libero, provides the perfect counterbalance. Quick, fearless, and precise, Reece is a defensive wall in the back row and a vocal leader on the court.
“She’s the glue,” Coach Rogers explained. “Her reads, her hustle, her presence—they keep us grounded and competitive every single point.”
The Path to a Three-Peat
Though Grand Oaks heads into the 2025 season as heavy favorites, the road to a three-peat will be far from easy. The Grizzlies will open the season against Fulshear High School, last year’s state runner-up and a formidable rival.
Fulshear returns most of its core, including star middle blocker Jada Simmons, who nearly turned the tide in last year’s title match. The rematch is expected to draw large crowds and possibly set the tone for the entire season.
Beyond Fulshear, teams like Dripping Springs, Hebron, and Prosper have made major offseason improvements and could challenge Grand Oaks in regional or state semifinal rounds. But Rogers insists her team’s biggest opponent is not outside—it’s within.
“Our standard is our greatest opponent,” she said. “If we play our game, the scoreboard will take care of itself.”
More Than Just a Game
For the players, chasing a third title is about more than just adding to the trophy case—it’s about honoring those who came before and setting an example for those who follow.
“We’re standing on the shoulders of the girls who built this program,” said senior setter Mia Carter, another key returner. “This isn’t just about 2025—it’s about continuing the legacy and showing future players what’s possible.”
That legacy is already attracting national attention. Grand Oaks has hosted scouts from several top-tier collegiate programs, and the team is expected to participate in out-of-state invitational tournaments later this fall. But despite the spotlight, players and coaches remain focused on their goals—and their process.
“We take it one serve at a time, one set at a time,” Reece said. “We know what we’re capable of, but we also know we have to earn it all over again.”
A Community Behind Them
The support from the local community has been a major driving force in the Grizzlies’ success. Home matches regularly pack the gym, with fans waving blue and silver banners and chanting “Go Grizzlies!” after every point.
“Our fans are everything,” said Thompson. “They give us energy, they travel with us, and they’ve been part of this journey since day one.”
Local businesses sponsor team events, and youth volleyball players often attend practices or meet the athletes after games. It’s become more than a school sport—it’s a shared source of pride for the entire region.
Eyes on History
As the 2025 volleyball season begins, Grand Oaks is not just defending a title—they’re chasing a rare and revered place in Texas sports history. With discipline, drive, and a roster of returning stars, the Grizzlies appear poised to make another deep run toward the state finals.
The first serve may still be weeks away, but the momentum is already building—and the entire Texas volleyball community will be watching to see if Grand Oaks can complete the three-peat and cement their dynasty.
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