That group includes four seniors, four juniors, three sophomores, and one freshman who will be playing in a new classification this year. For the first time in its athletics history, AHS won’t be playing in the state’s largest classification. The school’s enrollment number dictated a move down to Class 5A, so the Eagles now find themselves in District 4-5A with Cooper, Abilene Wylie, Lubbock High, Lubbock Cooper, Lubbock Coronado, and Lubbock Monterey.
Lubbock Cooper, Wylie, Coronado, and Monterey each reached the Class 5A playoffs last season with Lubbock Cooper (37-11 overall and 10-0 in district play) and Wylie (30-14 and 8-2) each posting 30-plus wins on their way to regional quarterfinal appearances.
Senior middle blocker Jadyn Hernandez, who was the Outstanding Blocker in District 2-6A last season, returns as the leader of the Lady Eagles’ squad. She’s joined by fellow seniors Ryleigh Lawson (outside hitter), who was honorable mention all-district, Academic All-District and Academic All-State in 2021; senior setter Alexis Dolton; and senior middle blocker Mia Cairo, who was Academic All-District and All-State last year.
Also returning to the varsity is junior outside hitter Amelia Carr, who was Academic All-District and All-State last year. The seven newcomers to the varsity are juniors Laila Brown (DS/libero), Maddie McMillon (middle blocker), and Yasmine DeLaGarza (setter / DS), sophomores Kinzley Cantu (DS/libero), Ava Breckenridge (outside hitter), and Gracie Jordan (middle blocker), and freshman Allie Bennett (outside hitter).
Despite their relative youth, Cleveland believes her team is poised to make a run at a playoff spot.
“I think that we will be a team to be reckoned with,” she said. “We are young but resilient. These girls want to win, and I think they will know how to win when it comes down to the wire. I’m so excited to see what this season will be and how the girls will perform.”
The Lady Eagles have made the playoffs 12 times since 2000, reaching the region semifinals in 2005 and 2007. They last made the playoffs in 2015.
ABILENE HIGH SCHOOL 2022 VOLLEYBALL PREVIEW
Coach (seasons as head coach / overall record): Caroline Cleveland (2nd season / 18-21)
Last season (overall record, district record, district finish): 18-21 overall (3-9, 6th place in District 2-6A)
Last playoff appearance (year, result): 2015 (Lost in bi-district to Arlington High)
Last district championship (year): 2008 (11-1 in District 3-5A)
2022 District and Opponents: District 4-5A (Cooper, Abilene Wylie, Lubbock High, Lubbock Cooper, Lubbock Coronado, Lubbock Monterey)
Letterwinners Returning / Lost: 5 / 8
Top Returners (name, classification, position, 2021 honors): Jadyn Hernandez, sr, MB (District 2-6A Outstanding Blocker); Mia Cairo, sr, MB (Academic All-District and Academic All-State); Ryleigh Lawson, sr, OH (honorable mention All-District 2-6A, Academic All-District and Academic All-State); Alexis Dolton, sr, Setter; Amelia Carr, jr, OH (Academic All-District and Academic All-State).
Top Newcomers (name, classification, position): Laila Brown, jr, DS/libero; Maddi McMillon, jr, MB; Yasmine DeLaGarza, jr, Setter/DS; Kinzley Cantu, soph, DS/libero; Ava Breckenridge, soph, OH; Gracie Jordan, soph, MB; Allie Bennett, fr, OH.
2022 Team Strengths – Versatility and unity on and off the court.
2022 Team Weaknesses – Need better communication on the net.
Goals – Finish in the top three in the district and reach the state playoffs.
Coach Cleveland says: “I think that we will be a team to be reckoned with. We are young but resilient. These girls want to win, and I think they will know how to win when it comes down to the wire. I’m so excited to see what this season will be and how the girls will perform.”
ABILENE HIGH SCHOOL 2022 VOLLEYBALL SCHEDULE
Tues., Aug. 9 – at Weatherford, Weatherford, 7 p.m.
Fri., Aug. 12 – vs. Paradise, Eagle Gym, 8 a.m.
Fri., Aug. 12 – vs. Wall, Eagle Gym, 10 a.m.
Fri., Aug. 12 – vs. Wichita Falls Rider, Eagle Gym, 11 a.m.
Tues., Aug. 16 – vs. Clyde, Eagle Gym, 6 p.m.
Tues., Aug. 23 – vs. Wichita Falls High, Eagle Gym, 6 p.m.
Tues., Aug. 30 – vs. Wichita Falls Rider, Eagle Gym, 5 p.m.
Fri., Sept. 2 – at Snyder, Snyder, 5 p.m.
Tues., Sept. 6 – at Stephenville, Stephenville, 6 p.m.
*Fri., Sept. 9 – vs. Wylie, Eagle Gym, 5 p.m.
*Tues., Sept. 13 – at Cooper, Cougar Gym, 6 p.m.
*Sat., Sept. 17 – at Lubbock Monterey, Lubbock, 1 p.m.
*Tues., Sept. 20 – vs. Lubbock High, Eagle Gym, 6 p.m.
*Sat., Sept. 24 – at Lubbock Coronado, Lubbock, 12 p.m.
*Tues., Sept. 27 – vs. Lubbock Cooper, Eagle Gym, 6 p.m.
*Tues., Oct. 4 – at Wylie, Bulldog Gym, 6 p.m.
*Fri., Oct. 7 – vs. Cooper, Eagle Gym, 5 p.m.
*Tues., Oct. 11 – vs. Lubbock Monterey, Eagle Gym, 6 p.m.
*Fri., Oct. 14 at Lubbock High, Lubbock, 5 p.m.
*Tues., Oct. 18 – vs. Lubbock Coronado, Abilene, 6 p.m.
*Fri., Oct. 21 – at Lubbock Cooper, Lubbock, 5 p.m.
* District 4-5A match
