Lake Travis Cavaliers – 2015 record: 26-15, 13-3 in District 14-6A 

Eight players are slated to return for Lake Travis after last season’s third round playoff appearance and second place finish in 14-6A. Guiding the Cavs are sophomore setter Skylar Besch, who was an All 14-6A first team selection, and middle hitter Mitchel Hierholzer, who was selected to the second team. 

 

Westlake Chaparrals – 2015 record: 39-8, 16-0 in District 14-6A 

Experience will guide a Westlake team that’s slated to return 11 players from last year’s team that swept through 14-6A and reached the regional quarterfinals. Madison Baptiste, who was selected as the 14-6A newcomer of the year in 2015, returns for Westlake, along with junior middle blocker Holly Campbell. Westlake is helmed by 2015 14-6A coach of the year Al Bennett. 

 

Vista Ridge Rangers – 2015 record: 15-26, 4-10 in District 25-5A 

After a difficult season in one of the more challenging volleyball districts in 5A last year, Vista Ridge moves up to an equally challenging district in 25-6A. The Rangers are expected to return seven players from last season’s roster, including Kylie Nothnagel, who was selected first team 25-5A and led the squad with 327 kills. 

 

Vandegrift Vipers – 2015 record: 40-10, 11-3 in District 25-5A 

Change is forthcoming for Vandegrift, which will see it attempt to fill the void left by several key players from last season’s regional quarterfinal appearance. Bella Benoit, who was a first team All District selection in 25-5A, will lead the Vipers this season. Benoit scored 206 kills during the 2015 campaign. Joining Benoit will be junior Simone Priebe and junior Katarina Mendez, who had 285 kills. 

 

Leander Lions – 2015 record: 6-25, 2-9 in District 25-5A 

The 2016 may be an uphill climb for Leander, which limped to a six win season in 2015. The Lady Lions look to rebound from a season that saw them win seven sets all season long. 

 

 

 

Lake Travis – 2015 record: 15-1, 8-0 in 14-6A 

With a plethora of talent returning at key skill positions, Lake Travis can be considered a front runner in 25-6A following a year that was a win away from a state title. Starting quarterback Charlie Brewer, who’s committed to SMU, returns after throwing for more than 3,400 yards. Running back Santiago Villegas will patrol the backfield, while 2015 14-6A first team offensive lineman Brendan Jaimes leads the Cavs in the trenches. Defensive back Austin Hiller and defensive tackle Sammy Ochoa return to guide the Cavalier defense. 

 

Westlake – 2015 record: 14-2, 7-1 in 14-6A 

Much like its Lakeway counterparts, Westlake is slated to compete for the district championship. University of Texas at Austin commitment Sam Ehlinger, who was the 14-6A MVP in 2015 and led the team in rushing and passing yards, returns for his senior campaign. First team 14-6A selection Joe Heironimus returns to the offensive line, with wide receiver Andrew Boykin returning at wide receiver. The Chaps totaled over 6,600 yards in offensive last year. 

 

Vista Ridge – 2015 record: 13-3, 5-2 in 25-5A 

Replacing key players at skill positions is the focus for Vista Ridge, which will attempt to replace their starting quarterback and running back from a year ago. The Rangers no longer have the services of Matt Snow, who led the team in passing and rushing yards in 2015, and running back Isaiah Vilaire. Both players combined for over 4,000 yards last season. Wide receivers Jamil Pittman and junior Ryan Landrum are slated to return, along with linebacker Blake Harrison. Vista Ridge reached the state semifinals, where it bowed out to Richmond George Ranch. 

 

Vandegrift Vipers – 2015 record: 11-3, 5-2 

Much like Vista Ridge, which also moved over form 25-5A, Vandegrift will look to fill a senior laden roster from a year ago. Sophomore Mack Parker and junior Reid Marburger will attempt to replace 2015 25-5A MVP Travis Brannan, who’s now at Rice. Junior Jackson Bischoping, who saw limited playing time last year, could be a frontrunner at quarterback. Defensive end Sam Brod and linebacker Pete Cornell, who were second team 25-5A defensive selections, are slated to return. Vandegrift was eliminated by fellow district foe Vista Ridge in the 5A, Division 1 state quarterfinals. 

 

Leander – 2015 record: 4-6, 3-4 

Leander looks to continue its upward climb following a 2014 campaign that saw the team go winless. The Lions’ resurgence begins with quarterback Parker McNeil, who threw for over 2,100 yards and 15 touchdowns in his junior campaign in 2015. Junior running back Jai Garcia, who rushed for just under 200 yards, is slated to return, as are linebacker Alex Williams.