The News-Dispatch named the Player of the Year, student athletes from Wimberley and Dripping Springs high schools.
In all sports, hundreds of student athletes from these schools compete as an individual or in a team sport, and make this a most difficult decision. The runnerup is all those who support athletics from the school administrators to the coaches, parents, booster club, student body, other athletes and community who all are there to cheer and console. Sports are truly a team effort, “It takes us all.”
Senior Laney Hennessee was named the 2024 Player of the Year for Wimberley. In Class 4A Division II, Hennessee and the Lady Texans, led by head coach Misty Fletcher-Remmers, had a 42-3 record ending their season with an electrifying five set reverse sweep to win the 4A DII UIL State Volleyball Championship, where Hennessee was named the Most Valuable Player (MVP). Wimberley had a 9-1 record and were cochamps in District 26, with Hennessee being named the MVP.
“Laney was our driving competitive force all season, she pushed herself and her teammates to be their best, and she was not going to stop until a state championship was won.” Fletcher-Remmers said. “Down 0-2 in the state championship game, she stepped up big time by refusing to lose and told me they were winning that match no matter what. I am extremely proud of her and the legacy she is leaving behind.”
The Lady Texans’ outside hitter played 122 sets recording 515 kills, 62 aces, 299 digs and 488 service receptions with only 25 errors. The Texas Girls Coaches Association awarded Hennessee the 4A Athlete of the Year, as well as Academic All-State and the UIL (University Scholastic League) named her to the All-State Team.
Hennessee is officially set to join the Crimson Tide volleyball team at Tuscaloosa, Alabama for the 2025 season and said, 'I am beyond excited to start the next chapter of my life playing volleyball at the University of Alabama! I am so grateful to be part of such an amazing program that takes pride in striving for excellence through discipline, determination and hard work. During my official visit, I saw that the University of Alabama offers all of that and much more! On top of getting that winning feeling walking onto the Alabama campus, I felt so welcomed by all of the coaches, staff members and the girls on the team. I am pumped to see what this team will become in the next few years and I can't wait to get started! Roll Tide!'
Alabama head coach Rashinda Reed stated that, 'Each player brings an incredible blend of competitiveness, skill and an undeniable love for the game. Laney's court vision and leadership sets her apart. They are not only exceptional athletes, but also individuals who embody the values of our program. Their drive to succeed and commitment to grow will undoubtedly raise the bar for our team. We can't wait to see the impact they'll have, both on and off the court.'
Senior Callie Krueger, who joined the Lady Tigers from Cedar Park High School, is the 2024 Player of the Year for Dripping Springs. In Class 6A Division II, Krueger helped the Lady Tigers volleyball team, led by head coach Michael Kane, to a 46-3 overall season record and a District 26 title with a 12-0 record. The Lady Tigers libero played 133 sets recording 501 digs, 106 assists, 63 aces and 574 service receptions with only 40 errors. Krueger was awarded the District 26 Defensive Player of the Year and named to the Texas Girls Coaches Association All-State Team, as well as Academic All-State.
“Callie made an immediate impact on Tiger volleyball the minute she arrived on campus. Callie modeled a competitive spirit and work ethic unmatched by 99.9% of the athletes competing in high school athletics across the country. It is and was that work ethic and mindset that has enabled her to become one of the top players in the country,” said head coach Michael Kane. “To go along with this spirit and work ethic, Callie’s IQ for the game is at an elite level. Not many players I have coached over the years invested as much time working on the IQ side of the game as much as the skill. It is for the above reasons I’m super excited to see Callie thrive at the next level.”
Krueger was one of 26 players nationally to be selected to play in the 2025 Under Armour Next All-America game on Jan. 1 in Orlando, Florida. Krueger competed on Team Unstoppable in the All-America match that showcases the top high school volleyball players in the country and features players who will be joining many of the top NCAA programs. Krueger has signed to attend The University of Texas at Austin and play volleyball for the Texas Longhorns.
