Here’s a look at the 2024 Press Pass Sports Volleyball team.
Coach of the Year
Berklee Norris, Vega
Starting a program from the ground up is never an easy task especially at the small school level in a community that hasn’t seen a volleyball before the sport was approved.
However, Vega head coach Berklee Norris has made the volleyball transition a smooth one from where it started four years ago and thanks to a historic 2024 season, Norris took the Lady Longhorns to new heights which garners the young coach the 2024 Press Pass Sports Coach of the Year.
From a single victory four years ago in the programs first season to finishing the 2024 campaign with 34 wins that included a run to the Region I-2A Division II finals, Norris has built Vega into contenders for years to come.
“It’s been very unique and very cool to be a part of,” Norris said. “These seniors were freshman and built this program. To see them develop over these four years and the knowledge they have for the game now is so rewarding.”
Norris, an Amarillo High grad that played for legendary Jan Barker, has taken steps with this Vega program each and every season. The first year, Vega won one game. In year two the Lady Longhorns won 11 then 16 last season.
Heading into August, the goal now was to push the envelope and behind a talented senior class Vega finished with a 34-7 record, claimed the school’s first ever district championship with a 6-0 mark and not only won their first playoff game but took home four gold balls.
“I still remember the first practice,” Norris said. “I laid out skill set but then realized we had to teach everything from scratch. We had girls willing to learn and absorbed it all and now they were seniors who never came off the floor. My goal was to get to a regional final by five to six years but here we were in year four. We just want the expectation to stay high and continue to grow.”
Co-Player of the Year
Sidney Soria, Randall, setter, Sr.
Getting to a UIL state tournament one time is hard enough but behind the play of Soria the past three seasons, the unbelievable setter helped get Randall to the state tournament three straight years.
Soria and the Lady Raiders fell short to Wimberly in the UIL Class 4A Division II state championship, but that never stopped Soria from always setting the tone as one of the best to ever wear a Randall uniform.
Soria has made her name as one of the best setters in the state during her immaculate career and a major reason the Lady Raiders have won 106 games over the past three seasons.
“Sidney has a great family that are hands on and let you coach her,” Randall head coach Karli Morrison said. “Sidney loves to be coached hard and as good as she is, she always was looking to improve on offense and defense. I thought leadership was her best quality. Nothing was above her and she did everything asked of her to make us better.”
Soria, a University of North Texas commit and All-State player, is a three-time District 4-4A Setter of the Year and as always, an entertaining highlight reel. Soria ended her senior season with 1,207 assists to go with 387 digs and 296 kills.
Soria ended her astounding Randall career racking up an eye-popping 4,662 assists.
“Randall volleyball has been a huge part of my life,” Soria said. “It’s shaped me into the person I am and made such a big impact on me. It’s the team culture I love the most. We all played for each other. Having a new coach this year, I knew my role was going to change and I wanted to be the best leader I could. I think we showed everyone what teamwork was, and we left all we had on the floor.”
Co-Player of the Year
Mackenzie Sims, Bushland, setter, Sr.
Sims was the ultimate captain that carved her own path to carry on the dynasty that is Bushland Lady Falcon volleyball.
Behind Sims leadership and skill on the floor, the Lady Falcons captured second straight UIL state championship, the fourth in five years and an eighth in program history for a school that’s only been open since 2006.
On top of those amazing accomplishments, Sims completed an extremely rare feat earning a second straight UIL state MVP honor after finishing with win against Goliad with 24 assists, 11 kills and 10 digs for a rare triple-double.
“It’s a great feeling to go out as a two-time state champion and carry on such a great tradition,” said Sims, who will sign to play college volleyball at Southwestern Oklahoma State. “I never could do this without the team we had an the amazing players I get to play with. Bushland volleyball is just an amazing program that everyone wants to be a part of.”
The All-State player and two-time District 1-3A MVP ended the year with 902 assists, 387 digs with 299 kills. Head coach Jason Culpepper says all the accolades and stats are tremendous but what Sims will leave behind as a teammate is something that’s hard to replicate.
“Mackenzie is like having another coach on the floor,” Culpepper said. “With her family and sisters in front of her, she’s been around volleyball her entire life and can see things that no one else can see. She’s a valuable teammate and always kept everyone involved.”
Newcomer of the Year
Amber Matthews, Randall, middle blocker, Soph.
Matthews came on the scene in a major way as the 6-foot-1 middle blocker used her size and skill to help Randall back to the UIL state tournament for a third straight year and the first under head coach Karli Morrison. As a part of a Lady Raider team that ended the season with 33 wins, Matthews was named the District 4-4A Newcomer of the year finishing her breakout season with 190 kills and 98 blocks on top of 56 digs.
Fighting heart Award
Reese DeHart, River Road, setter, Sr.
The three-year varsity player was the heart and soul of a River Road Lady Wildcat team that won their first postseason game in seven years. DeHart poured everything she’s had into River Road becoming another coach on the floor for head coach Kira Satterfield. The first-team District 1-3A selection ended her senior season with 836 assists, 243 digs and 133 kills. DeHart ends her career with over 1,500 assists and was also an academic All-State honorable mention.
FIRST TEAM
Sienna Cavalier, Amarillo High, outside hitter, Sr.
Cavalier put together another stellar season for an Amarillo High team that carried on the tradition of a District 3-5A championship including a run to the UIL regional semifinals as the Lady Sandies finished with a 37-7 record. Cavalier was named the District 3-5A MVP for a season year in a row totaling 601 kills with 327 digs. For her stellar career, Cavalier knocked down 1,371 kills and tallied 1,016 digs.
Piper Patterson, West Plains, outside hitter, Sr.
The multi-sport standout left all she had on the volleyball floor helping West Plains to 31 wins and a run to the programs first ever UIL Region I-4A Division I championship game. Patterson was named District 4-4A Co-MVP after finishing the year with 482 digs, 382 kills and 49 aces.
Jaz Martinez, Vega, outside hitter, Sr.
From learning volleyball as a freshman to mastering it as a senior. Martinez, the District 1-2A MVP was a major catalyst behind Vega’s historic season of winning 34 games and making a historic run to the UIL Class 2A Division II regional championship. Martinez had an incredible senior season averaging double-double numbers per night while ending the year with 532 digs, 478 kills and 73 aces.
Brooke Henderson, Randall, outside hitter, Sr.
Henderson came on the scene last year and stepped her game up even more. Behind a great senior season, the outside hitter was a huge reason Randall made the state championship game for a third year in a row. The District 4-4A Co-Offensive MVP finished her year with a team-best 418 kills to go with 92 aces and 81 assists.
LilyAnn Shannon, Bushland, middle blocker, Sr.
The reigning Press Pass Sports Newcomer of the Year earned first team honors this season as one of 10 seniors that played a pivotal role in getting Bushland a second straight UIL state championship. Shannon was big at the net tallying 101 blocks and key on the outside knocking down 540 kills. Shannon was also named to the UIL state tournament team.
Bennet Berryman, Tascosa, defensive specialist, Jr.
The Tascosa junior defines the word gritty with her style of play. Night in and night out the District 3-5A Defensive Player of the Year was hitting the floor to do anything to help Tascosa win. Berryman ended her season with an eye-popping 781 digs on top of 126 assists and 64 acres.
SECOND TEAM
Avery Ramos, Bushland, 5-5, Libero, Sr.
While Bushland had plenty of offense, Ramos was the glue that held the defense together. The All-State player and District 1-3A Defensive Player of the Year led the back row game in and game out totaling 833 digs to go with 141 assists.
Sydnee Winfrey, Canyon, 5-11, middle blocker, Sr.
The four-year starter made major strides for a Canyon team that made it three rounds deep in the playoffs. The youngest of four tremendous athletic sisters, Winfrey held up her end in with the family thanks to a stellar season as a first team All-District selection ending her year with 270 kills and 113 blocks.
London Baker, Hereford, 5-8, setter, Sr.
Baker carried on the role of blue-collar work ethic that Hereford is so accustomed to having year in and year out. The District 4-4A Co-Offensive MVP was the leader of the Lady Whitefaces racking up 427 assists, 415 kills and 248 digs.
Layla Romero, Randall, 5-10, middle blocker, Sr.
Romero carved her own path and made her own name for Randall behind hard work and dedication. Becoming one of the most improved players, Romero was named to the District 4-4A first team ending her year with 257 kills, 89 digs and 71 blocks.
Aaniyah Kitchen, West Plains, 6-0, middle blocker, Jr.
Kitchens was part of a very strong front line that gave teams fits and a big reason why West Plains advanced to the UIL Class 4A Division I regional championship for the first time in school history. The 6-foot junior showed her athleticism going up for 370 kills, 96 blocks and hitting the floor for 106 digs.
Bennett Rea, Amarillo High, setter, 5-6, Jr.
Amarillo High’s 37 wins and run to the UIL Class 5A Division I regional semifinals couldn’t have been done without Rea. Coming into her own this season, Rea handed out 748 assists and played strong defense with 260 digs. For her efforts, Rea was named the District 3-5A Setter of the Year.
UTILITY PLAYERS
Kenzie Ward, West Plains, middle blocker, Jr.
Ward really came on by the end of the district season and was one of the top players on the team during a tremendous playoff run. The District 4-4A first team selection did her job at the net night in and night out totaling 271 kills and 83 blocks.
Landri Jay, Canyon, libero, Sr.
Jay was a part of a big senior class and turned herself into a leader of the Lady Eagles by letting her defense do the talking. The District 4-4A Defensive Player of the Year was never afraid to get on ground to save a point registering 603 digs.
Rylee Schacher, Dumas, middle blocker, Sr.
Night in and night out Schacher did everything she could to ensure the Demonettes came away with a victory. The District 4-4A Co-MVP was incredible all season going up for 371 kills and knocking down 226 blocks.
Maecie Hawthorne, Pampa, setter, Sr.
Hawthorne proved she was a true Swiss Army Knife for the Lady Harvesters going over the double-digit mark in triple double performances on the year. Hawthorne was immaculate all season for Pampa leading the team with 490 assists, 285 kills and 276 digs.
HONORABLE MENTIONS
(Class 5A-1A)
Payton Cash, Amarillo High, setter, Sr.
Ellen Head, Amarillo High, defensive specialist, Jr.
Berkeley Harper, Tascosa, middle blocker, Jr.
Molly Culp, Tascosa, outside hitter, Sr.
Reese Dindinger, Caprock, outside hitter, Sr.
Kendall Wilson, Caprock, middle blocker, Sr.
Maria Bastardo, Caprock, libero, Sr.
Havi Valdez, Randall, 6-3, opposite, Sr.
Laney Jones, Canyon, 5-10, outside hitter, Soph.
Brooklyn Kinsey, Canyon, outside hitter, Sr.
Jynae Fletcher, Hereford, middle blocker, Jr.
Karizma Trevino, Hereford, libero, Sr.
Lexi Vallejo, Hereford, right side, Jr.
Kennedy Clements, Dumas, Outside hitter, Sr.
Sophie Clements, Dumas, setter, Sr.
Hannah Hernandez, Dumas, defensive specialist, Sr.
Arelie Vasquez, Dumas, middle blocker, Sr.
Carsyn Hunt, Pampa, libero, Sr.
Ambree Hatfield, Bushland, outside hitter, Sr.
Ainsley Tiffin-Fernandes, Bushland, middle blocker, Sr.
Kammi Maddox, Dalhart, Middle blocker, Jr.
Ellie Bezner, Dalhart, setter, Sr.
Emily Gaines, Dalhart, outside hitter, Sr.
Sophie Stephens, Childress, setter, Sr.
Journey Prince, Childress, middle blocker, Jr.
Kaydence Simpkins, Childress, outside hitter, Sr.
Aubree Bunker, Friona, Outside hitter, Jr.
Kitzy Welch, Friona, outside hitter, Sr.
Raelyn Calhoun, Vega, setter, Sr.
Addison Bidegon, Vega, outside hitter, Sr.
Rhyah Payne, Sanford-Fritch, middle blocker, Sr.
Tessica Deanda, Highland Park, setter, Sr.
Bria Delgado, Highland Park, libero, Sr.
Zoe Smith, West Texas High, libero, Sr
Ali Mahler, Fort Elliott, outside hitter, Jr.
Jaycee Sewell, Fort Elliott, setter, Jr.
Sonnell Van Wyk, Wildorado, setter, Sr.
Cacy Cornwell, Wildorado, outside hitter, Jr.
Giselle Esparza, Wildorado, setter, Sr.
Neely Davis, Kelton, setter, Sr.
Shai’Lee Dougherty, Kelton, outside hitter, Jr.
Harlie Brabham, San Jacinto Christian Academy, middle blocker, Sr.
Alayna Daniel, San Jacinto Christian Academy, Outside hitter, Jr.
Lisbeth Vazquez, Holy Cross Catholic Academy, setter, Sr.
Madison Valdez, Holy Cross Catholic Academy, outside hitter, Sr.