District 5-3A Volleyball Season Outlook: Clyde, Jim Ned, Merkel, Sweetwater

(Photo courtesy of Coach Courtney Freeman)

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Clyde

Clyde is coming off another strong season, but Coach Courtney Freeman faces a rebuilding challenge after graduating six seniors, including four all-around players from last year’s team.

2025 season: Finished 34-6 overall, 10-2 in district; reached the area round of the Class 3A Division I playoffs.

Clyde returns a young roster led by just two seniors.

Key players:

• Iley Underwood (Sr. Pin Hitter/Setter): Recorded 209 kills last season and will be a focal point of the offense.
• Jersie Freeman (So. Pin Hitter): Expected to take on a larger offensive role after gaining valuable varsity experience as a freshman.
• TaylorRae Lott (Sr. DS/Libero): Veteran defensive leader who excels at reading hitters and serving.

Team outlook: Freeman expects this to be a growth year as several players step into varsity roles for the first time. The Lady Bulldogs will rely on Underwood’s leadership, Freeman’s offensive production and Lott’s defensive presence as they develop throughout the season.

Clyde competes in District 5-3A with Merkel, Grape Creek, Sweetwater, San Angelo TLCA, Jim Ned and Wall.

Jim Ned

Jim Ned looks to build on a memorable playoff run last season.

Coach Miranda Garcia is looking forward to continuing that legacy with a younger group.

2025 season: Finished 29-11 overall, 8-4 in district; advanced to the regional semifinals of the Class 3A Division I playoffs.

Jim Ned returns a young group led by several key underclassmen.

Key players:

• Charli Lawson (Jr. DS): Recorded 349 digs last season and is expected to lead the back row.
• Haylee Phelps (Jr. MH): Team’s top returning attacker with 278 kills in 2025.
• Kylee Roy (So. DS): Returned late last season after missing significant time with an injury.
• Myleigh Beasley (So. OH): Provides another promising young option for the Lady Indians.

Defensive leader:

• Charli Lawson (Jr. DS): Team’s leading returning dig producer.

Offensive leader:

• Haylee Phelps (Jr. MH): Top returning kill leader.

Team outlook: Garcia believes last year’s team established a strong foundation and expects this group to continue that tradition despite replacing much of the lineup.

Jim Ned remains in District 5-3A alongside Clyde, Merkel, Grape Creek, San Angelo TLCA, Sweetwater and Wall.

Merkel

Merkel enters the season looking to improve on last year’s record while replacing several important contributors.

2025 season: Finished 16-17 overall, 2-10 in district.

Coach Haley Garcia returns six starters and will rely on a veteran core to lead a younger roster.

Key players:

• Kayla Ruiz (Sr. Libero): First-team all-district selection and Academic All-State honoree.
• Destinie Gutierrez (Sr. MB): Second-team all-district and Academic All-State selection.
• Kaylynn Darby (Sr. OH/Setter): Second-team all-district and Academic All-State honoree.
• Ciera Williams (Jr. OH/Setter)
• Breeah Young (Jr. MB)

Team outlook: Garcia believes the Lady Badgers’ ability to adapt will be a strength as they navigate one of the area’s most competitive districts.

Merkel competes in District 5-3A with Clyde, Grape Creek, San Angelo TLCA, Sweetwater, Jim Ned and Wall.

Sweetwater

Sweetwater hopes to contend for a playoff spot with an experienced roster returning from last year’s squad.

2025 season: Finished 12-20 overall, 4-8 in district.

Longtime coach Liz Miller, entering her 23rd season, welcomes back eight lettermen and five starters.

Key players:

• Mallory Gibson (Sr. OH): Averaged 15 kills per match last season.
• Jell Corpin (Jr. MB): A key net presence and one of the team’s top returning hitters.
• Charlie Garcia (Jr. Setter): Averaged 15 assists per match.
• Sophia Valdez (So. Setter): Also averaged 15 assists per match.
• Addison Strickland (Jr. Opposite Hitter)
• Makinley Wilson (Jr. OH)

Defensive leader:

• Lexie Maestas (Sr. Libero): Led the team in digs during the 2025 season.

Team outlook: Miller believes Sweetwater will be stronger overall this season, with its biggest strength centered on play at the net led by Gibson and Corpin.

Sweetwater remains in District 5-3A with Clyde, Merkel, Grape Creek, San Angelo TLCA, Jim Ned and Wall.

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