District 6-2A Volleyball Season Outlook: Abilene TLCA, Albany, Hawley

(Photo courtesy of Abilene TLCA social media)

First Look Feature: Our 2026 digital preview series covers all 29 Big Country high school sports programs ahead of kickoff on August 28.

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Abilene TLCA

Abilene Texas Leadership Charter Academy begins a new era under head coach Jim Zimmermann, who takes over a program looking to earn its first playoff berth.

2025 season: Finished 2-20 overall, 0-8 in district.

The Lady Eagles return 4 lettermen.

Key players:

• Lakota Ward (Jr.): Team’s top returning leader in kills.
• Kensley McGettes (Jr.): Top returning hitter from the 2025 season.

Team outlook: Zimmermann expects a younger roster after graduating five of six starters but believes the team will be more disciplined this season. The Lady Eagles’ goal is to finish among the top four teams in district and earn the program’s first playoff appearance.

Abilene TLCA competes in District 6-2A with Albany, Colorado City, Hawley and Roscoe Collegiate.

Albany

Albany enters the 2026 season with high expectations after earning the top seed from its district and reaching the postseason in 2025.

2025 season: Finished 15-13 overall, 6-2 in district; earned the district’s top seed in the Class 2A Division II playoffs.

Coach M.J. Reneau returns 5 starters from a team that finished 15-13 overall and 6-2 in district.

Key players:

• Zayne Lefevre (Sr. MB): Team leader in kills and hitting during the 2025 season.
• Ashlyn Miller (Sr. OH): Veteran outside hitter expected to be a key offensive contributor.
• Hattie Braly (Sr. Setter): Team’s top returning assists leader.

Offensive leaders:

• Zayne Lefevre (Sr. MB): Top returning kills leader.
• Hattie Braly (Sr. Setter): Top returning assists leader.

Team outlook: Reneau believes the Lady Lions are older and more experienced this season. With strong size and offensive skill, Albany expects to be a contender for another postseason berth.

Albany remains in District 6-2A alongside Abilene TLCA, Colorado City, Hawley and Roscoe Collegiate.

Hawley

Hawley enters the 2026 season looking to build on a dominant year that included a district championship and a deep playoff run.

2025 season: Finished 31-9 overall, 8-0 in district; won the district championship and reached the area round of the Class 2A Division I playoffs.

Hawley returns 5 key contributors from last year’s championship team.

Key players:

• Kortlynn West (Sr. DS): Team leader in digs last season and one of the squad’s most versatile players.
• Casey Cole (Jr.): District Newcomer of the Year and the team’s top returning kills leader.
• Brodi Jordan (Sr. MB/OH): Returns after an injury-shortened season.
• Brooklynn Casey (Jr. MB/OH)
• Melody Payton (Jr. OH)

Defensive leader:

• Kortlynn West (Sr. DS): Led the Lady Bearcats in digs during the 2025 season.

Offensive leader:

• Casey Cole (Jr.): Top returning kill producer after an outstanding freshman campaign.

Team outlook: Coach Amy Eckhoff believes a talented group of players moving up from junior varsity will help fill the vacancies left by graduation. Hawley will spend the early part of the season developing lineups as it pursues another district title.

Hawley competes in District 6-2A with Abilene TLCA, Albany, Colorado City and Roscoe Collegiate.

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