The volleyball team will play their first playoff match against Plano East Oct. 31 at 6:30 p.m. at  McKinney High School arena. 

The Hawks ended the district season with 13 wins, one loss and an overall record of 26-11. Their only loss was to Flower Mound. The team became co-district champions with Flower Mound after winning their final district match 3-0. 

“That was our only loss in district,” outside hitter Grace Schneekloth said. “We [worked] every single day to come back and take [the win.] We weren’t playing around; we swept the team.” 

As the team has been preparing for the playoffs, outside hitter Taylor Johnson won’t be playing in the first three matches after being selected for the first-ever U17 Girls National Team, that will compete at the 2025 NORCEA Women’s U17 Continental Championship Nov. 4-9 in San Jose, Costa Rica. The team will change their usual lineup to make up for the absence of Johnson.

“It’ll be a totally different lineup,” coach Rachel Buckley said. “[Johnson] accounts for ten points out of our 25 in a set — she earns those through aces, blocks, kills and what she influences with her defensive plays and her passing.” 

Preparing for the playoffs, junior varsity libero Blakley Stenman was pulled up to play for their back row spot. Right side Penni Sample was also promoted to the Varsity team.

“[I’m] excited,” Stenman said. “The chemistry on varsity is [good] and the team is faster and scrappier; it’s better to play high [than] low.”

The team has been preparing by watching film of Plano East’s gameplay. Coach Buckley said they have been focusing on their defense against the outsides, and are utilizing their middles more in the upcoming match. 

“The biggest thing I’ve noticed from the past couple of games is how much depth is within our team,” Schneekloth said. “Even our players on the bench can step-up, and that’s gonna be the most helpful when it comes to [playoffs this] Friday.” 

Coach Buckley said another challenge would be staying healthy. The team will need to step-up to battle in the playoffs. 

“We’re not losing [to] anyone this season,” Schneekloth said. “No matter what happens this playoff, we’re [a] strong and hungry team. We’re going to return all of our players and be just [as] hungry next year.”