For the first time in four years, the Duncanville High School varsity volleyball team claimed the University Interscholastic League 6A bi-district title.
The team beat Copperas Cove High School 25-19, 25-23, 25-17 on Friday, Nov. 18 at Whitney High School. The win demonstrated the hard work and dedication the student athletes have put in this year under new head coach, Evangerline Trice, who joined Duncanville ISD this past summer.
Coach Trice and her staff have rebranded the volleyball program and said earning the bi-district title was a cause for celebration.
“It was a huge honor. Our motto this year is “Rebirth,” she said. “We delivered on something we’ve worked so hard for. We had tears of joy.”
It wasn’t easy preparing for the playoff season. Players worked hard in the classroom as well as on the court during the pandemic. Despite the challenges they faced, including a temporary gym closure forcing them to practice elsewhere, the team developed a close bond, stayed healthy and supported one another.
Co-captain and senior Kennedy White is happy to complete her last high school season strong.
"It was an honor to win bi-district my senior year with this amazing team,” said Kennedy. “I felt excited and proud to be able to accomplish something that meant so much to us; something that hasn't been done in quite a while! I'll cherish every moment of that victory!"
For the graduating seniors, committing to colleges or universities is now the focus, and the coaches are supporting them in finding scholarships so they can continue their volleyball careers. The future is bright for the team’s 10 seniors — they all earned The Texas Army National Guard and the Texas High School Coaches Association Academic All-State honors. Five of the 10 seniors have already committed to colleges or universities.
To be an academic all-state recipient, students must be an athlete, student trainer or manager in good standing with the team, of good moral character, a senior and have an overall grade point average of 92 or above.
Although their season may have come to end, the work is far from over. Coach Trice is already preparing returning players for next season.
“It’s a new year and a new round. We’re focused on staying committed to the journey and our ‘Rebirth’ motto,” Coach Trice said.