The Texas High School Volleyball season has come to an end, and it was another unbelievable year for the Texas Panhandle and South Plains. Here’s a look at the 2025 Press Pass Sports Volleyball Team.
SUPERLATIVE HONORS
Coach of the Year
Jason Culpepper, Bushland
For the fourth time in six years, Bushland head volleyball coach Jason Culpepper receives the honor of the Press Pass Sports Volleyball Coach of the Year after getting his Lady Falcons squad to the UIL state championship game for a sixth straight year.
The Lady Falcons (40-9 overall) weren’t able to come away with a three-peat, falling to Goliad in the Class 3A Division II state championship, but watching a young group come together throughout the year was meaningful to the veteran leader.
“It was a rewarding season once you look back on it,” Culpepper said. “I thought we played our best volleyball at the best time and I was super proud of how we grew over the year. I remember looking back at some film and thinking how young this team was. There was a lot of teaching this year and there were a lot of things I learned even as long as I’ve been doing this. There were a lot of things an experienced team might take for granted that we didn’t take for granted. I’m super proud of how everyone came together and played.”
What Culpepper has added to an already established program has been incredible over seven years by never missing a state tournament, playing in six straight state championship games, while adding four state championships to the trophy case.
Throughout his seven years, Culpepper has built an incredible record of 242-19, with no signs of slowing down.
“Walking into a program like Bushland has been amazing,” said Culpepper, who is 872-191 over 26 seasons as a head volleyball coach. “The community has been very supportive and it’s a great job to have. It’s hard to coach anywhere else, because of the support we have. That makes the job fun and you love to come to work. There is nothing better than teaching life skills and volleyball.”
One major number that will live into next season under Culpepper, is Bushland’s immaculate district win streak dating back to Oct. of 2011. The Lady Falcons broke 100 wins earlier this year against River Road and will open the league next fall currently sitting at 105 straight victories.
“Realignment might bring some new opponents but we have a very good core group of players coming back,” Culpepper said. “We’re hopeful to keep that district win streak rolling and make another run toward another state championship.”
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Player of the Year
Aaniyah Kitchen, West Plains, 6-0, middle blocker, Sr.
It’s not often a player gets to be a building block to start a program, but Kitchen was awarded that opportunity and ran with it from the minute the doors opened at West Plains High School.
Kitchen was called up on varsity her freshman season moving on to be a three-year starter from that point forward. The powerful Kitchen helped lead the Lady Wolves the past three years on the floor to district championships, 103 total wins along with eight playoff victories.
Those accolades along with her leadership qualities earn Kitchen the 2025 Press Pass Sports Player of the Year.
“I have a lot of pride to be a part of the legacy of this program,” Kitchen said. “Coach (Kaitlyn) Cornelius worked really hard to establish a strong culture and its one I will bring to college with me next year. This team has been more like family. To watch everyone grow with me and to share in all our accomplishments is special. It’s easy to lead a team that has the same goals. I have to thank everyone around me because their efforts made me a better leader.”
Kitchen, 6-foot senior, who recently put pen to paper to play Division I volleyball at McNeese State, was the freshman class that helped start the program when head coach Kaitlyn Cornelius was hired. Cornelius says Kitchen has been special from the minute she entered the gym.
“It has been such an honor to coach Aaniyah,” Cornelius said. “She has grown into such a fierce competitor and an outstanding leader for this program. I think so many of our players can learn from her journey here at West Plains. She has proven time and time again that the work is worth it. She has put in countless hours both in and out of our gym to be where she is at. She earned every bit of her success through hard work, determination, and her relentless pursuit of her dreams.”
Kitchen ended her stellar senior season earning District 4-4A MVP honors and was unbelievable at the net, showing her power with 407 kills and had 117 blocks. She could also play defense, hitting the floor for 136 digs.
“Aaniyah has been such a big role in our success over the past four years and has helped to uphold our culture of excellence,” Cornelius said. “If you watch her on the court she has high volleyball IQ and killer instinct. She was a huge weapon for us both offensively and defensively. She was a leader through her level of play and her actions both on and off the court. I am so proud of her and who she is and am blessed to have played a small part in her journey. She is so loved here at WPVB and I know she will thrive in her next chapter.”
Offensive Player of the Year
Harper Vaughn, Amarillo High, 6-0, setter/outside hitter, Soph.
Amarillo High head coach Haleigh Burns knew exactly the player she had in Harper Vaughn during the first day of the Lady Sandies two-a-day practice in August.
From that point forward, Vaughn only delivered on that high expectation set by Burns. Showing her extreme versatility, it’s undeniable that Vaughn is the 2025 Press Pass Sports Offensive Player of the year.
“Harper has been special from the moment she stepped in the gym,” Burns said. “Even early on, you could see the potential. Her competitiveness, her court awareness, and the way she carried herself. This year, she didn’t just live up to those expectations, she blew past them. She embraced a huge role for us, and instead of shying away from the pressure, she grew through it. That’s what made her season so impressive.”
Vaughn not only possessed the height at 6-foot, along with the jumping ability to be dangerous, it was her court vision that made her dangerous. Vaughn not only was big at the net with 417 kills on top of a hitting percentage of .318, with 70 blocks, but had that rare trait of being a stellar passer with 395 assists. She could also play on the defensive side, nabbing 225 digs.
“Stepping in as a sophomore on varsity and having an important role was scary at first,” Vaughn said. “The veterans helped me a lot this season by always holding me accountable and pushing me to do my best at all times. Coach Burns and coach (Aubree) Coleman never let me back down and always pushed me to do my best. When I look back from the beginning of the season to the Aledo game, I feel like I grew and played with confidence and improved so much this season. This year was so special because it was my first year on varsity and being able to play a major role was incredible. The upper class-men made it such a learning experience but at the same time so much fun. I had the time of my life.”
Burns is now looking forward to next fall and Vaughn’s junior year.
“Harper is the kind of athlete you can put anywhere on the court and trust,” Burns said. “Whether she was taking big swings on the outside, stepping in to run the offense, or holding down the back-row, she did it all at a high level. The adaptability made our team better in every rotation. It’s going to be exciting to watch her continue at this pace.”
Defensive Player of the Year
Ellen Head, Amarillo High, 5-8, libero, Sr.
Amarillo High lived up to its tradition piling up 32 wins, went 16-0 to claim a sixth straight District 3-5A championship, while pushing a league win streak to 67 straight before making a third round exit to Aledo in the UIL Class 5A Division I playoffs.
It took a team to make this Lady Sandies season come together, and Head was a talent that came on and became one of the bigger surprises. In a district loaded with great libero play, Head was the glue to AHS back-row earning the 2025 Press Pass Sports Defensive Player of the Year.
“This award is a perfect reflection of not just her talent, but the standard she held herself and our team to all year,” AHS head coach Haleigh Burns said. “As a senior, she leaves behind a legacy of grit, determination, and heart that will be hard to replace.”
The senior was all over the court for AHS, hitting the floor on multiple occasions to end the year with a team-best 378 digs giving her 842 for her career. On top of that, the District 3-5A first-team selection, was solid from the service line with 56 aces.
“I improved lots this year in a lot of ways,” Head said. “I learned how to be calm under pressure and be a good teammate when others need lifting up. I enjoyed playing with this team so much because of their hilarious personalities, work ethic, and desire to win.”
Burns echoed Head’s comment.
“Ellen’s defensive instincts are elite,” Burns said. “She reads the game so well, anticipates swings, and makes plays that completely change momentum. The last game against Aledo was a true depiction of that. She faced tough competition all season and never backed down. What makes her special is that she does it with absolute steadiness! No panic, no hesitation, just confidence and control. She was the anchor of our serve-receive and a huge reason our offense could run the way it did.”
Newcomer of the Year
Berklee Billington, Bushland, 5-10, outside hitter, Soph.
In early August, Billington went from a player to watch to a must-see player by the time the season came to an end in November. The sophomore made her presence known across the Texas Panhandle and the state with her leaping ability and aggressive swing. Billington did her part to earn tradition-rich Bushland another 40-win season and a sixth straight trip to the UIL state championship game. For her fantastic season, Billington earns the 2025 Press Pass Sports Newcomer of the Year and was also named the District 1-3A Newcomer of the Year. Billington ended her amazing season with an eye-popping 621 kills with a hitting percentage of .306, to go with 343 digs and 71 aces.
“Berklee is a great athlete,” Bushland head coach Jason Culpepper said. “She stepped into some big shoes helping to replace the seniors who graduated from last year’s team. She never seemed to be shaken no matter how big the game she was going to give her best. She plays and practices with a smile which showed throughout the year as she continually improved each day. She lead the team in kills and aces.”
FIRST TEAM
Campbell Beeler, Lubbock-Cooper Liberty, 5-9, outside hitter, Sr.
Beeler was a major catalyst why the Lubbock-Cooper Lady Patriots had their best season in a short span of being open. The Lady Patriots, the District 5-4A champions, won a program-record 41 games, boasting a 41-3 overall record in 2025. Beeler backed that record up as the District MVP, putting together an incredible year 315 kills and 70 aces.
Kinsler Hanson, Amarillo High, 5-8, outside hitter, Sr.
Hanson stepped up her game this season and became a valuable asset for the District 3-5A champion Amarillo High Lady Sandies. The outside hitter was a catalyst in why the Lady Sandies were unbeaten in district while advancing to the third round of the playoffs. The District MVP knocked down 373 kills on the year with a hitting percentage of .249, hitting the floor for 323 digs and played a key role at the net with 30 blocks.
Laynee Adams, Bushland, 5-10, outside hitter, Jr.
Adams did a tremendous job following in the footsteps of her successful older sisters, Jaycee and Brylee. The 5-foot-10 outside hitter and first-team All-District selection, came into her own this year, becoming a go-to target on the outside thanks to a powerful arm. Adams ended her junior campaign with 540 kills with a hitting percentage of .281, adding 167 digs and 35 blocks.
Laney Jones, Canyon, 5-10, outside hitter, Jr.
The hard-hitting outside hitter was the heart and soul for a Canyon team that ventured three rounds deep into the UIL playoffs. Because of the senior’s huge season, Jones was honored as the District 4-4A Offensive MVP, finishing her stellar year with 422 kills to go with 295 digs and 32 aces.
Bennet Berryman, Tascosa, 5-6, libero, Sr.
Berryman makes the Press Pass Sports Team for a second year in a row. The leader of the Tascosa Lady Rebels did her job with her defense and that showed by being named the District 3-5A Defensive MVP for a second consecutive season. Berryman, an Oklahoma Christian signee, was all over the court with 656 digs, finishing with over 2,000 career digs over four years.
Emma Clawson, Shallowater, 6-1, outside hitter, Sr.
Clawson is one of the top players on the South Plains. The 6-foot-1 hitter with a huge swing, was named the District 2-3A MVP and for obvious reasons. Clawson, a New Mexico State signee, was extremely tough to defend, stacking up a team-best 511 kills with an eye-opening hitting percentage of .303. On top of those numbers, Clawson added 157 digs with 32 aces.
Amber Matthews, Randall, 6-1, middle blocker, Jr.
Last year’s Press Pass Sports Newcomer of the Year had another strong season for a very good Randall team loaded with youthful talent. Matthews, a first-team All-District selection, made her presence known at the net as one of two strong middle blockers, tallying 318 kills on top of 128 blocks.
SECOND TEAM
Kinzey Ward, West Plains, 6-0, middle blocker, Sr.
One of the top players in Amarillo didn’t disappoint, helping the West Plains Lady Wolves to the third round of the UIL high school volleyball playoffs. Ward, a first-team District 4-4A selection, made her presence known in the middle, controlling the net by knocking down 419 kills with 77 blocks.
Ava Permenter, Bushland, 5-7, libero, Sr.
Permenter was the defensive glue for a Bushland Lady Falcon team that played in a sixth straight UIL state championship game. The District 1-3A Defensive MVP never missed an opportunity to hit the floor, finishing the year with a team-high 1,204 digs. To go with her outstanding defense, Permenter, who was named to the All-Tournament team at state, dished out 161 assists and had 64 aces on the year.
Bliss Dane, Frenship, 5-8, outside hitter, Sr.
Dane ended her high school career with a very strong senior season and helped the Frenship Lady Tigers to the UIL Class 6A Division II playoffs. Dane, a Tarleton State Beach Volleyball signee, did everything for Frenship starting with digs, getting on the floor for 530, and then powered down 420 kills to go with 41 blocks and 29 aces.
Broox Lopez, Lubbock-Cooper, 5-10, setter, Jr.
Head coach Mike Moffitt centered his entire strategy around Lopez most of the season, and the junior setter delivered. Lopez posted an incredible year for a Lady Pirates team that went three rounds deep in the UIL Class 5A Division II playoffs. The District 3-5A Setter of the Year tallied an incredible 995 assists with 170 digs and 124 kills.
Jaycee Sewell, Fort Elliott, 5-2, setter, Sr.
Sewell is the definition of a six-rotation player, and played her part on why Fort Elliott won 29 games, an outright District 1-1A championship and were area champions under the late, great, head coach Holly Lindley. Sewell, who will continue her volleyball career at Wayland Baptist University, was named the District MVP, and for excellent reason, ending her senior year with 713 assists, 265 digs to go with 103 aces.
Kammi Maddox, Dalhart, 6-0, outside hitter/ setter, Sr.
Dalhart had another successful season behind the multi-sport athlete, Maddox. The District 1-3A MVP was hard to stop, especially at the net, finishing her incredible senior season with 422 kills, 344 digs, 61 blocks and 41 aces. For her career, Maddox went over 1,100 kills.
Lexie Allgood, Lubbock-Cooper Liberty, 5-9, outside hitter, Soph.
Allgood continues to make major strides and with massive potential over the next two years. This breakout sophomore campaign proved just how talented the hard-hitting Allgood is going to be. Helping Lubbock-Cooper Liberty to a 41-win season, the District 5-4A Offensive MVP was always found on the offensive side, knocking down a team best 322 kills.
HONORABLE MENTIONS
(Alphabetical order)
Bentley Brooks, Miami, 5-1, setter/outside hitter, Sr.
Chloe Brown, Randall, 6-0, outside hitter, Fr.
Carli Buckley, Shallowater, 5-9, middle blocker, Sr.
Aubree Bunker, Friona, 5-11, outside hitter, Sr.
Bryleigh Carr, Sanford-Fritch, 5-2, libero, Sr.
Sophie Clements, Dumas, 5-9, setter, Jr.
Nevaeh Connor, Randall, 5-8, outside hitter, Sr.
Alayna Daniel, San Jacinto Christian Academy, 6-0, outside hitter, Sr.
DJ de Graaf, Vega, 5-7, libero, Soph.
Kennedey Ezzell, Lubbock-Cooper Liberty, 5-5, libero, Jr.
Gracie Froneman, River Road, 5-5, outside hitter/setter, Soph.
Kambri Gonzalez, Randall, 5-2, libero, Jr.
Brylie Hand, Fort Elliott, 5-3, libero, Sr.
Berkley Harper, 5-10, middle blocker, Sr.
Emma Harrell, 5-8, Frenship, libero, Sr.
Madi Heider, Lubbock-Cooper Liberty, 5-8, middle blocker, Sr.
Neelie Henson, Canyon, 5-10, middle blocker, Soph.
Makenzie Ivy, Frenship Memorial, 5-7, outside hitter, Soph.
Morgan Lucero, Sanford-Fritch, 5-6, outside hitter, Sr.
Ali Mahler, Fort Elliott, 5-9, outside hitter, Sr.
Haley McCallick, Lubbock-Cooper, 5-9, opposite, Sr.
Jorja McGuire, Shallowater, 5-10, outside hitter, Sr.
Jayci McKinney, Idalou, 5-7, libero, Sr.
Benett Moore, Randall, 5-2, setter, Sr.
Cecilia Murillo, West Plains, 5-6, setter, Sr.
Hailee Parrott-Curtis, Lubbock Coronado, 5-10, outside hitter, Sr.
Kensleigh Payne, Amarillo High, 6-2, middle blocker, Sr.
Journey Prince, Childress, 6-0, outside hitter, Sr.
Jami Perkins, Wildorado, 5-7, outside hitter, Sr.
Addison Ramirez, Dalhart, outside hitter, Sr.
Bennett Rea, Amarillo High, 5-7, setter, Sr.
Reese Roberts, Frenship, 5-8, outside hitter, Jr.
Blayne Robison, San Jacinto Christian Academy, 5-6, setter, Sr.
Campbell Ross, Idalou, 5-6, setter, Sr.
Avery Scalf, Tascosa, 5-10, middle blocker, Sr.
Idaly Sotelo, West Plains, 5-5, libero, Jr.
Kaetlin Sundvahl, Dalhart, setter/ outside hitter, Jr.
Brylee Thompson, Miami, 5-6 setter/ outside hitter, Fr.
Hadley Underwood, Idalou, 5-8, outside hitter, Soph.
Emma Williams, Sanford-Fritch, 5-8, outside hitter, Jr.
