Steven Liles

The wait is over. After months of offseason workouts, team camps, and anticipation, high school volleyball officially returned Tuesday night across West Texas. And opening night delivered. New coaches earned their first wins. Brand new programs made history. Heavyweights battled in five set thrillers. Rivalries were renewed. Young stars announced themselves, and plenty of teams gave us an early glimpse of what could be a special season.

We talked about the New Home Lady Leopards a few weeks ago coming out of team camp but after seeing them again during their opening scrimmages this weekend one thing continues to stand out. This team is getting better in a hurry. Every time you see them they have grown by leaps and bounds. What Coach Kandi Stephens is building in New Home is absolutely phenomenal, especially when you consider how little volleyball experience this roster had when the process began.

Saturday morning at LCP was my first chance to see Coach Paige Hauger and her Cowgirls, but before jumping into this year’s squad, you have to talk about the job Hauger did in Year 1 at Plains.