The Abilene High Lady Eagles enter the 2024 volleyball season with a new head coach, but the exact expectations for the program to win and reach the Class 5A state playoffs.
The Lady Eagles made the playoffs in the last two seasons, including a run to the Region I-5A tournament in 2022 under former head coach Caroline Cleveland, who resigned after the season to take a position with the McMurry University Athletics Department. But new AHS head coach T-Keeyah Hall-Fanner said she sees no reason why expectations for the program should dip.
“The expectation program-wide is for the players to be dedicated, work hard, and committed to reaching their individual and team goals to help us succeed this year,” Hall-Fanner said. “My expectations for the program are for us to compete, win, and make the state playoffs again.”
Despite losing some key players from last year’s team that finished third in District 4-5A, Hall-Fanner returns six letterwinners, led by senior defensive specialist Kinzley Cantu, a first team all-district selection in 2023. Honorable mention selections from last year returning are senior middle blocker Emily Gracie Jordan, junior middle blocker Olivia Weatherford, and junior outside hitter Allie Bennett. Also returning are senior setter/rightside hitter Ava Breckenridge and junior setter Whitley Wright, who will play critical roles in 2024.
“This group of returners is special,” Hall-Fanner said. “They have been a part of the program's high point, but they also know what it’s like to be on the other end. They will be excellent leaders because they know what it takes on and off the court to get to the top.”
Hall-Fanner is installing an up-tempo offense for 2024 that she believes will be a difference-maker for the Lady Eagles as they move throughout the season.
“This is the type of offense that will help us compete at a higher level, win a district championship, and make a long run in the playoffs,” she said.
Hall-Fanner said she’s learned since she was hired in late June that she has a competitive group eager to learn, win, and continue the program’s success.
“This is a group with great passion, which I see daily,” Hall-Fanner said. “Their eagerness for the game and their desire to excel and compete is special. They’re willing to put in the work to be better every day. They are just as passionate about the game as I am. I hope what they have learned about me is that I am passionate about the game of volleyball, and I will always do my best to put them in a position to win on and off the court.”
The Lady Eagles start the season on Monday, Aug. 12, in San Angelo. They take on longtime rival San Angelo Central at 3 p.m. before playing Monahans later in the afternoon. At the end of the week (Friday, Aug. 16-Saturday, Aug. 17), the Lady Eagles will be part of the Bev Ball Tournament at various sites around Abilene.
Click here to view the Lady Eagles’ volleyball schedule.
ABILENE HIGH SCHOOL 2024 VOLLEYBALL PREVIEW
Coach (seasons as head coach / overall record):
T-Keeyah Hall-Fanner (1st season at AHS, 5th season as a head coach)
Last season (overall record, district record, district finish):
14-23 overall (7-5, 3rd place in District 4-5A)
Previous playoff appearance (year, result):
2023 (lost to Amarillo Tascosa, 3-0, in bi-district round)
Last district championship (year):
2008 (11-1 in District 3-5A)
2024 District and Opponents:
District 4-5A (Cooper, Abilene Wylie, Wichita Falls Legacy, Wichita Falls Memorial)
Letterwinners Returning / Lost:
6/6
Top Returners (name, classification, position, 2023 honors):
Kinzley Cantu, sr, defensive specialist (1st team All-District 4-5A in 2023); Emily Gracie Jordan, sr, middle blocker (honorable mention All-District 4-5A in 2023), Olivia Weatherford, jr, middle blocker (honorable mention All-District 4-5A in 2023), Allie Bennett, jr, outside hitter (honorable mention All-District 4-5A in 2023); Ava Breckenridge, sr, setter/rightside hitter; Whitley Wright, jr, setter.
Top Newcomers (name, classification, position):
Maiya Badon, soph, defensive specialist; Cannyn Childress, sr, outside hitter; Brieyonna Reed, jr, rightside hitter/middle blocker.
Head Coach T-Keeyah Hall-Fanner on the 2024 season:“We are very athletic and adapt well to change. We are learning a faster offense, but with repetition, we will be able to adapt and execute.”