Highland Park has won many district championships in volleyball.
None felt quite like the 2025 District 12-5A title the Scots won on Friday night – it was the toughest and most rewarding.
“By far. Not even close,” said coach Michael Dearman, who called the eight-team league the “best district we’ve ever been in” during his 22 years at Highland Park.
The Scots finished an undefeated run with a thriller on Friday night, overcoming Frisco Reedy in four sets, 26-16, 22-25, 25-15, 28-26 in a packed home gym. Sarah Floyd had 18 kills on a .545 hitting percentage, and Allie Hudgins had 12 kills, four blocks and a highly effective 2.50 passing rating.
Brooklyn Bailey had five blocks and eight kills, Anna Lee had 43 assists, Taylor Toomay had three aces, Lydia Fisher had five kills on 13 swings, plus three blocks, and Gigi Whann had 26 digs as HP completed the 14-0 sweep of league opponents (three Carrollton schools, three Frisco schools and The Colony) and finished the regular season 36-8.
Next up is a first-round playoff match against Frisco Centennial or Frisco Heritage at 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 30, at Lucas Lovejoy.
“We’re better prepared now than we’ve ever been,” Dearman said. “The Frisco teams are the three best of the Frisco schools. Great, quality teams. I’m grateful we had a lot of great competition.”
The Scots are also just about as healthy as they’ve been. Floyd and Hudgins are back on the court after extended absences to injury. The Scots displayed their depth, winning key matches against Reedy and Wakeland while they were recovering.
“We have many players that play different roles and perform at a high level,” Dearman said. “We have players that stepped up and did a great job and helped us win those matches. It’s a team effort, no doubt. These players really emulate it, for sure.”
