HP to tackle daunting schedule with depth, experienced roster
The offseason for the Highland Park volleyball team has focused as much off the court as on it, with players and coaches using their brains in addition to their arms and legs.
After a second-round postseason loss to McKinney North, the Lady Scots knew they needed to refine their culture and preparation. They read books and had challenging discussions about grit and mental toughness.
That left HP optimistic about its 2025 season, which again will carry high expectations with a tall and experienced roster.
“The end of our last season was a big disappointment. That’s the playoffs. You never know what’s going to happen,” said longtime HP head coach Michael Dearman. “We took a hard look at that finish. It was very productive, and we’re very excited about moving forward. We’re anxious to see how that pays off.”
The Lady Scots have several returnees from a squad that finished 32-10 and shared the District 12-5A title with eventual Class 5A Division II state champion Frisco Wakeland.
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HP should benefit from height across the front line that Dearman hopes will lead to some imposing play at the net. The roster features five players 6 feet or taller, including seniors Lily Enfield and Brooklyn Bailey as well as sophomore Taylor Toomay.
Taller still are a pair of transfers — 6-foot-4 Creighton commit Allie Hudgins from Austin Westlake, and 6-5 UC San Diego commit Lydia Fisher from Georgia.
Then there’s sophomore Sarah Floyd, one of the top recruits in the country in her class who has spent time with the youth national program. She missed much of last season with an injury but is fully recovered.
“That’s going to be a very tall and very athletic front line,” Dearman said. “They’re also very talented players besides their height.”
Standout libero Gigi Whann, committed to Arizona, also returns for the Lady Scots after playing on a top-ranked club team this summer with Bailey. Other key contributors with experience are Tiffany Lindo and Marlee Roehm.
“It’s going to be very nice to have the depth. But also, the competitive level of our practices will allow us to push each other,” Dearman said. “We’re being kind of creative and looking outside the box for ways to utilize these players. That will start to shake out at the beginning of the season.”
