As the reigning Class 5A state champion, Highland Park’s volleyball team already had a proverbial target on its back and a challenging non-district schedule fit for a power.
What the Lady Scots weren’t anticipating as they began their title defense, however, was the rash of injuries and illnesses that beset the team in August and early September.
As a result, HP has dealt with bouts of inconsistency early on as head coach Michael Dearman continues to experiment with different lineups — often needing to call up players from junior varsity to simply fill the roster.
Fortunately, a few of those callups have impressed, and the Lady Scots are gradually getting healthier as they settle into their District 12-5A slate.
“I’ll be honest, it’s been pretty rough to start,” Dearman said. “With all of the injuries, and some other girls getting sick here and there, it’s really brought a lot of inconsistency. And when you create a schedule where you’re trying to play the best teams possible, well it wasn’t the best timing for us. But we still have a lot of talent, and the girls have kept a positive attitude.
“The old saying is what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger, and we’ve had the chance to see some players that we normally might not have gotten the chance to. I think that’s going to really help us in the long run.”
The biggest void to fill has been the loss of standout right-side hitter and Texas commit Sarah Floyd, who after a whirlwind summer competing for Team USA, suffered an ankle injury in one of HP’s early tournament matches.
“You can never replace a player like Sarah,” Dearman said. “She’s making good progress, but she’s still a little bit away from coming back.”
Initially, middle blocker Emerson Camillo was tasked with replacing Floyd, but she too suffered an injury prompting Dearman to bring up sophomore Emmeline Wallace with support from typical middle blocker Kennedy Moore.
“I’m not sure if Emerson is what we’re going to stick with, but she played really well against Aledo in her first varsity match and she did a good job in our district match against Grapevine. We’ll just have to see how it goes and how we’re looking when everyone is back.”
In the middle, HP has leaned on the tandem of senior Marlee Roehm and freshman Annabelle Strohbehn.
“Marlee is back and has done a great job,” Dearman said. “And Annabelle has just been amazing. She’s not only played great for a freshman, but for any varsity player. We knew she would be a contributor for us, but she’s arrived even more ahead of schedule than we anticipated.”
Outside hitter has also been a bright spot early for HP, where junior Taylor Toomay and senior Allie Hudgins return.
Toomay, a three-year starter and Colorado commit, has been a rock for HP thus far, according to Dearman, and is leading the team in kills and digs.
Hudgins, meanwhile, is committed to Creighton and has also battled injury and illness early.
“She’s back healthy now, though, and is playing the best ball of her life,” Dearman said.
At setter, Anna Lee has been HP’s top distributor following a 2025 campaign in which she garnered All-American honors.
“Maxpreps named her a top 10 setter in the nation this preseason, but she’s dealt with an injury as well early on,” Dearman said. “Landry Carroll and Addie Smith did a great job filling in for her, but Anna is getting back to 100% and is a player that just can’t be replaced.”
At defensive specialist, sophomore Callie Wong has risen from JV, but Dearman noted the rotation has not been totally settled.
Despite the uncertainty, Dearman believes HP will be in the position it wants when the postseason rolls around.
“We’re in a good spot, especially now that we’re getting healthier,” he said. “It’s been a real test of our culture, and the girls have passed every test. So many players have stepped up with so many injuries and it’s only going to help us.”
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