Lady Mustangs have eyes on state volleyball tournament
August 10, 2025
by Steven Thomson
The Lady Mustangs picked up another unbeaten district title and reached the 5A Region III Division II finals before dropping a competitive four set contest to Georgetown and 6-4 Texas signee Addy Gaido.
Eight seniors will be among 11 returning varsity players on a loaded Friendswood roster.
"One of the things we talked about was we don't want anyone to be the person not going to state this year," Friendswood coach Sarah Paulk said. "We've gotten closer and closer with this group. Taking them to the next level is definitely something they talk about."
Taking the final step up will be no easier this season, with Barbers Hill, Lake Creek, Montgomery and teams from the Austin area all providing possible roadblocks.
The Lady Mustangs begin that journey with a full complement of veterans who have played a lot of volleyball.
"We will be trying to figure out who goes best where and which lineup goes best together," Paulk said. "We have two new middles. That will be big to figure out. We need one or two outsides to step up."
Paulk has a lot of talent to choose from. Ella Holder, Ellie Leitko and varsity newcomer Bailey Hopkins have experience at middle blocker.
Nadiya Shelby, a Florida commit who earned district MVP and Galveston County Player of the Year honors in 2024, returns for her senior season at outside hitter. Shelby will be flanked by Sarah Beth Smith and Elaina Holtvluwer and Sarah Beth Smith.
North Dakota commit Haley Patton is back at libero. Patton is a three-year varsity starter.
Joining Patton on the back line will be defensive specialists Caden Carter and Raylee Bosley. Both will play college volleyball next season, with Carter committed to New Orleans and Bosley choosing Boise State.
Paulk has three options at setter. Gabby Palermo and Navy commit Caroline Adams are back and will be joined by sophomore Ashley Adams.
"We have really good setters here," Paulk said. "We have nine in the program. We have the option of running a 6-2 and a 5-1."
Friendswood will field a smaller lineup than many opponents, which will force Paulk to mix things up to find a competitive advantage.
"Our defense is scrappier than it has been," Paulk said. "We have a lot of options. We have to establish our middles and be able to use them offensively."
