The 2025 season was a historic one for Antonian volleyball. After capturing the Class 6A state championship, the Apaches are looking to build on that momentum heading into the 2026 campaign. With a strong nucleus returning and a deep sense of belief in their abilities, the team is ready to once again challenge for the top prize.
The Apaches entered the 2025 season as the reigning state champions, but they had to prove themselves after missing the title in the three previous seasons. That all changed when they defeated Dallas Bishop Lynch in four sets at the state tournament in November. It was a moment the team had long dreamed of, and one that now fuels their drive for another run.
The foundation of success
Antonian's success in 2025 was built on the experience and determination of five returning starters. Senior setter Camila Serna, senior middle blocker Maci Cantu, senior right side hitter Lucy Rote, senior outside hitter Abigail Ibarra, and sophomore outside hitter/defensive specialist Jordyn Daniels all played vital roles in the team's championship push.
Serna, the team's leader on the court, said the pressure of defending a title is something the players take seriously. "Winning state puts a lot of pressure on us to continue to work hard," she said. "As Coach Mac (Samantha McClure) says, that's a result from how hard we worked. It matters how much work you put in and how much your whole team is bought into the program."
Cantu, who was also part of the state all-tournament team, echoed those sentiments. "It gave us a lot of confidence," she said. "It showed us what we could do and that with the time and efforts we put in before that, it showed what we were able to do."
A team of stars
The Apaches' 2025 season was highlighted by standout performances from several key players. Rote, Cantu, and Daniels were all selected to the TAPPS state all-tournament team after their championship run. Daniels, in particular, was a revelation. The sophomore was named the 2025 Express-News Newcomer of the Year after a breakout season in which she recorded 459 digs, 261 kills, and 61 aces.
Daniels' growth from a libero to a versatile offensive and defensive threat has been a key factor in the team's success. Before her high school growth spurt, she was a 5-foot-10 libero. Now, she's adding more weapons to her game. "It's really good for me to grow outside of my comfort zone," she said. "Having more tools in my toolbox helps me prepare for the next level."
Rote and Cantu both received All-Area honors for private schools, showing their impact on a broader level. Their leadership and experience will be crucial as the team aims to build on its success.
The turning point of the season
The Apaches' season turned around during two Dallas-area tournaments where they posted a combined 12-1 record. The tournaments featured some of the toughest teams in the TAPPS conference, including Plano Prestonwood, which had ended Antonian's title hopes in the previous two seasons.
Daniels said that tournament run was the moment she realized the team was capable of winning it all. "After that tournament run, my expectations for the team just went up," she said. "I thought it was possible."
The strong tournament performance gave the team the confidence it needed to carry through the rest of the season. After an up-and-down start with a 16-10 record, Antonian found its rhythm. Serna noted the importance of those moments. "And then from our last down, we went up and continued to grow."
The Apaches stormed through the district portion of the season, going undefeated and not allowing a single set to be lost. That streak has now extended to 46 matches, with their last loss dating back to 2020.
Looking ahead to 2026
With the success of last season, the Apaches are not taking anything for granted in 2026. The team has set a challenging non-district schedule to ensure they stay sharp and focused. Matches against state powers like La Vernia, Harlan, and Brennan will test their abilities. These teams are all in the 6A classification and have a history of competing at a high level.
Antonian also plans to compete in some of the most competitive tournaments in Texas, including the Round Rock Westwood, New Braunfels’ Fraulein, and Leander’s Volleypalooza. These events will feature some of the best teams in the state, giving the Apaches a chance to prove themselves early in the season.
The season will open with a matchup against Davenport, a 2023 4A state champion. Ibarra knows the importance of staying grounded. We need to take care of everything before getting to state."