The 2026 volleyball season is set to bring new rivalries and old feuds back into focus. With Tyler’s Lady Lions, Legacy’s Lady Raiders, and teams like Canton and Lindale returning key players and talent, the 10-6A and 10-5A districts are shaping up to be the most competitive in the region.
Traci Devance steps into a varsity coaching role at Legacy for the first time in her six years with the program, joining Annie Gillespie and Elizabeth Davis. Head coach Leo Scott, who took over for his second year, has a 21-10 record to build on. With returning stars like junior setter Annie Trahan and sophomore middle blocker Tynlee Reeves, Legacy is looking to climb the 10-6A standings.
Trahan led the team with 540 assists, 185 digs, and 30 aces in 2025. Reeves, though just a sophomore, contributed 27 blocks in her first year on the varsity. With new senior pin hitters Allie Bitter and Callie Maxwell joining the mix, Devance sees a chance to solidify the middle game.
Canton’s Eagleettes return as one of the top teams in the 15-4A district. They finished 2025 with a 30-15 record, and senior right-side hitter Addison Capps is expected to lead the charge again. Capps recorded 173 kills, 20 aces, and 47 blocks in the previous season.
Meanwhile, Lindale enters the season with a 33-15 record and a 2025 state semifinal appearance under their belts. The Lady Eagles return 12 key players from that team. Senior right-side hitter Ella Hutchens is among the most experienced, with 423 kills and 92 blocks to her name. Lindale’s new head coach, Ashton Carpenter, who previously coached at Van, brings a 240-116 overall record to the team.
Young and Hungry
Not all the teams are led by veterans. Tyler’s Lady Lions, coached by Dawn Stewart, are described as 'young but tough' by the head coach. Stewart, in her third year at Tyler, has a 403-win coaching legacy. Though they finished 15-22 in 2025, the team has a mix of senior and junior talent returning, with freshmen and sophomores set to make an impact.
Whitehouse, in the 10-5A district, also has a strong senior class. Lily Holzbauer, Kaylee Garner, and Vaida Hocker are among the returning players, and they were part of a 30-12 team in 2025. Head coach Anthony Millanes has a 480-260 overall coaching record, adding depth and history to a district that is shaping up to be highly competitive.