The Plano West volleyball team has begun its 2026 campaign with early victories, navigating a significant roster turnover that saw the program lose the majority of its previous season's production. Following a home opener against Hebron on Aug. 11, head coach Cooper Phillips highlighted the structural changes facing the Lady Wolves as they adjust to a new lineup.
The offseason brought substantial shifts for the program, which graduated a senior class instrumental in three consecutive three-round playoff runs over the past four years. The departure of multi-year starters Reese Poerner and Blaire Bowers, who finished among the team's top three kill leaders for three straight seasons, created a void at the pins.
Armie Hall, the second-leading hitter from 2025, also left after her varsity career. Additionally, junior middle blocker Gracie White transferred to Prestonwood Christian.
These losses meant West retained only 23% of its total kills from last season's 28-6 record. Phillips noted that the team lost its three primary passers and the two players who handled the most sets, forcing a strategic shift in how points would be generated.
"Our three primary passers and the two kids who got the most sets left, so now it’s a question of how are we going to score points," Phillips said. "We figured that we can pass well and still set the outside and go fast or we can find a way to score in the middle and get a little creative."
The early season has relied on last year's reserves stepping into larger roles. Junior Annika Bala and sophomore Brooklynn Poerner have taken primary responsibilities on the outside. Phillips credited their club experience and offseason strength training for helping them settle in after scoring points in their first game.
Senior Lola Peters provides a steadying presence as she reprises her all-around role. The Tennessee commit was named 6-6A utility player of the year last season, finishing in the top five for kills, aces, blocks, digs, and assists. Phillips identified Peters as the only player with a similar role to the previous year.
