Oklahoma high school volleyball storylines, players to watch in 2023
Mount St. Mary’s high school volleyball team isn’t built around a singular star.
That’s why the Rockets were able to hold their own in last weekend’s Broken Arrow Invitational despite missing Ally Fees. The senior outside hitter was sitting out with a rolled ankle, but Mount St. Mary – the smallest school in Class 6A – rumbled through the tournament to meet Jenks in the finals.
Although Jenks handed the Rockets their second loss of the season and first to an Oklahoma opponent, Mount St. Mary coach James Ward said the tournament provided a confidence boost. If they could compete that well without Fees, then just how good can they be when she returns?
“We’re extremely excited to get her back in the mix and see how we do here in a couple weekends,” Ward said.
The Rockets’ move up to Class 6A after winning back-to-back 5A titles is one of the most prominent storylines in Oklahoma high school volleyball this season. Here are some other key storylines and players to watch:
More: Vote: The Oklahoman's high school athletes of the week poll for Aug. 20-26
Key storylines
Edmond Memorial strives to defend title: The Bulldogs peaked at the right time last season.
Edmond Memorial started as slight underdogs but kept improving, steadily surpassing Tulsa powerhouses Broken Arrow, Bishop Kelley and Jenks.
This season, Edmond Memorial arrived as the team to beat. The Bulldogs are the reigning champions, and last year’s state title was their first since 2016.
Can Edmond Memorial start a championship streak? The Bulldogs have several returners, including Gatorade Player of the Year Kathrin Rowe. But Broken Arrow and Mount St. Mary have each defeated Edmond Memorial this season, showing it takes a lot to navigate the Class 6A gauntlet.
Edmond Santa Fe has solid start with new coach: For the first time since Edmond Santa Fe High School opened in 1993, the Wolves have a new head volleyball coach.
Drew McCarty is succeeding Will Ethridge, who retired last season as one of the most revered figures in Oklahoma high school volleyball. McCarty, a Santa Fe alumnus, is off to a strong start with the Wolves.
Edmond Santa Fe is 8-4, and the Wolves carried a three-match win streak into their Tuesday night meeting with Deer Creek.
Is Bishop McGuinness the new 5A power?: Bishop McGuinness no longer has to worry about meeting Mount St. Mary in the state tournament.
Although the Catholic schools enjoy their regular-season rivalry, they won’t face off for a championship this year. Because of Rule 14, which elevates private schools into higher classifications based on continued success, Mount St. Mary is in now 6A, while McGuinness is in 5A.
With the Rockets out of the way, will McGuinness reign over 5A this season? Last year’s runners-up, the Fighting Irish are 12-2.
Will Bethany stay undefeated?: Bethany’s volleyball team was 14-0 heading into a Tuesday night match with North Rock Creek. Will the success continue?
The Bronchos are one of two undefeated 4A teams. Community Christian, the defending state runner-up, is the other. Last season, Bethany did not make the state tournament, but this year’s Bronchos are showing significant potential.
More: How is Mount St. Mary volleyball adapting to Rule 14 move to 6A? With a 'battle cry'
OKC-area volleyball players to watch
Lolufe Adedeji, So., Edmond Memorial: After gaining significant playing time as a freshman, Adedeji has returned with more experience. At 6-foot-3, she’s the tallest player on the Bulldogs’ roster.
Megan Branson, Sr., Edmond Santa Fe: Branson played a key role as the Wolves went 2-0 during the past week. She had eight aces, 26 digs and a 2.65 passer rating with no kills against her.
Landry Braziel, Sr., Community Christian: A three-time finalist for The Oklahoman’s Volleyball Player of the Year, Braziel has committed to the University of Texas El Paso. She provided 488 kills and 339 digs last season.
Sage Donahoo, Sr., Norman North: After energizing the Timberwolves in the state tournament last year, Donahoo is back for her senior season.
Ally Fees, Sr., Mount St. Mary: Before missing six matches with an injury, Fees recorded 102 kills this season.
Parker Gladhill, Sr., Norman North: Last year, Gladhill registered the winning kill against Bixby that sent the Timberwolves into the state semifinals. With the graduation of several stars, Gladhill’s role increases.
Madi Hathaway, Sr., Edmond Memorial: A calm, composed presence for the Bulldogs, Hathaway played a key role in winning last season’s state title.
Clare Kierl, Sr., McGuinness: The Fighting Irish recently won the Lincoln Christian Bulldog Invitational, and Kierl was crowned MVP.
Gia McGrew, Jr., Mount St. Mary: An Iowa commit, McGrew moved in from Florida last season and quickly made a difference. This year, she already has 191 kills with a .260 hitting percentage.
Anna Rice, Jr., Edmond Santa Fe: A key player for the Wolves, Rice has committed to TCU.
Kathrin Rowe, Sr., Edmond Memorial: After winning the Class 6A state title last year, Rowe received multiple accolades. She was The Oklahoman’s Player of the Year with 424 kills and 337 assists.
Livia Ward, Jr., Mount St. Mary: The star setter who helped the Rockets win last season’s Class 5A championship, Ward is having another prolific year. She’s already up to 460 assists.
Hallie Hart covers high school sports for The Oklahoman. Have a story idea for Hallie? She can be reached at hhart@oklahoman.com or on X/Twitter at @halliehart. Sign up for The Varsity Club newsletter to access more high school coverage. Support Hallie's work and that of other Oklahoman journalists by purchasing a digital subscription today at subscribe.oklahoman.com.
This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Oklahoma high school volleyball storylines, players to watch in 2023
