EARLY – The Early Lady Horns have gradually climbed the District 8-3A standings in Missy Vaughn’s tenure as volleyball coach, narrowly missing out on the playoffs in 2024 after finishing in a tie for fourth place in the league standings.

With a solid nucleus returning from a 17-19 squad that posted a 6-8 district record, the 2025 season began with the first practices Friday, and a goal of finally getting over the hump and into the postseason.

“The last couple of years we were still growing and our team has developed together,” Vaughn said. “We’re feeding off each other and did a lot of great things this summer, including the girls playing on their own to get better.”

Players to watch for Early this season include district newcomer of the year at outside hitter Aubrie DeVillier, first-team all-district setter Grey Pruett, first-team all-district middle blocker Jensyn Rasor, second-team all-district libero Gabby Benson, all-district honorable mention middle blocker Ellie Shea, and all-district honorable mention setter Cassidy Frerichs.

Vaughn reported 33 players attended the first workouts Monday, with a roster of approximately 40 eventually expected.

The Lady Horns open the season at home Aug. 12 as they welcome the Brownwood Lady Lions. League play starts Sept. 9 at home against Millsap.

As for what it will take for the Lady Horns to reach the playoffs in 2025, Vaughn said, “There’s a little bit on defense that we need to improve, and that’s fixable, and offensively we’re going to work a little bit more on the pace on the game, and that will come together. It’s going to be a competitive district like last year, and every game will matter.”