Aubrey ISD hosted an awards ceremony in Aubrey High School’s auditorium on Jan. 8 to commemorate the Lady Chaps’ varsity volleyball team reaching the 4A Divison II State Semifinals.
In previous years, the teams that made the Final Four were awarded medals during the state tournament, but that practice came to an end after the University Interscholastic League’s recent realignment.
“Our girls didn’t get the true experience at the end of our state semifinal game,” girls athletic coordinator Ron Gathright said. “They usually present the medals after the game is over with, and it didn’t seem right when our girls just had to walk off the floor. We felt like they deserved a ceremony to celebrate their season.”
Aubrey administrators, staff and the families of the athletes gathered while the Lady Chaps were presented their state semifinals trophy and medals by Aubrey ISD Superintendent Dr. Shannon Saylor.
“This is our senior class’s second state medal, and that just says a lot about the time, the effort and just how resilient this team is,” head volleyball coach Whitney Stout said. “These seniors were very proud to leave the volleyball program better than they found it. They wanted to continue the legacy and winning tradition that was handed to them, so we’re pleased they can walk away with that accomplishment.”
Stout also shared the Lady Chaps’ appreciation for the outpouring of love and support they received from the Aubrey administrators and community.
“I’ve said it for years, this is a special and great place to be, top to bottom,” she said. “The parents are incredible. The administrators are incredible. We had so many people pulling us, wanting us to win and to come back and have them put this together to make sure the kids got the special night they deserved was perfect.”
Senior libero Samantha Williams echoed her coach’s sentiments toward the Aubrey faithful.
“The support we’ve had all four years, especially this year, was [incredible],” she said. “We accomplished a lot and proved how amazing we could be, and a lot of that was thanks to our school and our families.”
Senior middle blocker Kynadi Hall said she was overwhelmed by the energy that filled the event.
“Tonight was amazing,” she said. 'It was definitely full of emotion. I got really emotional watching the [highlight] video, and I realized how much I’m going to miss playing for this school and this community.”
Senior outside hitter Abby Wright added how happy she was to come together with her teammates and coaches one more time.
“It was awesome because I’ve grown up playing with these girls, and I’ve known these coaches for a long time,” she said. “I feel like during the season people didn’t realize how good we were until we got to state, so being able to come back and celebrate with them is really special.”
The Lady Chaps varsity volleyball team and coaching staff glow with pride as they celebrated the end of another phenomenal season for Aubrey’s volleyball program with friends and family during the awards ceremony held Jan. 8. Martin Edwards/ The Post-Signal
