VYPE
Congratulations to the incredible players on this list.
Originally appeared on VYPE
The goal is very simple: Recognize the best public high school volleyball players in the state of Texas.
As I've said many times before, Texas has the best collection of volleyball players in the United States (if not the world).
Consider there are approximately 1,200 public high school volleyball teams. If you figure an average of nine players per team (and that's a conservative number), that's about 11,000 players to consider for our 2nd Annual VYPE All-State Awards.
But here they are – we believe these are the best in a state full of incredible volleyball talent.
As I indicated for my own Dazzling Dozen, these selections, too, are as politics-free as we could make them. There's no "quota" of teams, players or regions to be represented; there's no undue influence from one team, area or organization.
I did consult a 10-person committee of coaches from across the state for their thoughts on these selections. We all had one goal in mind; make sure we recognize the players who deserve such recognition. Period. I also worked with Josh Koch of our own VYPE Media as well as Butch Hart, the Guru of Texas high school volleyball and Media Director of the Texas Girls Coaches Association.
As I've learned from my coaching friends, coaches are always the first to be approached with questions (and complaints) about any/all postseason awards. If you have any questions, comments or suggestions with these awards, please contact me directly: e-mail me, chuck.licata@vypemedia.com or hit me up via Direct Message on Twitter (@kmacchuck).
Unfortunately, I only received a couple e-mails for nominations for Class 4A to 1A (we'll work to continue growing that moving forward). Thus, we used the Texas Girls Coaches Association State Awards for our Honorable Mention lists in those classes; I added a few players I saw this season.
Congratulations to the incredible players on this list. And, congrats to all 2019-20 Texas high school volleyball players, coaches, teams and communities for an outstanding season of volleyball!
Find the list here
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The Astros didn’t leave Seattle with a series win, but they may have gained something just as important: a reminder that resilience still runs deep in this group.
After a grueling extra-inning loss on Saturday, one that included the loss of Isaac Paredes to a hamstring injury, Houston regrouped on Sunday and hammered the Mariners 11-3. Christian Walker provided the turning point with a much-needed go-ahead home run in the sixth inning, while Taylor Trammell added a two-run double and a solo shot of his own. With Chas McCormick back from the injured list but still finding his footing, Trammell is quickly making his case as the best option in center field moving forward.
Manager Joe Espada continues to juggle a lineup that’s been in constant flux. Rookie Cam Smith, who had a clutch two-run double in Sunday’s win, has struggled as of late, going just 2-for his last 24. While his ability to get hits in clutch situations has been extremely valuable, the lack of a consistent spot in the batting order may be taking its toll. Giving Smith a stable home in the cleanup spot, even temporarily, might be a helpful reset.
Then again, the cleanup role hasn’t been kind to everyone.
Last night, Christian Walker, batting 4th, went 0-4, 2 K
- Walker for the season, batting 4th: .167 BA, .498 OPS
- Both are MLB worst (min. 75 AB batting 4th, 51st of 51)
- His 210 AB batting 4th are 6th most in MLB
- He's hitting .317 w/ .887 OPS when batting anywhere but 4th
— Adam Wexler (@AdamJWexler) July 19, 2025
Walker has been markedly less effective when hitting fourth this season, a trend that continues despite his strong Sunday performance. Sometimes, the data is clear: the four-hole might not be for him. He's literally been the worst cleanup option in baseball this season. Hit him fifth.
Behind the plate, Victor Caratini continues to impress, while Yainer Diaz is back in a cold stretch. Since the break, Diaz is just 1-for-14, raising questions about his timing and confidence as the summer grind deepens.
On the mound, the biggest developments are happening off the field. Cristian Javier and Spencer Arrighetti both completed three-inning rehab outings with Double-A Corpus Christi, while Luis Garcia threw two innings in a rehab start with Low-A Fayetteville. The trio’s return could mark a major turning point for the Astros, especially as Lance McCullers continues to struggle in his own comeback. McCullers lasted just 2 2/3 innings in Saturday’s loss, allowing four runs and showing little of the form that once made him one of the rotation’s anchors.
There’s been hesitancy to replace McCullers with someone like Arrighetti while he’s still building back arm strength, but the argument grows thinner each time McCullers falters. If healthy, even a three- or four-inning version of Javier or Arrighetti could give Houston more consistency at the back of the rotation.
Despite the weekend loss, the Astros still hold one of the best offenses in baseball, second in batting average, 12th in OPS, and 11th in slugging. The pitching staff remains stout, ranking sixth in ERA and second in WHIP. This team is far from unraveling.
With reinforcements on the way and a lineup that’s still capable of putting up crooked numbers, the Astros aren’t panicking. If anything, Sunday’s blowout win showed they’re ready to weather whatever’s next.
There's so much more to get to! Don't miss the video below as we examine the topics above and much, much more!
The MLB season is finally upon us! Join Brandon Strange, Josh Jordan, and Charlie Pallilo for the Stone Cold ‘Stros podcast which drops each Monday afternoon, with an additional episode now on Thursday.
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*ChatGPT assisted.
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