On Tuesday, February 7th, the 2nd Annual MaxPreps Girls' Volleyball Tour of Champions presented by the Army National Guard brought us to Lake Travis High School in Austin, Texas, home of the Lady Cavaliers. The school is no stranger to the tour with their football team being honored for both the 2008 and 2009 seasons. This year, the tour honors the incredible 50-0, undefeated girls' volleyball team. The Lady Cavs come in nationally ranked at No. 7 in the MaxPreps Freeman Rankings poll and are only one of six schools being recognized by the Army National Guard out of over 17,000. The Lady Cavaliers defeated Richardson Pearce to clench the UIL Class 4A State Championship and are the first team in Texas history to win 50 matches in one season.
I arrived on campus as the JV basketball game started and immediately began to set up in the gym, right by the entrance doors. I was then introduced to Joy, the school's halftime coordinator who helped prepare for the ceremony, which was to be held at halftime of the varsity boy's basketball game. As we excitedly waited for the ceremony to begin, the Texas Army National Guard was on hand to pass out t-shirts, key chains and other swag to the Lake Travis fans as they came through the entrance. Our ceremony kicked off with School Principal Kimberley Brents introducing MaxPreps Representative, Jeff Power, who spoke about his journey with the team and what a great season the Lady Cavs had achieved. He then turned over the microphone to Texas Army National Guard Sergeant First Class Rachel McDowell, who spoke about exactly what it means to be on a team and the great character and dedication of the Lady Cavs. She and Specialist Ray Miller then presented the coveted Army National Guard national ranking trophy, a "Minuteman," and championship rafter banner to Coach Jennifer Kazmierski and the team to commemorate their accomplishments both on and off the court. As the trophy passed into the coach's hands, the gym erupted into applause.
Coach Kazmierski then took a moment to thank MaxPreps and the Army National Guard for the incredible honor and introduced the team to the crowd. The Lady Cavs finished the season with 9 seniors, 8 of which are already signed on to play volleyball in college next fall. Adding to the excitement of the moment, Sergeant Brunson and Specialist Miller interacted with the Lake Travis fans and shot t-shirts into the crowd. Fans eagerly jumped up to reach them!!
Following the ceremony the coach and team moved out to the gym lobby where photos and celebrations from the team and Lake Travis fan community took place. The "Minuteman" trophy, a symbol of honor, excellence and dedication couldn't have gone to a better group of girls. Congratulations to Coach Kazmierski and the Lady Cavs on an incredible season!
