VYPE's Preseason Volleyball Top 20 -- No. 18 The Klein Collins Tigers

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The Klein Collins Tigers

New Coach; New Attitude

Coach: Amanda McMeans

2011 Record: 32-10

Postseason: Fell in the First Round

By Matt Malatesta

With a new coach and a new district, the Klein Collins Tigers could be a surprise team in 2012. Former Katy Tiger and Livingston High School coach Amanda McMeans takes over the District 13-5A program which has seen their fare share of volleyball talent the past few seasons.

Gone are Molly McCage (Texas), Heidi Otto, Kaili Crow and Amy South off of last year's district champ, but there is enough in the cupboard to make for another district crown.

Middle blocker Kristen Stehling (SMU-commit) returns for her senior season and she will be called upon to lead the 2012 installment of Klein Collins.

"I'm really impressed with her presence and people know she's a threat when she in on the court," McMeans said. "She can be intimidating to opponents and her leadership is key."

While Stehling's talent is a known commodity, sophomore Tabitha Brown's upside potential is limitless. The outside hitter exploded onto the scene as a freshman and continues to impress her new coach.

"She's very explosive and her game is going to grow exponentially," she said. "It's going to be wonderful to watch her develop into a big-time player."

Lauren Heathcoat returns as a right side hitter along with Brooke Garcia. Leah Moon is a "machine" on the back row, according to McMeans.

Klein Collins appears to have the talent, but their biggest opponent could be themselves.

"This is not a rebuilding year," she said. "The expectations are high but my philosophy is based on building a team first. It's impossible to get 12 teenage girls to all like each other, but we need to have each others' backs and improve our team chemistry. It makes a huge difference when you are in a five-set match."

Can You Dig It?

Kingwood moves into the district, which will be Klein Collins' main competition, along with Klein Oak. Kristen Stehling will need to take this team by the neck and lead them past the first round of the playoffs. Tabitha Brown has huge potential, so watch out for a big year."