VYPE's Preseason Volleyball Top 20 -- No. 8 Clear Creek Wildcats

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The Clear Creek Wildcats

Coach: Scott Simonds

2011 Record: 28-17

Postseason: Reached the Regional Quarter Finals

By Matt Malatesta

Clear Creek Wildcat coach Scott Simonds has one of the most lethal weapons in the state of Texas at his disposal. Four-year starter Ashley Smith shattered the school record last year with over 790 kills, which is great, sort of.

"Ashley is one of the best outside hitters in the country," Simonds said. "She runs our team through offseason and the spring and summer practices. She's very vocal and a great leader. But we have to get her some help this year as we balance our offense. I hope we've achieved that and we will know very early on in the season."

Setting up the TCU-commit is another four-year starter in Courtney Richardson, who will be asked to set and hit this season, according to Simonds. Richardson was the district setter of the year and is one of the top distributors in Houston.

In the middle will be Ariel Froeschel, who was a first-team all-district performer a year ago. The 6-footer is a versatile athlete who can be used as an outside to spell Smith at times. Courtney Childers will play the defensive specialist role, trying to replace all-state selection Natalie Piznar from a year ago.

"The goal is to win district again and get to the state tournament," Simonds said. "We have a very talented roster and the girls are hungry like the team in 2008. But our district is so tough one through seven. I may be biased but I think it's the toughest in Houston."

Clear Creek will be battling Clear Lake and Clear Falls for the district crown as well as a playoff berth.

To complement the experience on the team will be a trio of new stars. Sophomore Maggie Revell is a 6-foot-1, who will be the Wildcat middle blocker for the next three years. Incoming freshmen Caroline Reed is another 6-foot middle blocker and setter Mariah Pardo will also be the future of the Clear Creek program. Pardo is the sister of Malorie Pardo, who played at Pearland and now stars for LSU.

Can You Dig It?

Clear Creek's new offense will need to get in gear in the preseason to get ready for district play. Ashley Smith needs help and will need to stay healthy for the Wildcats defend their district crown. The incoming freshmen may be a little green, but they could get significant playing time. Both Reed and Pardo played on the AVA team that won nationals.