Leonard, Texas -- As the 2026 high school volleyball season gets underway, the Leonard Lady Tigers have plenty to look forward to. Leonard has a dozen student-athletes back from a 2025 team that broke the school record for most wins in a season with 34, including the first playoff victory in the program's history.

And if that's not enough to generate excitement, the team will be traveling to Hawaii for a tournament during Labor Day weekend.

Leonard would seem to have a promising mix of hitters that will be directed on the court by an all-district setter and ultimately by third-year head coach, Lindsay Giles.

Although only a freshman last year, Leah Stoy led the Leonard attack with 361 kills. Stoy also had 64 aces and was recognized as Co-Server of the Year.

Bella Neaville is back for her third year in the middle after leading the Lady Tigers' defense with 21 blocks in 2025. Neaville knocked down 280 kills and was a 2nd Team All-District selection.

Avery Ross, back for her third season with the Lady Tigers, is a high-flying outside hitter that earned Honorable Mention honors in 2025.

And all the Leonard hitters will benefit from working with 1st Team All-District setter, Ava Flowers.

This group knows each other well because Flowers has been at the helm as Leonard's primary setter for the past two years and is certain to surpass 2,000 career assists during her junior year. Flowers has accumulated 1,900 career assists, including 1,192 assists in 2025. She also led the team in aces (85).

Starting libero Olivia Aylor returns for her sophomore season after earning 1st Team All-District honors as a freshman.

Emma Houser, a junior, was selected as a Honorable Mention All-District defensive specialist in 2025 when she came up with 295 digs.

Caroline Holton, Ashlynn Cavendar and Jasper Cunningham were all moved up to the varsity during the 2025 season, while Alexis Randall, Madison Prather, Trinity Newby and Avery Eaves were moved up to the varsity to experience the excitement of a playoff run.

With the 34-8 record from 2025 in the rear-view mirror now, this group of Lady Tigers is anxious to see what they can accomplish in 2026.

"We are very excited for this season!" remarked Coach Giles.

The Leonard Lady Tigers will host the Bonham Lady Warriors on Tuesday, August 11, in the season opener.

Leonard will compete in the Sulphur Springs Volleyball Tournament set for August 13-15 and Bonham will travel to Paris for the Chisum Volleyball Tournament August 13 and August 15. 

District play for the Lady Tigers begins September 8, 2026 when Leonard hosts Bells.

photos by Allen Rich