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Canyon carries a great deal of experience into the 2026 volleyball season.
With nine returning starters from a 2025 squad that finished 23-16 and reached the Class 4A Division II Regional Semifinals, Canyon looks to be a force to reckon with.
“We have a great mix of experienced players and younger players who have continued to develop throughout the off season,” Canyon head volleyball coach Sara Morath said.
“While the expectation here at Canyon is always high, our focus right now is improving, staying disciplined and getting comfortable with new players.”
What has driven Morath’s system over the years has been strong senior leadership and the ability to play with tenacity on defense.
“We are returning nine players and having that experience back is going to be really good for us,” Morath said. “Those players understand what it takes to compete in one of the toughest districts in the state and will also provide leadership to our younger athletes.”
Senior outside hitter Laney Jones, a four-year starter under Morath, will be the glue that holds Canyon together in 2026.
“Laney Jones is obviously a key player for us. She’s worked hard and continues to grow both as a player and a leader,” Morath said. “We expect her to be one of the athletes our team can rely on in key moments, and we’re looking for her to have a significant impact on both sides of the ball.
“Laney gives another dynamic offensive option. She’s calm under pressure, plays with confidence and has the ability to score from multiple areas on the court. She also creates opportunities for her teammates because opponents have to account for her.”
Morath credits Jones’ versatility as one of her strongest qualities.
“Her (Jones) versatility allows us to be more balanced and difficult to defend,” Morath said.
Along with Jones, Morath has high expectations for Klair Stone, Neelie Henson and Jayme Dobbs … all of which give Canyon depth and strength at the net.
“I’m excited about the depth throughout the lineup. The expectation is that everyone continues to improve and embraces their role,” Morath said.
One of the biggest additions to Canyon this off-season is adding former Hereford Lady Whitefaces head coach Emma (Hughes) Russell back to her alma mater as an assistant coach.
Russell played for Morath and was a defensive stopper while leading Canyon’s back-row deep into the playoffs.
“I’m beyond thrilled to have Emma back,” Morath said. “She understands the Canyon culture because she was part of it before, and she’s gained valuable experience leading a successful program at Hereford.
“Emma brings tremendous energy, knowledge and a great ability to connect with athletes. She will help us continue developing players both technically and mentally, and she’ll be a huge asset in every aspect of our program.”
Russell got her start in coaching as an assistant for Jason Culpepper at Bushland and then she helped start West Plains volleyball program four years ago under Kaitlyn Cornelius.
“What I remember most about Emma is how great of a leader she was,” Morath said. “She was a very talented libero, but she was such a great teammate, as well and cared deeply about the success of the program.
“Emma brought positive energy every day and these are some of the same qualities now that make her a great coach.”
Canyon’s defense remains the forefront of Morath’s volleyball program since she was named the head coach. In 2025, Canyon shut out 19 opponents in 39 matches.
“Defense has always been a point of emphasis. I believe our ball control, serve receive and defensive effort will allow us to stay competitive this season,” Morath said.
“We are looking to have Keagan Cantu step into the libero role and will help us continue to be a tough defensive team.”
Since Morath inherited Canyon’s volleyball program, she’s had to learn many valuable lessons that have been very beneficial to her coaching style.
“The biggest lesson for me that I have learned over the years is that successful teams are built on culture and consistency,” Morath said. “Talent is important, yes, but the teams that achieve the most are the ones who trust each other, embrace accountability and commit to improving every day.
“At Canyon, I’m proud of the tradition that’s been built, and our players understand the expectations that come with representing our programs.”
Canyon went 11-3 in District 4-4A and finished third behind champion West Plains and second-place Randall.
Each year, the district gets tougher and tougher, as Randall has proven with back-to-back state tournament appearances under head coach Karli Morrison and regional championship berths under West Plains’ Cornelius.
“District 4-4A is one of the toughest districts in the state, so every match matters,” Morath said. “There aren’t many matches where we can afford to be anything less than our best. Making a deep playoff run will mean we have to be consistent and disciplined.
“Our goal is always to compete for a district championship and put ourselves in a position to make a good run in the postseason.”
What prepares Canyon for district and those tough rivalry matches against Dumas, Hereford, Randall and West Plains is going through the gauntlet of some of the best volleyball in the state of Texas during August and early September.
“I intentionally schedule strong non-district opponents. With the new realignment, some of our local schools start district in August which left me unable to play them,” Morath said.
“However, our schedule still has quality programs that will challenge us to improve and work out kinks.”
By the time district play starts in mid-September, Morath wants Canyon competing at a high level.
“Our district is loaded with teams to beat. There are several of us who not only compete for a district championship but also who make good playoff runs,” Morath said.
“I have a lot of respect for all of the teams in our district. Our focus is on controlling what we can control and continuing to improve throughout the season.”
Canyon kicks off the 2026 volleyball season with its opener at 7 p.m. on Aug. 10 against Class 3A Division I powerhouse Bushland at Joe Lombard Gymnasium.
