By George Slaughter
The Katy Independent School District slogan is “Be the Legacy.” This season’s Seven Lakes Lady Spartans provided an example of that, making it to the state final for the first time in school history.
“I’m just so proud of them,” Seven Lakes coach Amy Cataline told the Houston Chronicle. “They made school history by being the first volleyball team at Seven Lakes to make it to the state tournament, so we’re leaving with our heads held high. They did something no one else has been able to do in the last 12 years the school has been open. They started the beginning of a legacy, and they’re leaving a big mark.”
Unfortunately for Seven Lakes, it lost, 3-0, to the Lewisville Hebron Hawks, which won its third consecutive state championship with the victory.
The Hawks finish with a 41-7 record. The Lady Spartans finish with a 28-8 record.
This was the first year for Cataline at Seven Lakes. She joined the Lady Spartans in May following nine years as volleyball coach at Fort Bend Austin. In 2015, Cataline led that school to the state final, only to fall short against Hebron—the first of its three titles.
Between that season and this season, Cataline has led her team to the state final two of the last three years, a remarkable accomplishment by any measure.
The Lady Spartans defeated Pearland Dawson and Clear Falls to claim the Region III-6A title to earn its place in the final four teams of the tournament.
Friday, the Lady Spartans defeated Helotes O’Connor, 3-1, to make it to the state final. Helotes is near San Antonio.
The squad has much to be excited about going forward, as there won’t be too much turnover. Only five of the 16 players on the roster are seniors.