Before the season even started, expectations for the Cedar Park Varsity Volleyball team were higher than ever. In a sport where only a fraction of high school athletes ever reach the D1 college ranks, Cedar Park has rewritten the narrative.
This year, the team has four Division I commits playing together in the same season. The four seniors—Joy Udoye, Sibley Oster, Mya Cheatum and Katelyn Hughes—said their bond, both on and off the court, has been a key part of their journey.
“My teammates are my biggest cheerleaders,” Hughes said. “They always push me to be my best, and my coaches are just always there for me, pushing me to get better every single day.”
Next year, Udoye is playing on Stanford University’s team, which is currently ranked sixth in the nation with a 12-3 record. Stanford has the most national titles in the history of NCAA women’s volleyball, with nine. Udoye has been on the varsity team since her freshman year and won the district MVP award last season.
“My friends here are literally like my sisters for life,” Udoye said. “It’s going to be so sad leaving everyone, but I’m so excited to see what I can do next year.”
Cheatum, who will compete at the University of Incarnate Word next year, said she has set ambitious goals for her first season of college volleyball, hoping to improve a program that is currently 8-8 on the season but 4-0 in conference play.
“On the court, I want to make an impact as a true freshman,” Cheatum said. “Hopefully, I can even earn freshman All-American honors. Off the court, I want to dive into the culture and community and really leave a mark.”
Oster said she is also eager to embrace the change after four years of high school volleyball. She verbally committed to Cal State Fullerton, which is currently at a 6-10 record, after last season.
“I’m really excited to experience a new level of volleyball and compete at that high level,” Oster said. “Off the court, I’m ready for the adventure of being in a new place, away from home and surrounded by something new.”
Hughes, who is one of three captains this year along with Cheatum and Udoye, is committed to Lamar University, which has an 8-11 record so far this season.
“My goal is really just to become the best player I can,” Hughes said. “Playing at such a high level is just such a privilege. I’m just really excited to see what I can do at the next level.”
Coach Lori McLaughlin has coached the team for seven years. She has coached Udoye, Oster, Cheatum, and Hughes since their freshman year, and she said she views her players like family.
“We’ve cultivated that chemistry naturally, and once they leave here, I know we’ll continue those relationships,” McLaughlin said. “These girls are like my daughters, and I’ll always be their biggest fan and cheerleader.”
As fall signing day approaches, the volleyball team prepares for a potential playoff run. The team has just one last ride with the seniors before these athletes take their talents to the next level.