With a talented class mix of seniors and underclassmen, there is cause for a lot of optimism around the Sam Houston volleyball program this fall.

“My expectations are extremely high because we are returning everybody, and because I have had so many that have continued to play in club ball,” Sam Houston head coach Rene Fontenot said. “This team could rival the best in the state this year.”

The Broncos are coming off a run to the state volleyball tournament and return all but one starter from a team that won 30 games.

Fontenot enters her 32nd year as head coach at Sam Houston with 749 wins and at least 27 in four consecutive seasons.

The Broncos have eight seniors, including four returning starters in setter/right side hitter Kate Manuel, middle hitter Mallory Wills, outside hitter Addy Melendy and middle/outside hitter Anna Claire Norris.

“We are sound in all aspects of the game,” Fontenot said. “It is the collective effort of my roster.

“I have great setters, attackers and great defensive kids. I can’t say that we have been this balanced with this strength ever in my career. With that said, hopefully we will stay healthy.

“Our goal is to get further than we did last year. Realistically we could have beaten the quarterfinal match and lost in the semifinals. Realistically we can get into the semis and finals, but a lot has to happen in the next two months.”

Manuel, Henry, Wills and Melendy made the Division I, District 3 all-district team last year and give the Broncos power and big blocking ability across the net.

Returning juniors include middle/outside hitter Ava Henry and setter/defensive specialist Bailey Foolkes, while sophomore setter/outside hitter Aubrey Portie and junior defensive specialist Salem Arceneaux will be the new additions to the starting lineup.

“Bailey Foolkes is such a verbal leader and she is a junior,” Fontenot said. “Aubrey Portie is a sophomore and a dynamic force in six rotations combined with the maturity leadership of those seniors. It is really all of them.”

Fontenot also has a foreign exchange student, Irina Vuksanovic, who has the potential to make a big impact.

“She can play, and once we catch her up to speed she is very athletic and another addition to our roster,” Fontenot said.

Fontenot said Manuel, Henry, Wills, Melendy, Portie and Foolkes have the potential to play at the college level and have visited multiple colleges.