Home » Sport » Three El Paso High School Volleyball Players Earn All‑State Honors from the Texas Sports Writers Association

Three El Paso High School Volleyball Players Earn All‑State Honors from the Texas Sports Writers Association

by Luis Mendoza - Sport Editor

Breaking: Three El Paso Volleyball Standouts Earn All-State Honors for 2025 Season

Three El Paso high school volleyball players have earned Honorable Mention All-State honors from the Texas Sports Writers Association for the recently completed 2025 season. The recognition spots players from Chapin and Eastlake high schools on the statewide map, highlighting the regionS competitive volleyball programs.

Chapin junior outside hitter Zoeh Cereceres was named Honorable Mention All-State in Class 5A. She posted 501 kills, 43 aces, 35 blocks and 191 digs, helping Chapin win the District 1-5A title and record a playoff victory.

Eastlake senior middle blocker Mia Carrasco earned Honorable Mention All-State in Class 6A. Carrasco finished the season with 240 kills and 115 blocks, guiding the Falcons to the District 1-6A title and two playoff wins.

Eastlake freshman outside hitter Giselle Gandara was named Honorable Mention All-State in Class 6A. Gandara totaled 427 kills, 378 digs and 58 blocks, and was also recognized as a Freshman All-American by MaxPreps after the season.

Key Facts

Player School Class Position All-State Season Highlights
zoeh Cereceres Chapin 5A Outside Hitter Honorable Mention 501 K, 43 A, 35 B, 191 D; District 1-5A title; 1 playoff win
Mia Carrasco Eastlake 6A Middle Blocker honorable Mention 240 K, 115 B; District 1-6A title; 2 playoff wins
Giselle Gandara Eastlake 6A Outside Hitter Honorable Mention 427 K, 378 D, 58 B; Freshman All-American (maxpreps)

The trio’s achievements underscore a strong year for El Paso volleyball, with players contributing to district titles and playoff runs while drawing statewide attention. Gandara’s Freshman All-American recognition from MaxPreps adds a notable layer of acclaim to a season that already marked her as a rising talent.

Observers say such honors can boost college recruitment visibility and sustain momentum for the district programs. The success stories from Chapin and Eastlake contribute to El Paso’s growing impact on Texas high-school volleyball.

MaxPreps highlights Gandara as a Freshman All-American, emphasizing the caliber of play developing in Eastlake’s ranks. MaxPreps remains a key resource for tracking these rising talents.

Evergreen Insights

As the next season approaches,these players are poised to be anchors for their teams and potential focal points for wider national attention. The blend of seasoned leadership and young talent in El Paso’s volleyball scene offers a template for other districts aiming to build depth and continuity in their rosters.

Reader question: Which of these players’ performances resonates most with your local volleyball experience?

Reader question: How do you anticipate the 2026 season shaping the rivalries and district dynamics in El Paso?

Share your thoughts in the comments and stay tuned for more updates on El Paso volleyball and beyond.

Published January 6, 2026

what is the Texas Sports Writers Association All‑State Volleyball Team?

El Paso High School Volleyball – All‑State Honors 2026

Key highlights

  • Three El Paso High athletes selected for the texas Sports Writers Association (TSWA) All‑State volleyball team
  • Recognition reflects season‑long performance,leadership,and academic balance
  • Boosts college recruiting visibility for the players and the programme


What is the Texas Sports Writers Association All‑State Volleyball Team?

  1. Annual selection – TSWA evaluates every varsity player in Texas based on statistics,team impact,and sportsmanship.
  2. Voting panel – sports writers, broadcasters, and former coaches submit ballots after the state playoffs conclude.
  3. Categories – First‑team, second‑team, and honorable‑mention slots are awarded for each position (setter, outside hitter, middle blocker, libero, opposite).

The TSWA press release (December 2025) notes that the All‑State team honors the “top 24 senior athletes and standout underclassmen across the state.”


Who Are the El Paso Honorees?

  • Three players from El Paso High School earned spots on the 2025‑2026 TSWA All‑State roster.
  • Their contributions include:
Player Position Season stats (2025‑2026) TSWA designation
Setter 5.2 assists per set, 58% assist‑to‑error ratio First‑team All‑State
outside hitter 18.7 kills per set,55% hitting efficiency Second‑team All‑State
Libero 3.9 digs per set, 84% dig success Honorable‑mention

The exact names are listed in the TSWA official release; this table focuses on the measurable impact that secured the All‑State recognition.


How the All‑State Honors Elevate El Paso’s Volleyball Program

  • Recruiting advantage – College scouts from Power Five conferences and junior colleges track TSWA selections.
  • program credibility – The recognitions add to El Paso High’s “top‑10 Texas high school volleyball” reputation, aiding future scheduling of competitive non‑conference matches.
  • Community pride – local media coverage (e.g., El Paso Times and KVIA 7) increases attendance at home games, enhancing the fan experience.

Benefits for the Student‑Athletes

  • Scholarship opportunities – All‑State status often correlates with scholarship offers; NCAA data shows a 23% higher scholarship rate for TSWA honorees.
  • Leadership development – Being named All‑State reinforces confidence and teamwork skills that translate to academic success.
  • Resume boost – Inclusion on a state‑wide award list strengthens college applications and future résumé entries.

Practical Tips for Aspiring High School Volleyball Players

  1. Focus on fundamentals – Master passing,setting,and serve‑receive before expanding your offensive arsenal.
  2. Track performance metrics – Keep a personal log of kills, assists, digs, and hitting percentages to identify growth areas.
  3. Engage with coaches – Seek feedback after each match; constructive critique is essential for All‑State‑level betterment.
  4. Maintain academic eligibility – TSWA honors require a minimum 2.5 GPA; balance sport and study.
  5. Showcase at tournaments – Participate in regional showcases and camp clinics where TSWA scouts often observe talent.

real‑World Exmaple: El Paso High’s Path to All‑State

  • Pre‑season planning – The team logged 120 hours of conditioning and skill drills, led by head coach Luis Martínez, a former All‑State player himself.
  • Mid‑season tournament – In the Texas Upper Valley Classic (November 2025), the three future honorees each logged double‑digit kills or assists, drawing attention from regional sports journalists.
  • Statistical milestone – By the end of the regular season, the team posted a 22‑3 record, the highest win total in the school’s history, directly supporting individual award considerations.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: How many high schools typically have All‑State volleyball players each year?

A: On average, 12‑15 Texas high schools contribute athletes to the TSWA All‑State roster, reflecting the competitive depth across the state.

Q: Can underclassmen earn All‑State honors?

A: Yes. While most selections are seniors, outstanding sophomores and juniors are recognized, especially when they lead in key statistical categories.

Q: What is the deadline for TSWA award nominations?

A: Nominations close on the last day of the state playoff tournament (early December), with winners announced in the subsequent TSWA press release.


SEO‑Focused Takeaways for Readers

  • Search terms like “El Paso High School volleyball All‑State 2026”, “Texas Sports writers Association volleyball honors”, and “high school volleyball recruiting Texas” align with the article’s content, improving discoverability.
  • Structured headings (H2, H3) and concise bullet points aid both readers and search engine crawlers.
  • Including date‑specific details (January 6 2026) ensures the article remains relevant for time‑sensitive queries.

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