Freshman.
Varsity.
Starter.
Three titles stitched into Coppell volleyball’s No. 3, Bree Carethers. This athlete pushes her limits to pursue collegiate volleyball, training 16 hours weekly.
“Being a varsity starter at the age of 14 can be a lot,” Carethers said. “For right now, I am OK with being uncomfortable while figuring things out.”
Carethers began her volleyball journey in a lighthearted manner — playing for fun at the YMCA. When her friends joined a club team in 2022, she made the shift from casual to club volleyball. She joined Texas Advantage Volleyball in Farmers Branch with varsity freshman opposite hitter Taylor Meschner.
Earlier this summer, they were both selected for the Coppell High School varsity volleyball team.
“She came in well-prepared and on a high note when transitioning from club to varsity,” Meschner said. “It’s difficult for her to stay in the game mentally as a six-rotation outside hitter, but she does a really good job.”
During the season, Carethers gained appreciation for the strong work ethic required to succeed.
“I like having coaches that have so much experience outside of Coppell and are so hard on us because it really helps me succeed,” Carethers said.
Under the guidance of Coppell coach Robyn Ross, Carethers has molded herself to the demands of varsity volleyball.
“I hope the program is helping Bree see how much she is capable of,” Ross said in an email. “It is very difficult to step into the role she has stepped into for Coppell volleyball, and she is getting better at it every match.”
Her metrics and performance have led to college camp invitations from California State University, Long Beach, Louisiana State University, Rutgers University, Texas Tech University, University of California, Berkeley, University of North Texas, University of Oklahoma and Winthrop University.
“It’s a lot faster at this level because I am playing with more advanced, older girls,” Carethers said. ”But it’s so much fun, and I couldn’t ask for a better experience.”
She sees beyond a teammate in senior opposite hitter Mari Hill — she sees a role model.
“Mari is a great leader and player, and she uplifts games no matter what,” Carethers said.
Hill reflects on their relationship, leaving her with one final piece of advice transcending Hill’s final Cowgirl season.
“I think her opening up through the rest of the season and off-season will help her grow as a player and eventually become the leader that the team needs,” Hill said.
Carethers hopes to be more assertive on the court, citing communication as her main takeaway from volleyball.
“I want to vocalize what I need on court to connect with the players and help everyone grow collectively,” Carethers said.
Assistant coach Erin Kauffman emphasizes Carethers’s dynamic presence on court.
“She gives our team confidence because of her physicality and athleticism,” Kauffman said. “She’s willing to sacrifice her body to go for any ball, and that leads by example to drive others to want to work that hard.”
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