Halstead enters the 2025 season as the defending state champions under longtime head coach Diana Schutte, who has compiled a career record of 420-278.
The Dragons’ defense of their Class 3A state volleyball title begins Tuesday at the Garden Plain Jamboree against the host Owls and Berean Academy. Halstead competes in the Hesston Invitational on Saturday.
The Dragons finished 43-2 last fall on their way to the program’s first-ever state title, and while they graduated key seniors, they bring back seven returners and a core that knows how to win.
Halstead will be led by junior standout Bailey Bernal, who earned first team all-state and all-tournament team honors last season, as well as senior Katharine Engel, a four-year all-league performer who was second team all-state and all-tournament team in 2024.
While last year’s squad leaned on size and experience, this year’s group will rely on versatility, defense and creativity at the net.
With no players over 5-foot-10, the Dragons will have to be scrappy defensively against a challenging schedule that includes power programs like Maize South, Little River, Inman and Valley Center.
With a target on their back, the Dragons are definitely a contender in 3A once again this fall.
“Last season ended with a state title, but we know every year brings new challenges,” Schutte said on her preseason form posted by Sports in Kansas. “We graduate our first team all-state setter and defensive specialist/serving specialist. Also our sll-state liber is rehabbing from an ACL injury.
“But this group is ready to create its own fresh identity. With new leaders in place, our defensive grit and core hitters will continue to set the tone.”
Halstead Dragons 2025 volleyball schedule
Aug. 26 at Garden Plain Jamboree
Aug. 30 at Hesston Invitational, 9 a.m.
Sept. 2 Maize South, 5 p.m.
Sept. 9 at Pratt, 5 p.m.
Sept. 11 home vs. Lyons, Wichita Trinity Academy
Sept. 16 home vs. Haven, 5 p.m.
Sept. 20 at Marion Invitational, 9 a.m.
Sept. 23 Halstead, Larned at Hillsboro, 5 p.m.
Sept. 30 at Smoky Valley, Lindsborg, 5 p.m.
Oct. 4 at Canton-Galva Invitational, 8:30 a.m.
Oct. 7 home vs. Larned, 5 p.m.
Oct. 11 Halstead, Hillsboro at Larned, 9 a.m.
Oct. 13 home vs. Southeast of Saline, 5 p.m.
