Lady Dragon Volleyball State Champions Honored by Tarrant County Commissioners Court

Applause filled the Tarrant County Commissioners Court chamber on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, as Judge Tim O’Hare honored the Carroll ISD Lady Dragon Volleyball Team, newly crowned UIL 6A Division II State Champions.

Just weeks earlier, the Lady Dragons had delivered a performance for the ages, storming back from a 2-1 deficit against Austin High to win the first volleyball State Championship in District history. Board President Cam Bryan later described the final as one of the most “exciting, nerve-wracking, nail-biting games” he had ever seen.

Now, surrounded by supporters, county leaders, and proud families, the Lady Dragons, Layla Austin, Tristan Carson, Abigail Clem, Mariel Elizondo, Teddy-Raye Ewers, Emma Eyster, Vanessa Glenn, Abigail Huddleston, Audree Hughes, Lyla Hyde, Meredith McCleod, Finley Oor, Hattie Peters, Giana Rodriguez, Charlise Smith, Fiorella Smith, Lauren St. Charles, Emma VanTassel, and Kinsley Young, stood together once more, to be honored by our County Judge and Commissioners Court.

Judge O’Hare read aloud the proclamation recognizing the team’s historic achievement: their skill, their determination, and the years of work that culminated in Carroll’s first-ever state volleyball title. 

“The Lady Dragons Volleyball Team has brought great pride to Carroll ISD, the City of Southlake, and Tarrant County, and we celebrate this extraordinary athletic achievement,” read Judge O’Hare.

He also commended Head Coach Leslie Jackson and Assistant Coaches Madison Gregory, Rosana Barbosa, Jarrae LaCroix, and Callie Gressett, as well as Superintendent Dr. Jeremy Glenn, Athletic Director Riley Dodge, Board President Cameron Bryan, and the entire Board of Trustees for their support. A plaque bearing the proclamation was then presented to the team.

At a Carroll ISD Board meeting earlier in the week, Coach Jackson reflected on the season. “These kids truly love each other more than any other group I’ve had,” she said. “From the kids, to the families, to the managers, to the trainers, it’s been a common theme. I truly think they have spent more time together this year outside of practices than any other group.”

She spoke about how those strong bonds defined their championship comeback. “These girls fought back, and a lot of it had to do with their bond - just trusting in each other.”

President Bryan echoed her sentiment, noting not only the victory but the commitment behind it. "This group of athletes put in tremendous work to earn this title," Bryan said. "Their effort and determination set a new standard for Lady Dragon Volleyball. Carroll ISD is deeply honored by the recognition from Judge Tim O’Hare and the Commissioners Court. It is a great honor for our District and for these young women!”

Read the full proclamation below.