College Park's Palmer named 'Girl Athlete of the Week' following Lady Cavalier's win against rival The Woodlands

Paige Palmer, a Lady Cavaliers outside hitter for College Park High School, recently helped the team achieve a pair of District 13-6A wins last week over rival The Woodlands, earning her the title of Texas Sports Nation's Girl athlete of the week, according to a report by the Houston Chronicle.

Candice Gibson, the Lady Cavalier's head coach, praised the senior for her 18 kills and 12 digs following their four-set win on Oct. 5.

“Paige is all-around playing really well right now for us," Gibson stated. "I’m really proud of her consistency and effort to make big plays when we need it. This was a tough week of matches for us, and she had an awesome week.”

This season, the varsity team will consist of 17 players, 10 of whom are returning while six of them were key contributors to a team that reached the playoffs last season, according to a report by the Courier of Montgomery County.

“I’m excited about this year,” Gibson said. “I have a lot of seniors, I have a lot of leadership and I have some really driven underclassmen. They’re in the gym and they’re grinding. I think they’re excited, I’m excited and I think we have a lot of fun nights to look forward to.”

Palmer, who had a strong junior season, is one of the 10 returning players Gibson is glad to have back on the team.

“I’m pumped about it,” Gibson said about having a great amount of talent returning in key spots. “Not only does our core have great talent at their positions, but they all are really great teammates. I think they’ve grown a lot since last season and have worked real hard this summer.”

The Lady Cavaliers finished 10-14 overall in 2020 and 4-6 in District 13-6A, qualifying for the playoffs for the second consecutive year and for the 13th time in 14 seasons.

Additionally, Palmer tallied 31 kills and 25 digs in two District 13-6A wins earlier this month.

She is a member of the TAV Houston Volleyball Club and committed to Houston Baptist earlier this spring, according to the player's data SportsRecruits.