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 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 5’10, 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. #sportsinkansas
Prior to this year, @Halstead_AD had never won a state in volleyball, girls basketball or softball.
But this year, they’ve already won volleyball and hoops titles and are undefeated in softball - and chasing what hasn’t been done since ‘09.
Catch the story tonight on @KWCH12!