Matalee Reed’s dominance is apparent to even the most casual observer of a Lake Highlands volleyball match.

Few volleyball players in the state match her physical gifts, mental acuity and leadership abilities.

This year will mark the fourth year Reed has led the Lake Highlands Lady Wildcats onto the court.

Even as a freshman, and the only freshman on the varsity squad, Reed played a key role in the Lady 'Cats third place finish in the state tournament.

In recognition of her accomplishments that season, Reed was named the Newcomer of the Year for the state of Texas. She was also named to the top fifteen national freshman of the year.

Her sophomore year, she lead a young team that had lost much of its senior leadership from the previous season. Reed didn't let the inexperience of her team faze her, as she led an underrated Lady ‘Cat squad to the regional semi-finals.

After a somewhat disappointing third round exit last season, Reed and her fellow teammates are hungry for a state title this year with new coach, Michelle Massey.

Reed had this to say about her new coach: “She's really intense and big on conditioning. She pushes us hard, and I think we will go far this year.”

For the first time this year, Matalee will be playing alongside her sister, Morgan.

“I'm really excited to play with her for the first time. We should have a lot of fun.”

Matalee’s performance on the volleyball court has attracted widespread attention on a national level, as well. She has been selected for the All-American team twice and took silver at the Junior Olympics for her club, the Skyline Juniors.

Many universities recognized Reed’s prowess on the court, and many have spent significant time courting her.

Included on her shortlist of schools were Pepperdine, Texas A&M, Auburn University and Oklahoma University. It now appears that a hot recruiting race has come to an end.

Red recently declared that she will take her talents to sunny Malibu, California, and will play for Pepperdine University.

“Pepperdine provides a great education and has an awesome location," Reed said of her choice. "The campus is beautiful. The coaches were family-oriented, and I really liked my future teammates.”

Outside of volleyball, Reed is a straight-A student and is involved in her church youth group and YoungLife.

Congratuations to Matalee! We look forward to covering you and the Lady 'Cats this season!

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The Lady 'Cats opened the season last Tuesday with a 3-1 win over Highland Park (19-25, 25-16, 25-18, 25-17) and now have an overall record of 4-3 after dropping their match Tuesday night to Hebron.

The trip to Hebron was a return home for the Lady 'Cats new head coach, Michele Massey, who worked as an assistant for Hebron for the past five years.

The match started out well enough for the Lady 'Cats, who took the first game 25-21, but the momentum swung to the Lady Hawks, who took the next three games and won the match 3-1. (25-21, 10-25, 25-27, 11-25)

Next up for the Lady 'Cats is the Allen Tournament which begins on Friday, August 19th at Allen High School.

GO 'CATS!