Wharton Pioneers prep for season opener

WHARTON, TEXAS — With seven sophomores on the team, the Wharton County Junior College Pioneers are poised to have a competitive 2025 volleyball season. Head Coach Jerrick Cabrales is aiming for a conference championship or Top 3 finish in the region.

“The 2025 season will likely be a challenging one, but with key players from last season’s roster returning, the team has a solid foundation to build upon,” Cabrales said. “Look for the Pioneers to pull off a few upsets against higher-ranked teams and to be a tough opponent for everyone on their schedule.”

The Pioneers open the 2025 season on Aug. 16 with a scrimmage against the University of St. Thomas. Their first official home game is Sept. 9 against Tyler Junior College.

Cabrales will lean on a cadre of veteran players to provide leadership to the rest of the team. Sophomores include Kera Arrington of La Porte, Elaiza Martinez of Rio Grande City, Blair Kram of Sealy, Sediong Scott of Houston, Kieryn Adams of Schulenburg, Lauren Wood of Katy and Gabriela Young of Katy.

The Pioneers play in the National Junior College Athletic Association’s (NJCAA) Region 14, one of the most competitive in the nation. WCJC finished the 2024 season at 5-12 in conference and 8-20 overall.

“The Pioneers will need to capitalize on their home games in the Gene Bahnsen Gymnasium and find ways to win on the road against these top-tier programs,” Cabrales said. “The ultimate goal should be to secure a winning record and make a deeper run in the postseason.”

In his third year now with the Pioneers, Cabrales will look to volunteer assistants Meagan Cooke, Ryan Hampton, Kurt Atkinson and Laura Hampton for help in getting his players ready for the season.