It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting Wild Basin Wilderness Preserve in West Lake Hills, TX gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in West Lake Hills, TX is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
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“Nice place and friendly people”
“Awesome team ! All the staff I have worked with have been helpful, caring and always there when you need them ! Thank you Tracy, Brittany, Robbye and Page ! Appreciate yall !”
“TRACY, SHANNON,CLYDIE, AND PASTOR ALBERT r all such wonderful souls..They r so caring and giving..u can tell all of them take their job very seriously. They always make u feel like ur the most special patient..my sister Janie is always bragging to me (, im her sister, )about all of them..I have met them 2 and my sister is always so happy and up beat when they r there..I'm so grateful for all of their care..They r definitely a blessing...thank u for really really caring with all ur special gifts to make my sister's life a lot brighter!!”
“Always Best Care was there for me when I needed them. I was providing hospice care for my mother in my home. I could not have done it without them. The caregivers are kind and dependable. The company was supportive in every aspect of my mother's care. I cannot thank them enough for their support during this difficult time.”
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“We had an excellent experience with Always Best Care Senior Services in Austin. They provided in home care when my mom got out of the hospital and, in parallel, helped us find an assisted living facility. I was calling them from the hospital and we didn't know when my mom would be discharged or what kind of care she would need and Always Best Care was responsive, flexible and provided guidance when we needed it most. This was a stressful time and they gave us peace of mind while providing the best care for my mom. The caregivers were on time, thoughtful and kind. I'd recommend Always Best Care to anyone trying to navigate the complexities of eldercare.”
“Highly recommend using Always Best Care for all your senior service needs! Super helpful and really takes care of patients to make them feel comfortable and safe!”
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“I am a past client of this provider My siblings and I engaged Always Best Care to help care for our mother, initially when she was still able to do a significant amount on her own. Over time she declined and needed different levels of care. At each stage, Lori, Kyle, and each member of the ABC team listened to our needs, and was warm, caring, attentive, patient, punctual, and flexible in accommodating Mom‘s abilities, needs, and wants. Caregivers often went above and beyond, and the teams’ communication with my siblings and me was terrific – – especially helpful since none of us lived in the area. I feel fortunate to have been connected with Lori and Kyle, and I highly recommend the ABC team.”
“Always best care is ALWAYS the BEST care. No pun intended. Means a lot to know my loved ones are in good hands ????”
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“Always Best Care provided the perfect service we needed for our mom. Their caregivers were on time, professional, and did what mom/we asked of them and more. The owners, Lori & Kyle, listened to our needs and went above and beyond in their help and care. A few times when we had to take mom to the ER, Lori and/ or Kyle came to the house to be sure all of mom's needs were met. At the end of mom's life, their caregivers could not have been more attentive, kind, caring and professional. I would highly recommend ABC Care for your loved one.”
“Lori and Kyle were great to work with and are super people. They matched my husband up with very competent companions who were kind and dependable.”
“Lori and Kyle were great to work with and are super people. They matched my husband up with very competent companions who were kind and dependable.”
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“Ken and Bonnie are wonderful people to help care for your loved ones. their staff was so caring to my mother and so nice to my family I highly recommend them to take care of your loved ones. I think there ought to be more than just five stars to give them”
“Ken and Bonnie were wonderful to work with. They were able to provide my mother with care and a very short notice. Their staff was some of the most caring people that I've ever met. Not only were they wonderful to my mother but also to my family. I would highly recommend using them.”
“Owners Lori and Kyle are genuine, salt-of-the-earth folks who are super-dedicated to their clients. I know I can trust them to make sure our Mom gets the care and help she needs. And caregiver Leah is so very kind -- she's the best!”
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“Always Best came to the rescue when my mother needed immediate caregiver services while in a skilled nursing facility and it continues to provide steady, reliable and helpful care now that she is at home. The owners are very kind and authentic and seem to really care about the people they are helping! My mother adores her caregiver. Would highly recommend.”
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Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Wild Basin Wilderness Preserve in West Lake Hills, TX with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Steiner Ranch Steakhouse or visit McKinney Falls State Park, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in West Lake Hills, TX, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in West Lake Hills, TX understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in West Lake Hills, TX 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
The 2026 UIL high school volleyball season begins around the state this week. Here are the top 10 Central Texas teams heading into the season, which will be altered thanks to UIL realignment that moved Austin-area power Cedar Park up to Class 6A and split off two of the area's top 6A teams - Westlake and Lake Travis - from their former district to move north into a district made up of the Round Rock schools.This year's 2026 storylines involve teams beyond just Westlake and Lake Travis with title hopesMORE: Who ...
The 2026 UIL high school volleyball season begins around the state this week. Here are the top 10 Central Texas teams heading into the season, which will be altered thanks to UIL realignment that moved Austin-area power Cedar Park up to Class 6A and split off two of the area's top 6A teams - Westlake and Lake Travis - from their former district to move north into a district made up of the Round Rock schools.
This year's 2026 storylines involve teams beyond just Westlake and Lake Travis with title hopes
MORE: Who are the top 11 Central Texas players heading into this season? See the photos
Speaking of that new district, three of the top six teams in our list of the area's top 10 preseason teams hail from District 25-6A:
The Chaps (31-16 last year) are young and very talented, returning All-Central Texas player Clayton Kelly as well as 2025 Central Texas newcomer of the year Geralynn Byers-Veal plus a new group of talented underclassmen. Westlake coach Miguel Saenz fields more of the top fundamentals and ball-handling teams in the state and the Chaps are positioned to be the top team in of the state's best Class 6A districts.
Wimberley (46-6) was a Class 4A state runner-up last year after winning the state title in 2024. The Texans, boosted by a premier attacker in Trinity Laney, have their eyes on a third straight trip to the state finals under third-year head coach Misty Fletcher, who has managed more than 80 wins through her first two seasons. Kara Thames will step in a big defensive role while Ellen Watson has been part of both state teams and will be a go-to player this season.
2025-26 BREAZEALE CUP: How did 4A Wimberley top 6A Westlake as our top sports program? Consistency.
Weiss (39-9) welcomes back Ava Jackson, a sensational setter who notched 1,251 assists (an average of nearly 10 assists per set) while adding 302 digs last year. Junior outside hitter Deja Carroll recorded 455 kills as a sophomore while middle blocker Addison Gottschalk put up 59 blocks. The Wolfpack were hit hard by graduation - parting with former standouts Rihanna Bryant (Lamar), Madison Amina and Ashley Go (Incarnate Word) - but return a stellar younger group.
All-American outside hitter Gentry Barker leads Lake Travis (34-12), which has a new head coach in Rachel Anglin as well as a new district as the Cavs and Westlake were moved into the Round Rock district. Cavs libero Xyanna Stephens is back as are middle blockers Kayla Reese and Hannah Sawtelle along with power-hitting Maggie Wheeler on the outside.
Johnson (35-11) returns multi-talented Mya Ibarra, who was the 2024 Central Texas newcomer of the year and a second-team selection last year, plus standouts Treycee Creek and Chloe Sweitzer. It's also a new district lineup as Johnson now is paired with Dripping Springs - Johnson coach Thomas Kane has built the Jaguars into a perennial playoff team while Dripping Springs is led by Michael Kane, Thomas' brother. The two teams are co-favorites to win District 26-6A.
Another of the new-look District 25-6A power programs, Round Rock (38-9) must now contend with Westlake and Lake Travis for the next two years thanks to UIL realignment. But at least the Dragons return star middle blockers Kerington Thornton, who's 6-foot-4, and Emily Brown, a sophomore. Outside hitters Brooklyn Bradley and Savannah Johnson are back too and sophomore libero Isa Cordaway-Dreier, a third-team All-Central Texas pick, is one of the state's premier defenders. The Dragons will be very competitive.
Four-year All-American Henley Anderson is now a Texas Longhorn, but veteran head coach Michael Kane has his Tigers as co-district favorites with the return of all-district players Madison Sestak and Alexa Sandoval as well as letterwinners Liv Hauerland, Emily Varnell and Drew Fuquay. Dripping Springs went 29-19 last year.
Anderson (26-12) is the defending district champion and the state-ranked Trojans look primed for another run behind power-hitting Chloe Frizzell and six-rotation standout Piper Poage. Also back are Julyana Harris, Taylor Watts, Henley Magee, Juliet Anderson and Evelyn Holmes.
Head coach Melissa Southall has led Vandegrift (23-21) to the state playoffs the past nine seasons and the Vipers are poised for a 10th behind the play of middle blocker Audrey Hedlund, who put up 117 blocks last year, and Sadie Jorgensen, who added 80 - Vandegrift has a strong net defending front. Outside hitter Naina Rao also returns along with libero Isobel Cullen.
No team in Central Texas graduated more talent than the Maroons (41-7), who said goodbye to a pair of Division I stars in outside hitter Riley Malloy (USC) and setter Maggie McCarroll (Arkansas). But they suffered another blow this summer when All-American middle blocker Camille Presley reclassified from the Class of 2027 to the Class of 2026, graduated early and headed off to play for Texas. That leaves Austin High in rebuilding mode around returning setter Nora Bettis, libero Laven Blumoff and outside hitters Wesley McGinnis and Kyndall Anding.
This article originally published at .
The 2026 high school volleyball season begins this week in Central Texas and around the state with several Austin-area teams hoping to find the success that 2025 state finalists Austin High, Cedar Park and Wimberley did. This year's Texas Girls Coaches Association's preseason top-10 polls include nine area schools ranked: Westlake, Lake Travis and Johnson in Class 6A, Weiss, Anderson and Georgetown in Class 5A, Wimberley in Class 4A, Thrall in Class 3A and Thorndale in Class 2A.Four highly regarded Austin-area tournaments kick off the...
The 2026 high school volleyball season begins this week in Central Texas and around the state with several Austin-area teams hoping to find the success that 2025 state finalists Austin High, Cedar Park and Wimberley did. This year's Texas Girls Coaches Association's preseason top-10 polls include nine area schools ranked: Westlake, Lake Travis and Johnson in Class 6A, Weiss, Anderson and Georgetown in Class 5A, Wimberley in Class 4A, Thrall in Class 3A and Thorndale in Class 2A.
Four highly regarded Austin-area tournaments kick off the season, with the AISD Jason Landers Memorial, the Leander-Georgetown Tournament, the Wimberley Texfest and the Westwood Warrior Showcase beginning Thursday while some Central Texas schools will head to the Houston area for tournaments hosted by Pearland and Katy-Cypress ISD.
2025-26 BREAZEALE CUP:
How did 4A Wimberley top 6A Westlake as our top sports program? Consistency.
Here are the area's top storylines heading into the 2026 season:
Traditional volleyball powers Westlake, Lake Travis, Wimberley and Dripping Springs are loaded with new and returning talent. Cedar Park, which won last year's Class 5A Division II state championship, and Class 6A DI runner-up Austin High had huge losses to graduation and this February's UIL realignment has put a new spin on this season.
RELATED:
A look back at our 2025 All-Central Texas Volleyball Team. Who's back this year?
But despite graduating a trove of players who are now at premier college volleyball powers - including Texas' Henley Anderson (Dripping Springs), Stanford's Joy Udoye (Cedar Park) and USC's Riley Malloy (Austin High) - area programs should again be strong. Austin High took a hit, however, when standout middle blocker Camille Presley graduated early and reclassified from the Class of 2027 to the Class of 2026 to join the Texas Longhorns rather than play her final year with the Maroons.
Central Texas has produced several recent state champions, including Dripping Springs, Cedar Park, Wimberley and TAPPS power Round Rock Christian as well as multiple qualifiers to the state tournament's final four.
Central Texas boasts one of the best group of sophomores in at least the past decade in Westlake's Geralynn Byers-Veal, Weiss setter Ava Davenport, Round Rock's Isa Cordaway-Dreier and Wimberley's Trinity Laney. Byers-Veal was the American-Statesman's Central Texas newcomer of the year as a freshman, Davenport compares well to former three-time All-Central Texas player Takyla Brown (Davenport's cousin), Cordaway-Dreier was her district's defensive MVP and Laney, an outside hittter, made the Class 4A all-state tournament team.
UIL realignment has paired Dripping Springs and Johnson in District 26-6A for at least the next two years. That means the district's volleyball spotlight will shine on Tigers coach Michael Kane, who has won more than 800 career victories and led Dripping Springs to the 2022 state title, and his brother Thomas Kane, who now leads the Jaguars after years at Wimberley.
Dripping Springs and Johnson meet twice in district play, Sept. 8 and Oct. 1. Their matchups are known as the Kane Cup.
• Area powers Lake Travis (Rachel Anglin) and Cedar Park (John Henze) have new coaches this year.
• Realignment wasn't so kind to Cedar Park, Leander, Rouse and East View, all of whom were moved up to Class 6A.
• Three teams poised to have their best seasons in several years: Bowie, Hutto and LASA.
CORRECTION: A previous version of this story misidentified Wimberley player Trinity Laney.
This article originally published at .
As the UIL volleyball season hits full tilt, a few undefeated Austin-area teams remain.It's not Westlake, which won its tournament recently, or Austin High School. It's not defending state champion Cedar Park or Anderson, which won a mid-August tournament as well. Find out below as longtime high school sports reporter Butch Hart begins his weekly rankings for the 2026 season.AdvertisementArticle continues below this adHere are this week's top five Central Texas high school volleyball teams in the Austin area for C...
As the UIL volleyball season hits full tilt, a few undefeated Austin-area teams remain.
It's not Westlake, which won its tournament recently, or Austin High School. It's not defending state champion Cedar Park or Anderson, which won a mid-August tournament as well. Find out below as longtime high school sports reporter Butch Hart begins his weekly rankings for the 2026 season.
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Here are this week's top five Central Texas high school volleyball teams in the Austin area for Class 6A, Class 5A and Classes 4A and below:
MORE: Westlake, Anderson, Georgetown and Wimberley hum to opening-week tournament crowns
MORE: Our 75 Central Texas high school volleyball players to watch this season
1. Westlake (9-2): Chaps lost their opener, then won the Pearland tournament.
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2. Lake Travis (9-1): Cavs went 8-1 in Pearland, a strong opening weekend.
3. Austin High (8-1): Beat 26-6A rival Bowie for third place in the AISD tournament.
4. Leander (9-1): Lions are off to a strong start this season.
5. Stony Point (8-4): Tigers were runners-up at the Westwood tournament.
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1. Georgetown (10-0): Eagles didn't drop a set while winning the LGE tournament.
2. Anderson (9-2): Two impressive final wins to take the AISD Jason Landers crown.
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3. Liberty Hill (10-1): Finished third at the Westwood tournament.
4. McCallum (8-3): Impressive early wins over Lockhart, Salado, Stony Point and Vandegrift.
5. Glenn (7-3): Won silver at the Westwood tournament, piling up 204 total kills.
1. Wimberley (10-0): Won the Texfest tournament for the second straight year.
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2. St. Andrew’s (7-3): Shocked Class 6A Vandegrift behind the play of libero Savy Cook.
3. Hill Country Christian (6-3): A good start to the season for HCC.
4. TSD (5-4): Perennial playoff program has had recent strong seasons.
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5. Burnet (6-5): Bulldogs should be a smaller-school force in the area.
But he’s just trying to be Patton Jones.Westlake’s new quarterback isn’t a five-star recruit. He doesn’t enter the 2026 high school football season with any accolades, and he won the job by fending off two challengers during the spring. At a program where anything less than a district championship and playing four rounds deep in the playoffs is a disappointment, though, Jones knows the significance of being Westlake's quarterback.“It means everything,” said Jones, a senior. “It comes wi...
But he’s just trying to be Patton Jones.
Westlake’s new quarterback isn’t a five-star recruit. He doesn’t enter the 2026 high school football season with any accolades, and he won the job by fending off two challengers during the spring. At a program where anything less than a district championship and playing four rounds deep in the playoffs is a disappointment, though, Jones knows the significance of being Westlake's quarterback.
“It means everything,” said Jones, a senior. “It comes with pressure, but I’ve been wanting to do this since I was in the third grade. So now I feel like the time is in my hands and I’m ready to take it.”
But just who is Westlake’s new signal caller?
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Jones describes himself as a hard worker who's fortunate to be playing with great teammates on the offense. He said he can run if needed when a play breaks down and likes to throw the deep ball.
His teammates didn’t hold back on what they think of him.
“He’s somebody that myself and all the other offensive linemen will fight and die to protect,” said Jackson Cook, a Texas commit. “He’s going to do really good this season — we expect nothing less. And he’s worked his butt off to be where he is.”
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Jones may be unfamiliar to the public, but inside the Westlake program he’s well-known and, said defensive back Wylie Nichols, well-liked. He’s also someone Chaps coach Tony Salazar has had his eyes on for a while to whom he has no problem giving control of his offense.
“I’ve seen him do it (on a football field) for his whole career, from Pop Warner to middle school to now here in high school,” Salazar said. “He’s never missed a workout or camp. He’s a steady hand. And in the background the last few years, he was training and developing.”
Jones has seven passing attempts and 12 carries in his career. With Rees Wise, who's now at Ole Miss, excelling the last three years for Westlake, playing time under center at the varsity level was nearly non-existent for anyone else. But the backups and third-stringers at Westlake would start at several other programs — even several 6A ones — around the Austin area, and Salazar called Jones’ athletic ability “dynamic.”
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“He’s built a tremendous arm that is very accurate and has a quick release, then obviously he’s shifty and hard to tackle,” Salazar said. “I hope they cover us sometimes because that’s going to mean we’re going to let him go do his thing (scrambling). And then there’s going to be times we have designed runs for him.”
A year after going 7-4 and losing in the first round of the playoffs, Jones said there’s more of a team mentality this season around the Chaps. And in a way, he may embody the 2026 Westlake squad as a whole. The preseason hype isn’t as high as usual for the Chaps locally or statewide, yet there’s an underlying talent that could push Westlake to a win total in the double digits.
“Everybody’s more bought in this year. Last year, we were kind of slacking off and thought, ‘We’re Westlake. We’re going to win,” said Jones, who joined the track team in the spring to try to improve his explosiveness and speed. “This year we still have a talented team. Everybody has to be on their A game every day. … But if we play right, people are going to offers and we’re (going to win games).”
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Jones officially enters the limelight Friday when Westlake hosts Inglewood, Calif., in its season opener. And for someone who sat in the stands as a boy watching Sam Ehlinger and Cade Klubnik play, he’s ready to be Westlake’s quarterback and deal with everything that comes with it.
“I got autographs from the players when I was young, and now I’m in the position to do that,” Jones said. “It’s really cool, and I’m really excited for the season.”
Aug 26, 2026
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