Carolee Musick has led White Oak to a lot of wins and a 2010 state championship, but in 2012, she helped the Ladynecks achieve another first.

Musick guided a retooled roster to the Class 2A state tournament, the Ladynecks' fourth consecutive trip to the final four, which is the first time they've done that in their storied program history.

Musick's leadership in that accomplishment has earned her the ETSN.fm East Texas Volleyball Super Team Coach of the Year award.

White Oak finished with a 40-6 record to give the Ladynecks at least 40 wins every season of its four-year streak as a state qualifier. Musick also reached the 600-win plateau in an October home sweep of Waskom.

Here's ETSN.fm's interview with the coach ...

  • ETSN: How special was this season personally considering you got back to state again and you got your 600th career victory?
  • CM: This was a very special year for me, not so much about getting my 600th win, as much as the big deal my kids and their parents made about it. It was very touching to see them go out of their way for me. I will never forget that day! Going to state is always a great feeling. I love watching my girls achieve to that level and it never gets old. I'll wish for it every time.

 

  • ETSN: What does it mean to go to state four consecutive years, something never done before in White Oak's storied volleyball history?
  • CM: It says a lot about the girls that make up the Ladyneck volleyball program, because it's not just talent that gets you there. Their character, hard work, leadership, and selfless play, year in and year out, is what keeps getting them there. I couldn't be more proud of the girls that have played for me, I am a very blessed woman.

 

  • ETSN: What was the process like replacing some of the key players from last year's team, such as Abbey Bybel?
  • CM: You don't replace a player like Abbey Bybel with any one player. We tried to come up with three or four extra kills in different positions to come up with the void she left. I thought our team did a great job of doing that this year.

 

  • ETSN: You've had your fair share of accolades over the years. Do you ever tire of the recognition and the spotlight?
  • CM: Oh no, I feel blessed and always appreciative. I know my career will not last forever, I just want to do all the good I can, for the girls on my teams, for as long as I can. Anything good that comes our way, or my way, in the middle of that, is always appreciated.

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