Senior year is always a bittersweet time as teammates realize their final moments on the court together are approaching. For the Lady Kats, that feeling runs even deeper, with two sets of sisters, twins Kaylyn and Ashlyn Riley and triplets Gabbi, Lexi, and Elli Zamora, sharing one last playoff run side by side. Their years of playing together have created a connection that goes beyond typical teamwork.
“It’s like we just know what each other needs,” said senior Lexi Zamora. “There’s this connection. I know what she’s going to do before she does it.” Her sister Gabbi smiled and added, “We’re on the same page. You always know what to say, and you trust their feedback because you know they’ll be honest with you.”
The sisters’ connection has been forming for years. The Rileys have been playing volleyball in Kennedale since seventh grade, and the Zamoras have been competing together since sixth. Gabbi started even earlier, picking up a volleyball in fourth grade. That experience has helped create something rare: a team that feels more like a family than a lineup.
That sense of trust carries over into every high-pressure moment on the court. “If she’s out of it, I’ll just give her a hug and say, come on, we need you,” said Ashlyn Riley. “We can tell what each other is thinking just by looking at each other.”
Now that the Lady Kats are in the playoffs, every point feels a little more meaningful.
“Knowing that our last game could come at any time makes every match extra special,” said Kaylyn Riley. “You may play in college, you may not, but each match could be the last time we’ll all be on the court together. We’re just soaking in every moment.”
Their leadership has also shaped this year’s team dynamic. “We’ve all stepped up,” said Gabbi. “There are eight seniors on the team, and we’ve all been playing together for years. Everyone’s contributing. We have talked about our senior season since we were freshmen, and I think freshman us would be proud of how far we have come.”
Head Coach Katrina English says having two sets of sisters on the same senior roster is something special.
“This year’s team is very special to me. There are eight seniors, two juniors, one sophomore, and three freshmen. Each player holds a very important role in our success this year, and each respects both their role and the roles of their teammates. The adaptability, leadership, camaraderie, discipline, respect, and competitive drive on this team are unmatched. I have never coached a team with a true family dynamic like this one. The fact that the team has a set of twins and triplets truly fosters mature competitive growth and meaningful conversations. The Zamoras, although triplets, each bring unique strengths to the court, and the Rileys provide a sisterly safety net that is shared among us all. The love and respect I have for each player, and the love and respect they share among themselves, is remarkable. This team makes me proud, and I hope they feel the same about each other. We have a great opportunity to show our dynamic in the playoffs this year, and we hope to see you in the stands.”
While the competitive fire runs deep, the lasting memories go beyond the court.
“What I’ll miss most is celebrating with the team after big rallies or big kills,” said Gabbi. “We all want to see each other succeed.”
Elli added, “You spend so much time together. It forges a bond you can’t get outside of sports.”
Kaylyn summed it up best: “The friendship and sisterhood. That is what I’ll remember most. We care about the games, but the friendships will last forever.”
Watching them play, it is clear that the Rileys and Zamoras share more than bloodlines. They share a rhythm, a trust, and a joy for the game that is contagious. Their connection is helping drive the Lady Kats deeper into the postseason.
After defeating Dallas Conrad in the first round of the playoffs, the Lady Kats are preparing for their next matchup against Richland at Colleyville Heritage on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, at 6 PM. Show your support and witness the energy, teamwork, and sisterhood that make this team special.
For more information about Kennedale ISD, contact Jordan Dunlap at (817) 563-8055 or dunlapj@kisdtx.net.
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