As Northeast Mississippi’s volleyball landscape shifts into the 2025 season, the spotlight shines brightest on the large-school programs across Classes 5A, 6A, and 7A. With Lafayette claiming the region’s only state title last fall, the rest of the North is looking to close the gap and maybe create a few new dynasties of their own.
Class 5A: The Reigning Champs and Their Challengers
Lafayette delivered one of the most impressive postseason performances of 2024, capturing the Class 5A state championship with a dominant 3-0 sweep of East Central in the title match. The Commodores finished the season with a 27-10 record and stood as the region’s only large-class state champion. Entering 2025, they’ll have a target on their backs. The key to defending their crown will be how well they replace any graduating leaders and how much experience returns from their championship roster. Regardless of who steps into those roles, Lafayette remains the measuring stick in 5A.
Pontotoc also emerged from Region 1 with a playoff spot, but their 2024 season ended in the first round. They’ll look to regroup returning all but five seniors from last seasons squad that finished 20-10-1 and second in the region.
New Hope, like Pontotoc, made the 2024 playoffs but was also eliminated in the opening round. With a solid returning core, they’ll aim for a higher playoff seed this year and the chance to make some noise in one of the state’s toughest regions.
West Point was the odd team out in a fiercely competitive Region 1 and missed the playoffs. With the right pieces in place, 2025 could be an opportunity for a turnaround and a shot at postseason qualification.
Caledonia being added to Region 1 just made an already tough region even tougher. After a deep run in the Class 4A playoffs, Caledonia will look to get all the right pieces in place to continue their postseason success.
| School | Class | Region |
| CALEDONIA | 5 | 1 |
| COLUMBUS | 5 | 1 |
| LAFAYETTE | 5 | 1 |
| NEW HOPE | 5 | 1 |
| PONTOTOC | 5 | 1 |
| WEST POINT | 5 | 1 |
Class 6A: Aiming for the Next Level
Saltillo carried the banner for the region in Class 6A, qualifying for the postseason but falling in the first round to a strong Neshoba Central squad. As they look to 2025, the Tigers’ focus will be on building from that experience and taking the next step forward. Reaching the second round would mark a big milestone and signal continued growth for the program.
| School | Class | Region |
| SALTILLO | 6 | 1 |
Class 7A: New Eras and Familiar Challenges
The trio of Tupelo, Oxford, and Starkville all made the 7A playoffs in 2024, a notable accomplishment considering the strength of programs in DeSoto County and the Jackson metro area. All three were eliminated in the first round, but their playoff berths signal a competitive foundation to build upon.
Tupelo enters year two under head coach Laura Booth, making 2025 a critical year for establishing momentum. With a playoff appearance behind them, the Golden Wave will look to be more competitive against the state’s top-tier teams and target a second-round breakthrough.
Oxford begins a new chapter with the hiring of head coach Karen Yelverton. Her first year will be focused on culture-building and laying the foundation for long-term success. With a 17-14 record in 2024 and a playoff berth, there’s plenty of potential for the Chargers to take a step forward.
Starkville will continue the uphill climb against the state’s 7A powers. The Yellowjackets have shown they can reach the postseason, but the challenge now is making that run last longer. Experience gained from past playoff trips could be the key to moving deeper in 2025.
From the championship pedigree of Lafayette to the new leadership shaping programs in Oxford and Tupelo, large-class volleyball in North Mississippi is filled with storylines entering 2025. Whether it’s a repeat, a rebuild, or a breakthrough, there’s no shortage of teams ready to take the next step.
| School Name | Class | Region |
| TUPELO | 7 | 1 |
| OXFORD | 7 | 2 |
| STARKVILLE | 7 | 2 |
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