Cate Vickers: An Inspiration on and off the court

THE WOODLANDS, TX -- Woodlands High School volleyball standout, Senior Cate Vickers is the picture of success possessing a winning mentality on and off the court. One might use the term “generational talent” when referring to Cate. Similar to the Eckenrode and Cook households from years past at The Woodlands High School, the Vickers boast a bloodline that is just as impressive. With relatives possessing last names, Willig and Klapesky, one must wonder if there is something in the drinking water at the Vickers abode that pushes the inhabitants to be the best they can be, settling for nothing less than their best.

But I digress, this is not only in reference to Cate’s achievements on the volleyball hardwood. This is more about her amazing character that trumps her many athletic accolades as a result of her being a right side hitter.

In speaking with people close to Cate who know her well, if I had to describe her in a few words, I would choose kind, compassionate, and selfless. She has always been praised by both peers and adults for these traits.

From coaches to teachers and friends, Cate has the kind of personality that people gravitate toward. Throughout the years, she has received several awards from teachers for being extremely helpful, respectful, kind, and well-mannered. She was even chosen last year to be an ambassador for The Woodlands High School; when new students arrived, Cate would show them around and make them feel welcome. Cate has always had so many friends! She never meets a stranger and is always the first one to include the new kid or reach out to a classmate being left out so everyone feels included.

In speaking with Cate's mother, Cristen Vickers, the thing that makes her most proud is the respect and thoughtfulness Cate shows her family, especially her grandparents. Cate is always there for them, from physically helping them to their seats at games and personalizing game balls for them, to being the first one she hugs after a match. She truly radiates kindness and compassion when it comes to doing things for others. Those are traits you definitely can’t teach, and Cate was blessed with them. She makes her parents incredibly proud every single day because of the young lady she has become.

Let’s learn more about Cate in the week’s Woodlands Online, Profile of the week…

1) How long have you been playing volleyball?

I’ve been playing volleyball since I was 10 years old.

How did you become interested in volleyball ?

My mom enrolled me in summer camps, and I immediately fell in love with it.

What other sports did you play growing up and why did volleyball win out?

I did competitive cheer for five years and played softball for four. I also played sand volleyball for a couple years and continue to play as a hobby. Volleyball won out because it was always so much more competitive, which I liked.

2) Describe the 2026 Woodlands volleyball team and why you enjoy playing for the Highlanders.

There are definitely a lot of talented people on the team this year and I’m excited to see how we grow together and how we do this season. I am very grateful for an amazing coach, Coach Wade, because she is always my biggest cheerleader and truly loves her team. Myself, Olivia Hertel (libero) and Elizabeth Kath (middle) are all captains this year. The three of us started playing together at McCullough, seventh grade year, and were put on Varsity our Freshman year for playoffs. We have remained together since then. I have enjoyed being with them since the beginning, and look forward to going out with them by my side.

3) Do you like TWHS and why?

I love TWHS because I was raised in it. My mom graduated from McCullough, my grandpa was the head football coach at TWHS and athletic director for 28 years and my dad was an assistant football coach for five years along with track and softball. I’ve never known anything different!

4) What colleges are you looking into attending?

I am looking into attending Texas A&M University. My mom was an Aggie and my sister is currently a Senior there. I have wanted to be an Aggie my whole life!

Do you know what your field of study will be?

I want to study Sports Management and continue to be around athletes and sports in my career.

5) What do you hope to be doing after you graduate from college?

My goal would be to eventually go to PT (Physical Therapy) school so I can work with athletes the way so many people have worked with me throughout my school and club volleyball career! I have had to overcome several injuries through the years and I am so thankful for everyone who helped me be at my best every time I touched the court. It's what inspired me to do that for others in the future.

6) What do you enjoy doing away from school and volleyball?

I enjoy hanging out with my friends, shopping, listening to music and going to the lake. I also love traveling with my family.

7) Who is your role model for volleyball?

My role model for volleyball is definitely Ella Lewis. She was always so encouraging and such a good leader. She now plays at ASU and continues to amaze me! She was also so kind to me when I was the freshman on the team and I have never forgotten that!

8) Describe how supportive your family is in everything you do in your life.

My family is my biggest support in everything. Not just my parents but my grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and sister. They come to every single game they can and I never doubt their loyalty.

9) If you were given a million dollars and had to give it to one charity, which one would you choose and why?

Wags to Whiskers of Texas, because I absolutely love cats and their main focus is finding permanent homes for stray cats and kittens.

10) Three things people don't know about you.

I have 3 cats, Millie, Mollie, and Mango. I am also currently a Varsity high jumper for TWHS Track program. I LOVE music, especially old country and alternative rock/reggae.

11) When is the last time you danced? Where? You any good?

The last time I danced was in the locker room before our last game. It’s our pregame tradition and one of my favorite things about TWHS volleyball. I am a good dancer! I learned all my dance moves from my crazy dad!

12) What is your favorite song in your phone now?

I have a lot of favorites but some of my current ones right now are How You Remind me - Nickelback, Free Bird- Lynyrd Skynyrd, Don’t Close Your Eyes- Keith Whitley, and He Stopped Loving Her Today- George Jones

Do you have a favorite group?

Sublime

13) Your favorite movie of all time.

Movie- Where The Crawdads Sing, Show- Prison Break or Shameless

14) If you were sentenced to death but you were allowed to go on one last date, who would the lucky guy be? Why?

Definitely Morgan Wallen. I’ve been to six of his concerts and even traveled out of state to see him and camped out for several hours in the pit line to be first row! I’m a true fan.

TWHS head coach, Terri Wade, shared her thoughts on Cate:

"Cate is a competitor and she is one of the toughest athletes I know, both mentally and physically. She has had some injuries over the years, but she refuses to let them slow her down. When she has an injury that doesn’t allow her to play, you can see how much it pains her to not be on the court. She always competes with everything she has—that is just her personality. It’s a quality that coaches wish every athlete had!"

There is no doubt that Cate's success here at The Woodlands High School, both on and off the court, will extend to wherever she decides to go to college. Beyond college, whether she becomes a Physical Therapist or pursues another path, expect the same result because winners do one thing, and they do it a lot: succeed!

Just know that with her love of people, she’ll always be out there making somebody smile and have a better day.

That’s just who Cate is.

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