Capturing the Action: Volleypalooza High School Volleyball Tournament 2025

If you love high school volleyball, Volleypalooza is one of the biggest showcases of talent you’ll find all season. Held just north of Austin, this annual tournament brings together powerhouse programs from across the state, with a handful from outside of Texas, to compete at a high level of play before all eyes become focused on district play.

Why Volleypalooza Matters in Texas Volleyball

Volleypalooza is more than just an early-season tournament. It’s a proving ground where top high school teams test themselves against tough competition. For many who come, the level of play is far closer to postseason play than the level of play found within their home district. From Houston to Dallas (and even California), programs send their varsity squads to face off in an atmosphere that feels like a mini state championship preview. For athletes, these matches aren’t just warm-ups—they’re résumé builders. College recruiters and fans alike follow the tournament closely, looking for standout performances that can shape the narrative of the season.

Photographed in Partnership with VYPE Media & Texas Volleyball Insiders

One of the highlights of covering Volleypalooza this year was collaborating with VYPE Media and Texas Volleyball Insiders for social media coverage of the tournament. Partnering with these outlets gave the athletes and teams I photographed far broader visibility across the national volleyball community. You can follow VYPE on instagram HERE and Texas Volleyball Insiders HERE.

Fast Action, Frozen in Time

Volleyball photography is all about reading the court and anticipating the most probable decisions. Every pass, set, swing, block, and dig happens in a fraction of a second, and my job is to be there before it does in order to capture the peak of the action. In addition, it is also my job to capture the emotion the fills in the story and creates memories for these amazing athletes. I am truly blessed to have a front row seat as it all plays out. I am also blessed to share the accomplishments of these incredible athletes with more people, whether that is family members or college recruiters.

Matt Powell is a photographer in Katy, TX who specializes in portrait photography as well as sports and action photography.