James Wood High School volleyball made history this year, becoming the first Frederick County team across any sport to win four straight state championships. The Colonels’ achievement is The Winchester Star’s No. 1 sports story of 2025.
James Wood defeated Loudoun County 3-1 on Nov. 22 at Virginia State University to complete a dominant run that saw the Colonels compile a 108-8 record over the four-year span. The victory also allowed three pillars of the team to leave on a high note, as sixth-year head coach Adrienne Patrick and four-year varsity outside hitters Kennedy Spaid and Brenna Corbin all won their fourth straight title in their final seasons at James Wood. Patrick is now an assistant principal at Millbrook.
In 2025, the Colonels posted their best record in program history, going 30-2 after competing in two early-season tournaments that propelled them to this milestone. On Aug. 30, they hosted the Champions Classic and went 5-0, defeating Handley and their eventual championship opponent, Loudoun County, along the way.
On Sept. 13, they went 5-0 at the Endless Summer High School Volleyball Tournament — an event that features some of the best teams in and around the state of Virginia. Additionally, the Colonels went a perfect 9-0 against Frederick County teams in the regular season and postseason.
Come playoff time, James Wood defeated Sherando 3-0 in the Region 4D quarterfinals and Millbrook 3-1 in the semifinals before sweeping E.C. Glass to win the Region 4D championship.
In the Class 4 state tournament, the Colonels defeated Dominion 3-0 in the quarterfinals and Courtland 3-1 in the semifinals, punching their ticket to Petersburg, where they bested the Captains to claim their championship.
The team also garnered plenty of individual recognition, as Spaid and Corbin were each named to the Class 4 All-State, All-Region 4D and All-Northwestern District First Team. Additionally, senior middle hitter Claire Keefer and junior outside hitter Kyla Wilhelm were named to the All-Northwestern District First Team and the All-Region 4D Second Team, while freshman defensive specialist Macie Hewitt was named to the All-Region 4D Second Team.
Patrick received major credit as well, winning the Class 4 Coach of the Year and Region 4D Coach of the Year.
The Colonels will potentially return eight of their 11 players from this year’s team next fall. Spaid, Corbin and Keefer will continue their careers at the NCAA level, as Spaid will play beach volleyball at Arizona State University, Corbin will play indoor volleyball at James Madison University and Keefer will play indoor at King’s College.