U-High’s Monet Temple Rising as Freshman Force on the Court
When your father was an LSU basketball standout and your mother is in the Tulane Athletic Hall of Fame as a volleyball player, expectations going into high school sports naturally soar.
So far, all things are within reach for University High’s Monet Temple — a 6-foot-3 freshman who turns 15 next week.
“We got to the state tournament last year for the first time in a few years,” Temple said. “It was new for us. Now we know what to expect, and we can’t wait to get back there because we understand the possibilities.
“This one is a match we’ve been looking forward to all season. I can’t wait to see how it goes and how we play.”
The “one” is set for approximately 6 p.m. Thursday night – University (18-0) at St. Michael (18-1). It is a nondistrict Division III power broker matchup featuring two LHSAA tourney teams from a year ago.
Coaches and fans around the state will be watching to see how the match plays out. They will be gauging what they see in Temple, who received an invitation to a USA Volleyball 17-and-under camp set for December in Colorado Springs.
The daughter of former University High-LSU basketball player Collis Temple III and Britney Hurst Temple, a multi-sport Southern Lab star and Tulane volleyball star, attended a 16-and-under USA Volleyball camp over the summer, along with numerous college camps.
Almost as notable as Temple’s skill development is the fact that she grew two inches since last season. Temple’s growth makes her an all-around player for the Cubs under coach Bonita Johnson this season.
“I saw it (improvement) in summer league,” Johnson said. “She joined a New Orleans-based volleyball club in the offseason.
“I saw a big difference in her play and in other areas. Obviously, her skills all-around improved. She hits the ball at a higher point and has become a more powerful player.
“ I also see a big difference in her confidence. At the state tournament last year, she was in eighth grade and wide-eyed. Now she is comfortable and confident in her play in whatever position we ask her to play. Monet was mostly a front player last season.”
Temple has the numbers to validate Johnson’s assessment. She enters Thursday’s match with 182 kills, 111 digs, 26 service aces, 14 assists, and four blocks.
“I want to do everything I can for our team. We have an awesome connection on the court and off,” Temple said. “When we put it together, it feels so special.”
Like other top teams, including St. Michael, the Cubs have a balance of talent that includes a wealth of height. And other players with notable names/connections to success.
Five-time volleyball Olympian Danielle Scott is one of Johnson’s assistants. Scott’s daughter, Julianne Arruda, is a 6-foot sophomore setter/hitter with 202 assists, 132 kills, 120 digs, and 28 aces.
Riley Spencer (6-0), daughter of longtime U-High boys basketball coach Joe Spencer, is a junior setter/hitter with 202 assists, 70 kills, 81 digs, and 33 aces. Junior libero Victoria Brooks has 121 digs, 26 assists, and 22 aces. A cousin, sophomore Hailey Hurst (6-2), is sidelined with a finger injury and will fill a setter/hitter role upon her return.
U-High is No. 1 in the LHSAA’s Division III power ratings, one spot ahead of St. Michael. Also of note: the Warriors are third in this week’s Varsity Sports Now Top 25 rankings of teams in all divisions behind Division I powers Dominican and St. Michael. U-High is seventh.
Temple says her mother is a confidant who offers advice and gets in the gym to help with extra reps upon request. Britney Temple, who played professionally after her Tulane career, is enjoying the journey.
“Monet is the best daughter and a fabulous big sister to her sister and brother,” Britney Temple said. “She’s an honor student who is kind and very thoughtful. Those things come first.
“As a volleyball player, she is a sponge and wants to learn everything. She puts in the work.
“I’ve stressed the importance of being an all-around player because that’s something I experienced. It’s amazing to see what she is doing.”