Homecoming: Poteet graduate Dupree looks to carry alma mater to new heights

Poteet has enjoyed the most storied volleyball history in Mesquite ISD, and Erika Dupree was one of the best players during that time. From 2004-2007, Dupree led the Pirates to four consecutive playoff appearances, including two trips to the regional quarterfinals, and she was a four-time all-district selection and a Class 4A all-state honoree as a senior. As a Poteet graduate of the Class of 2008, Dupree still had her mind on the court, as she accepted a scholarship to compete at West Texas A&M University. There, she became an immediate contributor at the Division II power, helping the team to five consecutive conference championships and a pair of trips to the Division II national tournament. Though she considered trying for a professional career overseas, during that time, she began to realize that while volleyball would always be a part of her life, it would come from a different viewpoint—on the sidelines. “I always knew I wanted to coach,” Dupree said. “My dad (Gail) was a coach and he impacted so many people, so just that idea. I love competing, I love sports, I’m probably the most competitive person you’ll meet, so I always envisioned myself as a coach.” Like many coaches, Dupree embarked on a wild ride upon joining the profession, spending time at several different schools. The thought of returning to Poteet, though, was never something she considered until the opportunity presented itself. “I didn’t (think about it). I always joke with people, if you would have asked me back in high school if I would be back and I would say no. To be honest, I was very big lights, big 6A,” said Dupree, who coached at larger schools such as Allen, Plano and McKinney North. “But when I got this opportunity, I just didn’t know I was going to love it as much as I do. There is nothing better than coaching at your alma mater.” Dupree did not arrive at Poteet under the most ideal circumstances, as shortly after accepting, the nation was hit by the COVID-19 pandemic, which affected every aspect of life. That, of course, was also true for high school coaches, especially new ones, who were trying to balance sports and life for a group of students that were experiencing something they had never seen or even envisioned. Dupree said it took some time, but when the impact of the pandemic started to ease, the program really began to take shape. “I feel like even though they were rocky years, I still talk about those through our success,” she said. “Those rocky years were a foundation of learning how to be the best versions of ourselves, no matter what our record is.” After missing the playoffs in two consecutive years, Poteet not only returned to the postseason in 2022, it returned to the top of the district standings. During the last three seasons, the Pirates have won at least a share of the 14-5A championship each time, compiling a 40-2 record during that span. “We always learn through adversity,” Dupree said. “Yes, we’ve seen success, but there is truly growth within the failure that allows us to be where we are today.” While Dupree said she is proud of how the program is back to where it needs to be, it is always aiming at loftier heights. These, though, will not be accomplished by looking outside, but by keeping the focus within the Poteet gymnasium. “I have a classic saying that pressure is a privilege and I think it is something we enjoy, because if we weren’t doing the things we have been doing, we wouldn’t have that pressure,” she said. “At this time, we know what our vision is, we know what our goals are and we have to bring it every single day, because it only gets harder. “And we have to set loftier goals to where if we are not reaching those, we need to get back to work in practice, so really it’s about finding the chemistry, keeping the standard, raising the standard and putting our best version out there every night.”

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HOMECOMING: POTEET GRADUATE DUPREE LOOKS TO CARRY ALMA MATER TO NEW HEIGHTS

DEVIN HASSON

Star Local Media | 9/12/2025