Fredericksburg Seeks First UIL Girls Basketball State Championship

In her 14th season, coach Carrie Grona and daughter Rilyn Grona lead the Billies against Dallas Lincoln in their final game together with a state title on the line.

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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The Fredericksburg Billies girls basketball team, led by head coach Carrie Grona and her daughter Rilyn Grona, have reached the UIL Class 4A Division II state championship game for the first time in program history. After qualifying for the state semifinals in four of the last seven years, the Billies finally broke through this season despite returning just one full-time starter from last year's 31-7 squad. The Billies will face off against the reigning champion Dallas Lincoln Tigers, a 20-time state semifinalist and three-time winner, in the title game at the Alamodome.

Why it matters

Fredericksburg has consistently been one of the top girls basketball programs in the San Antonio area over the last seven years, regardless of classification. This season's run to the state championship game represents the culmination of a long-term vision and culture built by coach Carrie Grona, who is in her 14th season leading the program. A state title would be the first in school history and a crowning achievement for the Billies' sustained excellence.

The details

The Billies started the season 3-6 and 8-8 after losses to Sotomayor and Harlan, but have won 23 straight games since then. Fredericksburg played a challenging non-district schedule, going 6-6 against Class 6A and 5A playoff teams, including a loss to eventual Class 5A Division I finalist Leander Glenn. Coach Grona has pushed the Billies to improve throughout the season, emphasizing team chemistry and development over early-season results. The team's grit and culture have been the foundation for their breakthrough campaign.

  • Fredericksburg defeated Carrizo Springs 63-33 in the state semifinal on Friday, February 27, 2026.
  • The Billies will play Dallas Lincoln in the Class 4A Division II state championship game on Friday, March 7, 2026.

The players

Carrie Grona

The head coach of the Fredericksburg Billies girls basketball team, in her 14th season leading the program.

Rilyn Grona

The senior point guard for the Fredericksburg Billies and Carrie Grona's daughter, who has signed to play at Angelo State University.

Dallas Lincoln

The reigning Class 4A Division II state champion and 20-time state semifinalist, who will face Fredericksburg in the title game.

Micaella Petty

A junior guard for the Fredericksburg Billies.

Izzy Reeh

A senior guard for the Fredericksburg Billies.

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What they’re saying

“We've talked about it our whole lives. While I've been in high school, she's said 'We're going to make it to state. We're going to play in the Alamodome.' And for it to happen on my senior year is even crazier.”

— Rilyn Grona, Senior point guard (expressnews.com)

“This is probably the proudest I've been with a team from start to finish. Their development from August, going into fall league wasn't easy because we had so many inexperienced players. It's been a very fun season.”

— Carrie Grona, Head coach (expressnews.com)

“She always tell us the second we step into the gym, it's not if we win or not, it's about when we get better. She puts us in those hard games to prepare us. She puts a lot of trust and faith into us, and I think that's a big reason why we are where we are right now.”

— Micaella Petty, Junior guard (expressnews.com)

What’s next

The Fredericksburg Billies will play the Dallas Lincoln Tigers in the UIL Class 4A Division II state championship game on Friday, March 7, 2026 at the Alamodome in San Antonio.

The takeaway

Fredericksburg's run to the state championship game represents the culmination of a long-term vision and culture built by coach Carrie Grona over her 14 seasons leading the program. Despite returning just one full-time starter from last year's team, the Billies have developed into a state power through Grona's emphasis on team chemistry, player development, and a challenging non-district schedule. A state title would be the first in school history and a crowning achievement for the Billies' sustained excellence.