Below are players to watch for the 2025 volleyball season.
Players are sorted by position: outside hitters, middle blockers, setters, libero and six-rotations (players who have the ability to do various things well).
The players are listed in alphabetical order. Comments are from coaches sent in over the summer.
Coverage served by Arkansas Select Volleyball.
OUTSIDE HITTERS
Ava Beasley, 5-10 junior, Paragould
Key stats: 103 kills, .203 pct., 6 aces, 92 digs, 34 assists in 10 sets.
Missed most of her sophomore season with a knee injury. As a sophomore, she had 450 kills, 294 assists and 347 digs.
Comment:
“It was so tough going out early in the season, I got to see the game from both sides and it helped me grow as a player to work even harder.” — Paragould’s Ava Beasley
Chloe Blessing, 5-9 senior, Shiloh Christian
Key stats: 410 kills, .256 pct., 49 aces; 33 total blocks, 378 digs; 18 assists; 402 total service Receptions; All-State (2-time); All-Conference (2-time); Newcomer of the Year last year
Comment:
“She is a 2-time all state player, and is on track to attain 1,000 kills and 1,000 digs in her career this season. We will need her experience and leadership on and off the court as we try to defend our 5A State Championship. We graduated a lot of experience, but we are thankful she has one more year with our program!” — Shiloh Christian head coach Nathan Bodenstein
Cassie Carlson, 5-10 senior, Harrisburg
Key stats: 465 kills, 72 aces, 255 digs
Comment:
“Cassie Carlson is the most complete six-rotation outside hitter in her class—period. Her explosive arm swing leaves bruises on the floor, but it’s her passing, defensive range, and relentless love for the game that truly set her apart. Cassie is a student of the sport, constantly evolving, constantly improving. She’s been overlooked for far too long, and that’s a mistake—because for all her current impact, she’s still nowhere near her ceiling.” — Harrisburg head coach Derek Falls
Audrey Calva, 5-10 junior outside hitter, Bentonville West
Key stats: 41 aces, 416 kills, 25 blocks, 21 assists, 250 digs
Comment: “Audrey Calva is a dynamic six-rotation player who has been a starter for the West varsity team since her freshman year. She brings an aggressive aspect to our offense. Her arm is heavy, and she reads the court well. In a game often full of small errors, Audrey doesn’t let that stop her from being aggressive and taking risks. She’s the player you give the ball to when you need the point. Her confidence is clear when you watch her play. Her serve receive and defense are consistent, providing our setters with all the options. We love her heart, her leadership, and her personality. Last season, Audrey Calva broke the single-season hitting record for the program, and we expect her to continue reaching for more incredible stats. But most importantly leading and loving her team.” — Bentonville West head coach Britney Davis
Michaelyn Freeman, 6-0 senior, Hackett
Key stats: 455 kills, .440 pct., 213 digs, 16 blocks, 26 assists
Class 2A state tournament MVP, 2-time all-state, 2-time all-state tournament, AVCA phenom watchlist, AVCA all-region, Tulsa commitment, Gatorade Arkansas Player of the Year
Comment:
“Mikey brings a lot of experience and energy to the game. She loves to play and is a true team leader.” — Hackett head coach Bridget Freeman
London Jackson, sophomore, Hot Springs Lakeside
Key stats: 230 kills, .249 pct., 20 blocks,All-conference
Comment:
“London has grown a lot in her offensive tools. She can move the ball around the block with power. She is also one of best blockers. Her timing is great. She has also became a 6 rotation player. She is a humble player who supports her team and values each of them. She has already been getting a lot of college attention and will be a big asset to our program.” — Hot Springs Lakeside head coach Rhonda Thigpen
Wren Jones, 5-11 senior, Conway
Key stats: 435 kills, .275 pct., 43 blocks, 92 digs; all-state tournament team, all-state, Evansville commitment
Comment:
“Wren Jones is a great offensive threat for the Lady Cats. She has been working hard to improve her shot selection and back row play. She has an extremely effective serve and is working being an option to attack from all 6 rotations. Wren has a way of keeping things light but also has the ability to rally the troops and get the job done. She has been working hard to improve in the off season and pushed hard in the weight room during off season and all summer.” — Conway head coach Laura Crow
Bella Gonzalez, 5-10 junior, Benton
Key stats: 207 kills, 24 aces, 37 assists, 216 digs
Gonzalez had a season-high 11 kills in a 3-1 victory over Little Rock Christian and 10 in a 3-0 victory over Cabot. She had six matches with at least 10 digs including a season-high 12 in a 3-2 victory over Bryant.
Comment:
“She’s a hard worker, but undersized, however she gets results. She’s very versatile when it comes to setting, defense, the front row. She’s a student of the game and a leader.” — Benton head coach Michell Shoppach.
Lydia Matthews, senior, Mayflower
Key stats: 428 kills, 32 aces, 7 blocks, 274 digs, 2-time all-state
Comment:
“Lydia is a powerful hitter who has a high volleyball IQ. She is a player you can rely on and loves the pressure situations. Over the summer she has also developed into a great defensive player and has the ability to add to our offense from the back row as well. I am excited about what she is going to accomplish this season!” — Mayflower head coach Monty Smith
Emmerson Rehkopf, 5-11 junior, Farmington
Key stats: 345 kills, 255 digs, 38 blocks, 23 aces, North Alabama commitment
Rehkopf, who moved in from San Diego, Calif., earned all-state honors in leading the Lady Cardinals to the Class 5A quarterfinals before falling to eventual 5A runner-up Greenbrier.
Comment:
“Emme led our program in kills last year as a 6 rotation OH. Emme is a dynamic volleyball player and hits the ball with such power and precision. This year, as a junior, we expect her to be even more of a dominant force.” — Farmington head coach Kylie Moad
MIDDLE BLOCKERS
Jaycee Bossert, 5-10 junior, Haskell Harmony Grove
Key stats: 254 kills, 40 blocks, 55 aces
Comment:
“Jaycee received all conference and all state honors last year. She is an extremely powerful hitter. It is rare that we play a team and they have someone to match her power on their roster. She has a great jump serve and puts up a good block and back row attack as well. If needed, she can play 6 rotations and hold her own with her all out effort and drive for her team. She is an outstanding athlete and person.” — Haskell Harmony Grove head coach Bailey Korte
Kendall Brown, 5-8, junior, Marion
Key stats: 327 kills, 82 blocks, 67 digs, 13 assists, 24 aces
2-time all-conference, all-state, all-state tournament team, AVCA Phenom, Mississippi State commitment
Comment:
“An absolute beast on the court. She has the unique ability to just hang in the air and put the ball anywhere with speed and power! Nothing is off limits for Kendall when it’s game time. Kendall is a force! Kendall is a 3-year varsity starter so she brings experience, knowledge, and leadership to our team.” — Marion head coach Lisa Beasley
Kennedy Bullins, 5-8 senior, Marion
Key stats: 111 kills, 24 blocks, 19 digs despite missing most of the season with an Achilles injury. As a sophomore she had 371 kills with a .308 hitting percentage, 68 blocks, 129 digs and 14 assists
Comment:
“Ken is a beast! She is an absolute workhorse… Kennedy is a threat wherever she is on the court. A phenomenal blocker and just as impressive a hitter. Kennedy is a middle blocker that can easily play all six rotations. Excited just doesn’t do it justice when I tell you how we all feel to get her back on the court. Her presence is limitless on and off the court. Kennedy is a 4-year varsity starter for us so she brings experience as well.” — Marion head coach Lisa Beasley
Anna Grace Dedmon, 5-9 senior, Greenwood
Key stats: 252 kills, .260 pct., 57 blocks, 56 digs, 14 aces
Comment:
“Anna Grace is extremely athletic in a dynamic way. She grew up as a competitive gymnast reaching a very high level before she decided to make the switch to volleyball in the seventh grade. As a senior middle hitter she will be a force at the net as well as a strong leader on and off the court. She is interested in furthering her career past high school and has gotten some interest from some local colleges.” — Greenwood head coach Jennifer Golden
Bonnie Fagan, 5-10 senior, Valley View
Key stats: 136 kills, .380%, 15 aces, 53 digs, 39 blocks
All-conference, Conway Lady Cat Gold bracket all-tournament team
Comment:
“Bonnie brings a tremendous amount of competitive experience to the team.” — Valley View head coach Margie McGee
Madilyn Lennox, 6-0 junior, Cabot
Key stats: 285 kills, .392 pct., 79 blocks; All-Tournament team, Lady Cat Invitational
Comment:
“She is an extremely dynamic middle blocker with high IQ. Her speed and agility make her hard to defend. She adds a spark and excitement to the team and is always pushing her teammates.” — Cabot head coach Anna Robertson
Rylee Morris, 5-10 senior, Pottsville
Key stats: 230 kills, 54 aces; 4A-2 All-Conference, 4A All-State
Comment;
“Rylee has done a fantastic job, and is one of the smartest kids we have on the floor. One of our juniors, said I like to be on the front row with Rylee because she said she talks things through to me, Rylee will help you and direct you and calm kids down so they can play well too.” — Pottsville head coach Kacie Stabler
Evelyn Venters, 6-1 junior, Bentonville
Key stats: 259 kills, 81 digs, 93 blocks, Arkansas commitment
Comment:
“A junior and three-year varsity starter, Evie is a dominant presence at the net. She led 6A Arkansas in total blocks last season and brings both power and quickness as a middle blocker. Recently committed to the University of Arkansas, she adds an exciting energy that fuels our team.” — Bentonville head coach Hannah Berry
Kaylee Ward, 6-4 senior, Mansfield
Key stats: 680 kills, 120 blocks, 76 aces, topped 1,000 career kills a year ago; expected to sign a basketball scholarship
Comment:
“Kaylee is a key part of our success over the past three years. Without a doubt, I know with it being her last season playing volleyball that she will be a force to be reckoned with. She brings a lot of energy and is a great leader on the court. She is a dominating hitter, provides a huge block, and has an intimidating presence on front row. She has an effective jump serve and holds her own on back row, providing defense, passing, and offense as a great back row attacker. I look forward to what she will do this season and hope to end her career with a chance at a state championship!” — Mansfield head coach Kaylie Andrews
SETTERS
Sydney Crowder, 5-8 senior, Little Rock Central
Key stats: 358 assists (in a 6-2 offense), 35 aces, 115 digs, UALR commitment
Comment:
Sydney has really come into her own and I think her experience and senior leadership will show this season. I think her committing to UALR has grown her confidence and we will for sure be switching into a 5-1 often with her, because of her consistency. — Little Rock Central head coach Markie Alberius
Elizabeth Dorey, 5-9 senior, Bentonville and Kylah Manthe, 5-9 senior, Bentonville
Key stats: Dorey, 523 assists, 55 aces, 177 digs; Manthey, 520 assists, 155 digs, 17 kills, 33 aces; Ouachita Baptist commitment
Both players play in a 6-2 set
Comment: On Dorey
“A senior setter who shares the reins of our offense, Lizzie brings versatility, a powerful serve, and the ability to impact the game in multiple ways. She’s also on pace for 1,000 career assists and will be a crucial factor in keeping opponents off balance.” — Bentonville head coach Hannah Berry
Comment On Manthe
“A senior co-captain and steady force at setter, Kylah’s leadership and decision-making drive our offense. With her 1,000th career assist within reach, she’s ready to guide our team with both skill and composure.” — Bentonville head coach Hannah Berry
Reese Davis, 5-1 junior, Springdale Har-Ber
Key stats: 1,024 assists, 235 digs, 56 kills, 21 blocks 35 aces; Natural State Sports Network’s newcomer of the year
Comment:
“Reese Davis is going to be an amazing leader for us this year. After having a full season of experience under her belt running a 5-1, I can’t wait to see what she does this season. Her IQ has grown immensely along with her leadership, blocking, and ball location.” — Springdale Har-Ber head coach Cassie Davis
Catelyn Edwards, 5-9 junior, Hackett
Key Stats: 805 assists, 117 digs, 127 aces (school record), 24 blocks, 88 kills
Comment:
“Catelyn is a very hard worker who excels in her serving and setting game. She likes to control the tempo of the game.” — Hackett head coach Bridget Freeman
Leland Kennan, 5-5 junior, Haskell Harmony Grove
Key stats: 606 assists, 165 digs, 92 kills, 63 aces
Comment:
“She’s a junior setter and two year starter for our program. We run a 5-1 and she leads our offense really well. She has a great serve, high game IQ, and a hustle like no other. She would run through a brick wall for a ball if I asked her to. She is one of my captains and handles that role as she should. She is quick to help out and always has a great attitude. She’s the type of kid that everyone wants in their program based off personality alone and we’re so thankful she’s ours!” — Haskell Harmony Grove head coach Bailey Korte
Mecate Marsh, 5-10 senior setter, Cabot
Key stats: 38 aces, 105 kills, 941 assists, 47 blocks
Comment:
“She is stepping into a leadership role as a returning varsity setter. She led our team with 941 assists last season. She runs a great offense and has been working hard in the off season to increase tempo and consistency. She also adds a great aspect to our defense and versatility by being able to play front row also.” — Cabot head coach Anna Robertson
Molly Miller, 6-0 sophomore, Fayetteville
Key stats: 160 kills, 552 assists (shared time with Piper Battie)
Comment:
“A talented young left-handed setter, her passion for the game and growing leadership makes her one to watch this fall.” — Fayetteville head coach Jessica Phelan
Ella Reed, 5-6 junior, Wynne
Key stats: 925 assists, 68 aces (95.05 serving pct.,), 246 digs, 30 kills
All-Conference , All-State, All-State Tournament Team, NSS Best Performances x5
Comment:
“Ella is my setter and she is running a 5-1. She is poised and a natural leader. She is very vocal and knows the game well.” — Wynne head coach Shatel Gaines
Emma Schnackenberg, 5-8 senior, Episcopal Collegiate
Key stats: 40 aces, 80 kills, 14 blocks, 710 assists, 161 digs
Comment:
“Emma Schnackenberg has run our offense as a setter over the past couple of years. She has stepped up majorly in leadership and dedication as she wants to continue on playing in college. She is a true leader on and off of the court and will most likely hold a captain role this season as well. Her love for the game is undeniable and it shows through her motivation and commitment.” — Episcopal Collegiate head coach Paige Gantar
Haley Thomas, 5-7 senior, Siloam Springs
Key stats: 49 aces, 115 kills, .276 pct., 708 assists, 212 digs
Comment:
“Haley has started for Siloam since her freshman year and has contributed over 1,800
assists at the varsity level. I am excited to see Haley continue to lead and excel on the court her senior season. She is one of the most hardworking and determined athletes I’ve ever coached. She has a strong volleyball IQ, creating a variety of opportunities to score by setting up our hitters or making the attack herself.” — Siloam Springs head coach Carrie Thammarath
LIBEROS
Ady Bollinger, 5-5 junior, Bentonville
Key stats: 465 digs, 28 aces (George Mason commitment)
Comment:
“Our senior captain and future George Mason University player, Ady sets the tone with her leadership and relentless work ethic. A standout libero with sharp ball control and a dangerous serve, she’s closing in on 1,000 career digs and will be a key defensive anchor this season.” — Bentonville head coach Hannah Berry
Cenzi Johnson, 5-6 senior, Siloam Springs
Key stats: 479 digs, 55 assists
Comment:
“Cenzi is an insane athlete. Not only is she incredibly quick and great at reading the court, but she also has the mind of a competitor. She is reliable and steady-minded, setting an example of focusing on the next point ahead. Cenzi has started for us since her sophomore year, and I am excited to see what her senior year holds.” — Siloam Springs head coach Carrie Thammarath
Miranda Leslie, 5-2 senior, Mayflower
Key stats: 627 digs, 64 aces, 93 assists; All-state, all-state tournament team
Comment:
“She is a great player, she does a get job getting to balls, but people around here do a lot a great job funneling balls to her. She is best libero in the state.” — Mayflower head coach Monty Smith
Gabby Metheny, 5-3 junior libero, Harding Academy
Key stats: 52 aces, 327 digs, 61 assists
Comment:
“Gabby is a great leader for us on the court as she is always communicating. She is constantly helping hitters out as they attack while also getting people in the right spot defensively. Her constant communication is evident every day that she steps on the court. She also brings positive energy every day and will help spark our team when we need it. She led us last season in digs (326), was third in aces (53) and also was our most consistent passer in serve-receive. She was an All-Conference player as a sophomore and we expect more of the same this season. — Harding Academy head coach Matthew Francis
Sophia Rothrock, 4-11 senior, Lincoln
Key stats: 254 digs, 33 assists
Comment: “Sophia Rothrock is an amazing athlete and kid. She has had an incredible career at Lincoln and has been the starting libero for every volleyball team she has been on from 7th-12th grade. Her goal this season is to be the best libero in the school history of Lincoln and she is well on her way! She is a great leader and communicator on the court and we are a better team as a whole because of her leadership. She is completely selfless and is willing to do whatever it takes to make our team the most successful!” — Lincoln head coach Brittany Engel
Avery Sample, 5-2 senior, Nettleton
Key stats: 33 kills, 35 aces, 518 digs, 13 assists; two-time all-conference, two-time all-state, USVA Nationals 16-American All-Tournament Team, Lee University (Tenn.) commitment
Comment:
“Avery has done a good job when it comes to leading. She was hurt in junior high and she’s gotten better. Anyone who watches her play, she has a motor like no on else, she’s definitely very coachable and competitive, always giving 100 percent.” — Nettleton head coach Tiffeny Lovelace
Ella Shelby, 5-5 senior, Fort Smith Southside
Key stats: 585 digs, 76 assists, 20 aces; Had over 20 digs in 11 matches including a season-high 33 in a 3-2 loss to Bentonville in the Class 6A semifinals.
Comment:
“She was a primary passer and was an incredible defensive asset for us this season. She’s done all right. She wants to be coached and wants to be coached hard. She’s good for some of the young pups..” — Fort Smith Southside head coach Natalie Throneberry.
Abbigale Simmons, 5-2 senior, Marion
Key sats: 436 digs, 45 aces
Comment:
“It’s not the size of the dog in the fight, it’s the size of the fight in the dog!” She may be little but she is mighty! Simmons makes the job of the Libero look easy and we all know it is anything but easy. She is incredibly good at reading the ball and reading the hitters and putting herself in the right position to make the play. She has been our dig leader in our program for the last two seasons.” — Marion head coach Lisa Beasley
Joely Tankersley, 5-5 junior, Springdale Har-Ber
Key stats: 273 digs, 27 aces
Comment: “Joely is a light to our team. This will be her third season playing varsity and she’s attacking it hard. She’s a wonderful leader with great energy. Her gritty mindset of defense takes us to the next level.” — Springdale Har-Ber head coach Cassie Loyd
Breana Williamson, 5-1 senior libero, Bryant
Key stats: 458 digs, 119 assits
Comment:
“She is one of those players you want, we had to reel her in as a freshman, as she’s matured and gotten better, we’re excited to have her on the court again, I expect a few large number of dig games from her again.” — Bryant head coach Leigh Ann Back
SIX-ROTATION
Kaitlyn Austin, 5-8 senior, Marion
Key stats: 199 kills, 392 digs, 23 aces, 15 blocks, 23 assists, St. Petersburg College (Fla.) commitment)
Comment: “4-year varsity starter, Kaitlyn brings experience and leadership to the court. Kaitlyn’s focused, driven and competitive. She is the epitome of the quote, ‘go hard or go home’…Kaitlyn never takes a play off and is just fun to watch and coach. Her volleyball IQ ranks up there with Yoda. She is our little firecracker on and off the court!” — Marion head coach Lisa Beasley
Piper Batie, senior, Fayetteville
Key stats: 50 aces, 265 kills, 377 assists, 249 digs
Comment:
“A Missouri commit and one of the most complete players in the state, Piper excels as both a setting and hitting, leading with poise.” — Fayetteville head coach Jessica Phelan
Kate Calhoon, 5-11 junior, Valley View
Key stats: 132 kills, .309 pct., 61 blocks, 14 aces, all-state tournament team, all-conference
Comment: “Kate brings a tremendous amount of competitive experience to the team.” — Valley View head coach Margie McGee
Gracie Fulton, 5-8 senior, Hoxie
Key stats: 344 kills, 296 digs
Comment:
“Gracie Felton is a senior setter/outside hitter. She is a leader on and off the court. A true team captain. She led our team and our conference in kills last year with 344. She is a smart player, great setter, and overall great athlete. We expect great things from her as she leads our very athletic, young, and inexperienced group this season.” — Hoxie head coach Brandi Johns
Lily Harbin, 5-9 junior, Morrilton
Key stats: 206 kills, 61 aces, 210 digs, 8 blocks, all-state
Comment:
“Lily Harbin will be a six rotation outside hitter for our team. She is a versatile hitter and crucial to our offensive system. As a back row player, being able to read hitters and move to make digs will be instrumental. She has been working on this during off-season/pre-season. Her leadership on the court, staying strong mentally and maintaining high energy through the match make her a force on the court.” — Morrilton head coach Candice Lawless
Jaxson Jersey, 5-7 senior, Little Rock Central
Key stats: 293 kills, 43 aces, 17 blocks, 242 digs, Henderson State commitment
Comment:
“Coming off a solid junior year of school season and club season, she will be one of the most dominate outsides in the state as a senior. She is on the smaller side at only 5-7 but plays like she’s the biggest outside hitters in the state. She was just voted as captain by her team and will be a fearless leader for her senior season!” — Little Rock Central head coach Markie Alberius
Jules Johnson, 5-7 senior, Episcopal Collegiate
Key stats: 250 kills, .208 pct., 2.0 serve/receiving rating, 12 blocks, 260 digs, 20 assists; three-time all-conference, two-time all-state
Comment:
“Jules Johnson has led our team the past few seasons as captain and played at the varsity level since she was a freshman. Her leadership skills have shown since she was a freshman. I never question her work ethic or what she will bring to the team and I know her teammates do not question it either. She is an all around pin taking dominance in both the front and back row. She will be a huge asset to what we hope is our winning season.” — Episcopal Collegiate head coach Paige Gantar
Laney Marsh, 5-9 senior, Episcopal Collegiate
Key stats: 65 aces, 2.0 serve/receive rating, 350 kills, .200 pct., 24 blocks, 305 digs, 50 assists; 3-time all-conference, 2-time all-state
Comment:
“Laney Marsh is a force to be reckoned with. She has played at the varsity level since she was a freshman and is one of the most versatile athletes I have ever had the pleasure of coaching. Her confidence, ability in skill which has vastly grown over the years, and the way she reads the game is in such a natural way. She is a true leader on and off of the court and will most likely hold a captain role this season. She is an all around pin never leaving the court and also dominates. She will be a huge asset to what we hope is our winning season.” — Episcopal Collegiate head coach Paige Gantar
Aubrie McGhee, 6-0 senior, Van Buren
Key stats: 318 kills, 279 digs
Comment:
“Aubrie McGhee has been a cornerstone of the Van Buren volleyball program since she stepped onto the court as a freshman. As a consistent six-rotation player and part of our starting lineup from day one, she’s demonstrated a strong work ethic, versatility, and composure. She holds the school record for total kills and ranks fifth all-time in digs—an incredible accomplishment that speaks to her impact on both offense and defense. While Aubrie isn’t the most vocal leader, she leads by example. Her quiet confidence, focus, and consistency set the tone for our team and make her someone her teammates naturally look up to.” — Van Buren head coach Whitney Adams
Kayla Myers, 5-7 senior, Central Arkansas Christian
Key stats: 429 kills, 268 assists, 293 digs, 52 aces, 26 blocks
All-state, all-state tournament team
Comment: “Kayla was our go-to, when we needed a kill, she was one who we counted on,” — Central Arkansas Christian head coach Lynn Brown