In 2022 and 2023, Baptist Prep won consecutive Class 3A state titles.
In 2024, the Lady Eagles moved up to 4A because of the Arkansas Activities Association’s competitive equity rule and lost 3-2 to eventual state champion Brookland in the semifinals.
In 2025, Baptist Prep figures to be back in the mix with three returning starters.
There are some changes in 4A as three-time state champion Brookland replaced five starters including two of the past three state tournament MVPs in Chloe Rodriguez and Evan Polsgrove and has a new coach as Katie Dillon replaces Nancy Rodriguez. 4A runner-up Wynne has a new coach in Shatel Gaines, who was an assistant at Jonesboro.
Here’s The Natural State Sports Network’s Class 4A rankings.
Coverage presented by Arkansas Select Volleyball.
1. BAPTIST PREP
Head coach: Krista Spoon, eight seasons
2024 record/postseason results: 33-8-1 (10-0 4A-5)/lost 3-2 to eventual 4A state champion Brookland in the state semifinals
Projected starting lineup: Summer O’Dell, 5-11 senior middle blocker (93 kills, 41 blocks, 50 digs, recovering from knee injury over the summer); Kayla Midkiff, 5-4 senior libero, (241 digs, 33 aces, moves from defensive specialist); Lacey Dupas, 5-5 senior defensive specialist (150 kills, 26 aces, 12 blocks, 122 digs, 23 assists); Livi Miller; junior; Ellis Pierce, junior (moved in from Hot Springs Lakeside); Catherine Chapman, 5-7 junior hitter; Westyn Bryant, 5-8 sophomore outside hitter
Key departures: Ryan Rusher, outside hitter (Louisiana Tech signee); Addie Fielder, setter (Southeastern Louisiana signee); Rachel Jackson, libero (Arkansas State signee)
The Lady Eagles, who won Class 3A state titles in 2022 and 2023 with victories over Hackett, moved up to 4A a year ago and made it to the semifinals where they lost 3-2 to eventual state champion Brookland. Despite the loss of three Division I signees, head coach Krista Spoon expects her team to be in the mix again for the state championship. Spoon likes her team’s culture, but said this will be a young team. She said that Baptist Prep will always play for a higher purpose since it is a private faith-based school.
“We want to get better day in and day out,” said Spoon. “Getting to state was more difficult because never played in a regional tournament before. We went to Mena, played some good teams there (Fountain Lake, Arkadelphia and Mena).” Baptist Prep will play another tough schedule facing teams like Class 6A Bryant, Little Rock Central and Conway, Class 5A Hot Springs Lakeside and Mount St. Mary, Class 3A Episcopal and Harding Academy, which all played in the state tournament a year ago.
COACH SAID: “We have a really good culture from grades 7-12 and we make them realize they are important. We compete very hard in our gym every day, we have a higher purpose. Losing to Brookland was good for us. We have to live out what we believe and be more motivated for the season and enjoy the process.
“We moved from 3A to 4A and play a really hard non conference schedule. We want to make sure we’re ready and it’s super important to play in those games. We’ve worked so hard in offseason, it’s like a puzzle piece and we’re super excited about this year. We have a great group of girls this year, and I look forward to having my team moving forward.” — Baptist Prep head coach Krista Spoon
2. WYNNE
Head coach: Shatel Gaines, first season
2024 record/postseason results: 20-11-1 (8-0 4A-4)/lost 3-0 to Brookland in 4A finals
Projected starting lineup: Clara Davis, 5-7 junior defensive specialist (243 digs, 313 receptions, 32 aces, 85.44 serving pct., 54 kills, .231 hitting pct., 8 assists, all-state tournament team); Ella Reed, 5-5 junior setter (925 assists, 68 aces, 95.05 serving pct., 246 digs, 30 kills, all-state, all-state tournament team; Lia Bunch, 5-8 junior outside hitter/middle blocker (146 kills, .215 pct., 33 blocks, 57 digs, 48 assists); Chloe Cantrel, 5-10 sophomore middle blocker; Camille Crawford, 5-7 senior middle blocker (41 kills, 10 blocks, 11 digs); Landry Lovell, 5-8 junior libero/defensive specialist
Key departures: Bree Pardy, outside hitter (523 kills, .283 pct., 93 aces, 385 digs, 28 blocks, 13 assists, two-time all-state, two-time all-star tournament, Webber International (Fla.) signee); Emma Hall, libero (324 digs, 584 receptions, 50 aces, 95.84 serving pct., 10 kills, 7 assists, all-state); Lilly Lovell, outside hitter (230 digs)
The Lady Yellowjackets lost three times to Brookland, including a 3-0 defeat in the Class 4A state final. Wynne hosts the 4A state tournament and hopes to use home court to its advantage in October. Wynne has a new coach in Shatel Gaines, who replaces Codie Ziegler, who is now at Jonesboro Westside. Wynne brings back four players who either started or played significantly in Clara Davis, Ella Reed, Lia Bunch and Camille Crawford. Gaines likes her team’s experience and versatility with four of their top six players who can play multiple positions. Gaines said she wants her team to stay true to their identity and eliminate unforced errors.
3. BROOKLAND
Head coach: Katie Dillon, first year
2024 record/postseason results: 37-5 (10-0 4A-3)/Class 4A state champions
Projected starting lineup: Lynley Seyler, sophomore outside hitter; Leah Snearly (8 kills), sophomore setter; Makenzie Watlington, senior middle hitter (17 kills); Kinley Hammett, 5-6 junior outside hitter (10 kills); Macie Murray, senior setter (99 assists, 75 aces, 256 digs); Karley Flemon, 5-7Â junior middle hitter (32 kills); Ashlun Ussery, senior libero (4 digs, 5 aces).
Key departures: Chloe Rodriguez, setter (1,139 assists, 44 aces, 143 kills, 322 digs, 54 blocks, all-state, all-state tournament team, AVCA Best and Brightest, AVCA All-Region team); Evan Polsgrove, outside hitter (460 kills, 52 aces, 392 digs,, 4A state tournament MVP, all-state tournament team, all-conference); Cassady King, middle hitter (260 kills, .300 pct., 32 aces, 46 blocks, all-state); Callie Curtis, outside hitter (382 kills, 79 aces, 26 blocks, 350 digs); Burkley Brewer, libero (357 digs, 52 aces)
It’s a new era in Brookland where head coach Nancy Rodriguez steps down after winning six state championships in 25 years, including the last three. Stepping into her shoes is Katie Dillon, who has been an assistant for 15 years. Gone are five seniors, including two of the past three state tournament MVPs in Chloe Rodriguez and Evan Polsgrove. Dillon inherits a team with one player — setter Macie Murray — who saw significant playing time a year ago. Despite the personnel losses, Dillon has high hopes for her team. She likes her team’s defensive ability. and said her team is scrappy. She is concerned about the lack of returning experience. She said the keys to success are blocking and becoming relentless. Dillon’s team figures to be challenged with a non-conference schedule that features Spikefest, the Lakeside Tournament and the Conway Lady Cat Classic along with matches against Valley View (5A semifinalist), Conway (6A state champion), Wynne (4A runner-up), Benton (5A semifinalist) and Marion (5A state tournament participant).
COACH SAID: “This team hasn’t had a lot of experience, but they have shown they have the grit, tenacity and heart to compete and excel.” — Brookland head coach Katie Dillon.
4. MENA
Head coach: Heather Goss, 4 years
2024 record/postseason results: 22-7 (11-1 4A-6)/lost 3-1 to Wynne in Class 4A semifinals
Projected starting lineup: Chloe Hooper, 5-9 senior setter (all-state); Pascha Waistband, 5-10 senior middle hitter (all-conference); Jayden Cox, 5-6 senior outside hitter/defensive specialist (all-conference); Kate Wilson, 5-4 senior defensive specialist (all-conference); Alaina Gilbert, 5-6 senior outside hitter; Makenna Lee, 6-0 sophomore middle hitter; Emmi Hensley, 5-2 junior defensive specialist; Madi Fowler, 5-7 sophomore outside hitter/setter
Key departures: Reese Montgomery, middle hitter (John Brown signee, 17 kills, 6 blocks per match).
The Lady Bearcats, who reached the semifinals a year ago, bring back five players who saw significant action a year ago, including one all-state selection and three all-conference picks. Head coach Heather Goss likes the leadership and enthusiasm of her five seniors and five returning starters. She said her team needs to overcome a lack of experience and youth in a few positions. She said the key is the growth of the sophomores and seniors filling leadership roles.
5. POTTSVILLE
Head coach: Kacie Stabler, 2 years (44-15)
2024 record: 21-12-1 (10-0 4A-2)/lost 3-0 to Brookland in 4A quarterfinals
Projected starting lineup: Rylee Morris, 5-10 senior middle blocker (230 kills, 54 aces, all-state); Ella Drown, 5-10 junior middle blocker; Kylee Mathis, 5-3 senior setter; Caroline Kennedy, 5-7 senior setter; J’Lexa Hays, 5-5 senior setter; Marlo Hollis, 5-7 senior outside hitter; Shea Ferguson, 5-8 senior outside hitter; Lily Holsted, 5-2 senior libero; Sophie Ussery, 5-2 junior defensive specialist; Laren McNeely, 5-11junior outside hitter
Key departures: Emerson Corbin, outside hitter (200 kills, 167 digs, 29 aces, all-state, all-state tournament team); Jara Kattes, right-side hitter (all-state); Elizabeth Brock, middle hitter (all-star tournament team)
The Lady Apaches reached the quarterfinals of the 4A state tournament are looking for bigger things with nine players back who saw significant playing time led by Rylee Morris. Head coach Kacie Stabler likes her team’s experience and defensive ability. She is concerned about her team’s ability to push things offensively and avoid playing down to the level of the competition. She said the key to success is staying focused and playing up to expectations and playing for each other.
COACH SAID: “For us, we have a lot of girls that are returning and have played since their sophomore year. They play well together and we hope to continue to build on that. Of course, everything can play out differently. We will take it game by game and see what happens. They love playing hard teams, so I give them big challenges. I have coached this particular group from seventh grade all the way up so they are pretty special and I hope it’s a fun year.” — Pottsville head coach Kacie Stabler
6. PULASKI ACADEMY
Head coach: Jason Lambert, one season
2024 record/postseason results: 14-11-1 (8-3 4A-5)/lost 3-2 to Wynne in Class 4A quarterfinals
Projected starting lineup: Emmy Smith, 5-7 senior outside hitter; Lexi George, 6-3 senior middle hitter; Kennedy Wilson, 5-6 senior middle hitter; Ann Katherine Svoboda, 5-11 senior outside hitter/middle hitter; Greenlee Elmore, 5-8 junior setter; Macy Adametz, 5-7 junior setter
The Lady Bruins knocked off Prairie Grove, which won the 4A-1 Conference in the first round of the 4A state tournament before falling to 4A runner-up Wynne in Jason Lambert’s first year. Lambert said he has a team that is well-rounded with a strong front line, followed by a “scrappy” back row. He said the team must play better in high-pressure situations. He said the key is the Lady Bruins much push themselves hard to perform and be able to overcome game scenarios.
COACH SAID: “I feel like we’ll be really strong in 4A. A lot of top teams last year graduated their key players. We’ve had a lot of growth in general which keeps us on our toes. We have to find ways to adapt and match the speed with everything getting faster. We’ve got to match that at a higher level. We have a lot offensive depth and good options which is a good situation to be in.” — Pulaski Academy head coach Jason Lambert
7. GRAVETTE
Head coach: Addison Duke, second year (19-6)
2024 record/postseason results: 19-6 (10-2 4A-1)/lost 3-1 to Mena in 4A Quarterfinals
Projected starting lineup: Layla Patton, freshman middle hitter; MacKenzie Wolf, sophomore middle hitter (38 kills, 16 blocks); Kennedy Flynt, junior outside hitter; Emma Renfrow, sophomore libero (35 digs, 143 kills, 9 blocks); Meara Russell, junior setter/right-side hitter (273 assists, 17 kills, 32 aces, 124 digs); Kayla Chandler, junior outside hitter/right-side hitter; Adalyn Jones, sophomore setter; Kinsley Burrow, senior right-side hitter
Key departures: Ella Pinches, outside hitter (all-state, all-star selection); McKenna Frazier, right-side hitter/setter (all-conference); Dew Madison, middle hitter (all-conference); Drew Madison, middle blocker (all-conference); Rebekah Hearne, defensive specialist
The Lady Lions, who reached the quarterfinals a year ago, have three returning starters back in middle blocker MacKenzie Wolf, outside hitter Emma Renfrow and right-side hitter/setter Meara Russell, but have to replace Ella Pinches, who had 269 kills and 259 digs a year ago. Head coach Addison Duke likes her current front row with Wolf, Russell, junior outside hitter/right-side hitter Kayla Chandler and senior right-side hitter Kinsley Burrow and her setters in Russell and sophomore Adayln Jones. She is concerned about having to replace the production from the graduating seniors: McKenna Frazier (83 kills, 63 aces, 12 blocks, 127 digs), middle hitter Drew Madison (84 kills, 83 digs, 28 aces); and defensive specialist Rebekah Hearne (64 digs, 28 aces). She said the key to success is staying in-system where she can establish her middle blockers and run the offense effectively and having a relentless defense from the back row.
COACH SAID: “This will be a new test for this group of girls as we only have three starters from the previous year. However, this team is extremely competitive, talented and hardworking. As long as the girls continue to improve as a team, I would expect Gravette to have a. Competitive season in the conference. I am excited to see what this year’s regional tournament will look like with both 4A-1 and 4A-2 teams.” — Gravette head coach Addison Duke
8. PRAIRIE GROVE
Head coach: Lindsey Biocic, 5 seasons
2024 record/postseason results: 23-6-1 (12-0 4A-1)/lost 3-0 to Pulaski Academy in the first round of the 4A state tournament
Projected starting lineup: Avery Mann, 5-7 senior setter (32 aces, 126 kills, 332 digs, 7 blocks, all-conference; Emma Hix, 5-11 senior middle hitter (75 kills, .246 pct., 10 blocks, all-conference); Kennye White, 5-9 junior middle blocker; Kaydence Jinks, 5-8 junior outside hitter; Kayla Chandler, 5-10 junior outside hitter.
Key departures: Emma Vertz setter (803 assists, 59 kills, 71 aces, 231 digs, all-state); Havyn Huber, outside hitter (167 kills, 67 digs), Ashtyn Burton (32 aces, 202 kills, 2.33 pct., 98 digs, 46 blocks All-state 2024, AVCA Best and Brightest 2024, Henderson State signee); Ashtyn Tag, outside hitter (65 aces, 248 kills, 260 digs, 11 blocks, all-state); Macy Guist, libero (266 digs, 33 aces)
The Lady Tigers won the 4A-2 with a 12-0 record, but losses to Gravette in the finals of the district tournament and the regional tournament and a 3-0 loss to Pulaski Academy in the first round of the 4A state tournament ended their season prematurely. The Lady Tigers lost five talented seniors, but return a talented setter in Avery Mann and a talented middle blocker in Emma Hix.
COACH SAID: “We graduated a very talented senior class last year, but I’m excited for others to see the talent this next group brings to the court. This is a competitive group that’s been putting in the work during the offseason, and I believe they have the potential to surprise people. I’m confident in what they’re capable of, and I am looking forward to seeing what they accomplish together this season.
“It’s really exciting to see this group of girls write their own story and we have a great job and as coach we’re looking forward to seeing them grow into the leadership, we’re going to have a young team. We had a good JV team, had a girls who on other schools would have played on varsity.— Prairie Grove head coach Lindsey Biocic
9. JONESBORO WESTSIDE
Head coach: Codie Zeigler, first year
2024 record/postseason results: 15-15-1 (7-3 4A-3 Conference)/lost 3-0 to Baptist Prep in 4A quarterfinals
Projected starting lineup: Mattyx Cureton, 5-8 senior setter; Kirby Conrad, 5-9 junior outside hitter; Kaydence Garland, 5-11 junior middle blocker; Emma Byrd 5-6 sophomore middle blocker/outside hitter; Kimber Wynn, 5-6 sophomore outside hitter; Vada Watkins, 5-7 senior libero; Macy Milner, 5-8 senior outside hitter
The Lady Warriors have a new coach in Codie Zeigler, who led Wynne to the Class 4A runner-up. Zeigler likes her team’s cohesiveness and defense. She said the team needs work on offense and will have to overcome a lack of size. “These girls have been working really hard so far this preseason and I am looking forward to seeing their grown and development over the course of the season,” said Zeigler.
COACH SAID: “I am very excited to start working with the Westside Warriors. Just seeing the talent level during tryouts, I have high expectations for this team. I think they have the capabilities to go far and be very successful this year if they will put in the work and work as a team. Both our conference and classification have some very tough teams and I am looking forward to watching this new group compete and push their opponents. I’m looking forward to what is hopefully a fun year.” — Jonesboro Westside head coach Codie Zeigler
10. BAUXITE
Head coach: Haley Nelson, first season
2024 record/postseason results: 18-9-1 (7-3 4A-5)/lost 3-0 to Arkadelphia in the first round of the 4A-South Regional Tournament
Projected starting lineup: Asa Perry, 5-7 sophomore outside hitter/setter; Rylee Ferrell, sophomore setter/outside hitter; Rylin Futch, sophomore right-side hitter; Erin Heidelberg, 5-10 senior middle hitter; Rachael Clark, senior middle hitter; Ashlynn Robinson, senior defensive specialist; Taylor Lisko, senior libero
Key departures: Taylor Shelton, libero (all-conference, all-star nominee)
The Lady Miners have a new coach in Haley Nelson, who replaces Dave Carter, who is now at Pea Ridge. Nelson has six players back who started or saw significant action a year ago, starting with Perry who Nelson earned a reputation as a six-rotation player and played in the national tournament for 501 Volley’s 15-year-old team. Ferrell, Nelson said, is another player capable of playing all six rotations and has “one of the most powerful swings I have yet to see,” said Nelson. Nelson said Ferrell has great court awareness and knowledge and great hands when it comes to setting and was a member of the Elite Volleyball Academy’s 15-elite team club team. Clark is a 3-year starter and while she will play middle hitter, Nelson said she is capable of playing other positions. Nelson said her team’s strengths are powerful hitters and experience with four seniors. She said her team needs to improve defensively. She said the key to success is staying together and building trust. “This will be seven, possibly 8-roster player team, meaning a lot of girls not coming off the court,” said Nelson.
OTHER TEAMS THE NATURAL STATE SPORTS NETWORK RECEIVED INFORMATION ON
Malvern (15-6-1, 9-3 4A-6) lost to Pulaski Academy in the first round of the regional tournament and has five returning starters in middle blocker Trinity Witherspoon, setter/right-side hitter Jada Joynt, outside hitter Lexie Jenkins, outside hitter Kendall Watson and setter Jenia Hogan.
Arkadelphia (15-7, 10-2 4A-6) lost in the first round of the state tournament to Pottsville and has five starters back in outside hitter Z’Layiah Jackson, outside hitter Emma Owens (1.4 aces per match, 2.17 serve/receive, 8.8 kills per match, 4.1 digs per match); right-side hitter/setter Hallie Watson, juniors Eden Heard and Rachael Womack.
Fountain Lake (8-11, 5-7 4A-6) lost in the first round of the regional tournament to Baptist Prep. The Lady Cobras have three seniors in the lineup: setter Emma Lawson, middle blocker Addison Moore and libero Sophie Wyatt.
Huntsville (8-12, 5-5 4A-1) fell to Jonesboro Westside in the first round of the state tournament and is led by outside hitter Emaline Henry and setter Kalli Bollinger.
Green Forest (3-13, 1-8 4A-1) has a new coach in Kristin Whetham, who comes from Berryville.
Pea Ridge (6-14, 5-7 4A-1) has a new coach in Dave Carter, who comes from Bauxite.
Clinton (4-12, 1-9 4A-2) has three freshmen Avionnah McDonald, middle blockers Emma Smith and Alexis Williams and two sophomores in setters Vanessa Hunt and Kaylee Cassell in the lineup.
Clarksville (6-3, 4-6 4A-2) fell to Gravette in the regional tournament and has five returning starters in outside hitter Analeise Fultz, outside hitter Baylor Pasley, middle blocker Alex Rodriguez, setter Addison Phillips, outside hitter Addison Harkreader and middle blocker Lillie Clark, leading head coach Wes Davis to believe this team is capable of having a special season.
Ozark (17-12, 8-2 4A-2) has a new coach. In Jazzlyn Wells, who inherits a team with four seniors: outside hitter Sydnie Herriage (135 kills, 24 aces, 43 digs), outside hitter/middle blocker Sadie Bateman (60 kills, 15 aces, 13 blocks, 41 digs) and libero/defensive specialists Emma Peterson and Maria Hermios.
Morrilton (8-9, 6-4 4A-2) has a player to watch in outside hitter Lilly Harbin (206 kills, 61 aces, 210 digs, 8 blocks) and with five returning starters and two seniors, head coach Candice Lawless has reason to believe this could be breakout season.
Southside (8-7, 3-3 4A-4) fell to Jonesboro Westside in the first round of the 4A East Region and the Lady Southerners have three returning starters in middle blocker Emily Guyett, outside hitter Keylee Bullard and outside hitter Abby Sherberth.