A year ago, Class 3A appeared to be wide open and with good reason.
Two-time defending state champion Baptist Prep was moving up to 4A because of the Arkansas Activities Association’s competitive equity rule. Hackett, which Baptist Prep defeated in 2022 and 2023 in the state finals, was dropping to 2A. Moving up was Mansfield, which won four consecutive Class 2A state titles along with Lavaca, which was the 2A runner-up in 2022 and Conway Christian, which was the 2A runner-up in 2023 because of the Arkansas Activities Association’s competitive equity rule.
In the end, Paris, under first-year coach Jerry Fulmer, won its sixth title in the past nine years.
What can volleyball fans expect in Class 3A? Paris has to replace five starters from last year’s state championship team. Central Arkansas Christian, which was the state runner-up brings back plenty of experience, so does Episcopal Collegiate, which makes a habit of playing a tough non-conference schedule. Harding Academy, Harrisburg, Mayflower and Mansfield bring formidable squads.
Here are the Natural State Sports Network’s Class 3A rankings.
Coverage presented by Arkansas Select Volleyball.
1. EPISCOPAL COLLEGIATE
Head coach: Paige Gantar, five seasons (81-46)
2024 record/postseason results: 17-13 (8-1 3A-4)/lost 3-0 to Paris in 3A semifinals
Projected starting lineup: Laney Marsh, 5-9 senior outside hitter (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); Jules Johnson, 5-7 senior outside hitter (250 kills, .208 pct., 2.0 serve/receiving rating, 12 blocks, 260 digs, 20 assists, 3-time all-conference, 2-time all-state); Emma Schnackenberg, 5-8 senior setter (40 aces, 80 kills, 14 blocks, 710 assists, 161 digs, 2-time all-conference, all-state, all-state tournament team); Elois Moore, 5-8 senior middle hitter (102 kills, 25 aces, 32 blocks); Madison Smith, 5-5 senior libero/defensive specialist (27 digs, 20 aces); Sadie Janes, 5-9 junior middle blocker (58 kills, 17 blocks); Lauren Kate Fryar, junior setter (42 assists, 128 digs, 25 aces); Taylor Prater, sophomore libero
Key departures: Maggie Ransdell, defensive specialist (all-conference)
After reaching the 3A semifinals, the Episcopal Collegiate Lady Wildcats have high expectations for the 2025 season with six players back who either started or saw significant action led by five seniors in Laney Marsh, Jules Johnson, Emma Schnackenberg, Elois Moore and Madison Smith. Head coach Paige Gantar said her team has developed excellent chemistry. On the other side, Gantar is concerned about her team’s ability to develop a block, but adds that blocking at the 3A level is tough to come by. She said her team is placing an emphasis on the defensive end.
“Our team chemistry is unlike any other and everyone has bought into our culture with the want and eagerness to take it all this season,” said Gantar. “Our keys to success is showing up all day, every day for our teammates. We take pride in our practice plans and scouting reports/film. Our practice is divided equally into skill and competitive play with the girls typically running it on their own. This brings a certain sense of discipline in each athlete that we have watched grow even over the summer. Even though we are 3A, I schedule us hard, playing top 4A, 5A and 6A schools we compete with them. (Outside the conference, the Lady Wildcats are scheduled to play Paris, Conway Christian, 4A Baptist Prep, 4A Bauxite and playing in the Little Rock Christian Classic and Conway Lady Cat Classic.) I believe in the mentality of feeding them to the sharks so we can understand and feel the pressure in order to respond. Holding them accountable as coaches, showing up in the ways we ask them to do, and having fun we think is our key to success.”
COACH SAID: “Overall, volleyball has become more competitive in the state of Arkansas and continues to grow. It is exciting to see and I think the competition each season gets better.” — Episcopal Collegiate head coach Paige Gantar
2. CENTRAL ARKANSAS CHRISTIAN
Head coach: Lynn Brown, 13 seasons
2024 record/postseason results: 21-9 (6-1 3A-4)/Class 3A state runner up
Projected starting lineup: Kayla Myers, 5-7 senior setter/right-side hitter (429 kills, 268 assists, 293 digs); Mia Adams, 5-5 junior setter/right-side hitter (injured in 2024); Calleigh Atcherson, 5-8 senior outside hitter (215 kills, 251 digs); Maddie Phillips, 5-7 junior middle blocker (64 kills, 26 blocks); Alyssa Jansen, 5-4 junior libero (219 digs); Baylee Burnette, 5-7 outside hitter (138 kills, 51 digs).
Key departures: Kindle Walker, libero (all-state tournament team, all-conference); Addi Brighton, setter (all-state tournament team, all-conference).
The Lady Mustangs bring back a lot of experience from a team that lost 3-1 to Paris in the Class 3A state finals. Head coach Lynn Brown likes her team’s setters, who she said are capable of spreading the ball and setting the pace. She is concerned about experience with her team’s middle blockers.
COACH SAID: “We are excited to continue this season after our historical run last year. Our conference and classification is very competitive and we are hopeful for a great season.” — Central Arkansas Christian head coach Lynn Brown.
3. PARIS
Head coach: Jerry Fulmer, 1 season (33-6)
2024 record/postseason results: 33-6 (7-0 3A-5)/Class 3A state champions
Projected starting lineup: Ashton Ihle, 5-4 senior outside hitter; Rowan Patterson, 5-6 senior outside hitter; Abby Yarnell, 5-6 senior setter; Alexa Arredondo, 5-4 senior libero; Emerson Komp, 5-5 senior libero; Chloe Moore, 5-10 sophomore middle hitter; Tayiah Thomas, 5-11 sophomore middle hitter
Key departures: Lauren Reams, middle hitter (323 kills, .310 pct., 92 blocks, 49 aces, all-state tournament team, all-state); Claire Zeiler, outside hitter (303 kills, .216 pct., 283 digs, 16 blocks, 122 aces, Class 3A state tournament MVP, all-state) Annabelle Perry, setter (795 assists, 208 digs, 181 kills, .170 pct., 62 aces, 25 blocks, all state-tournament team, all-state); Sandy Privett, libero (all-conference); Kaydence Freeman, right-side hitter (all-conference)
A year ago, Jerry Fulmer, a long-time assistant at Paris, was hired in July to be the Lady Eagles’ third head coach in three years. Fulmer, who followed Jordan Devine and Josh Garica-Hart, and led to the Lady Eagles to their fifth state title in the past nine years, and their first since 2021. This year, he has two returning starters in Ashton Ihle and Rowan Patterson as they try to add another state championship trophy to their collection. While Paris has two returning starters and five seniors in the lineup. Fulmer is concerned about depending on a number of players who don’t have much varsity experience as five sophomores are expected to be in the team’s rotation. Fulmer said the key to success is Ihle and Patterson must be solid and the younger players must adapt quickly and have a good summer.
COACH SAID: “We don’t have the depth that we had last year, so it will be important to keep everyone healthy. Our sophomores are a good group, but they must step up by the middle of the year for us to have a a good finish. I believe that 3A will have more really good volleyball teams than ever.” — Paris head coach Jerry Fulmer
4. HARDING ACADEMY
Head coach: Matt Francis, 2 seasons (45-12)
2024 record/postseason results: 22-7 (6-1 3A-4)/lost 3-1 to Paris in 3A quarterfinals
Projected starting lineup: Ellie Morgan, 5-10 senior outside hitter (287 kills, 269 digs, 43 aces, 29 blocks); Kayson Reeves, 5-10 senior middle blocker (323 kills, 80 blocks); Kennedy Lovin, 5-6 senior setter (80 assists, 253 digs, 47 aces); Macy Turner, 5-9 senior outside hitter/middle blocker (100 kills, 106 digs, 68 aces, 22 blocks); Brynlee Reeves, 5-7 sophomore outside hitter (159 digs); Gabby Metheny, 5-5 junior libero (327 digs, 52 aces)
Key departures: Milegh Harlow, middle blocker (203 kills, 234 digs, 80 blocks, 46 aces, all-state, all-state tournament); Krimson Fager, right-side hitter (187 kills, 122 digs, 43 blocks, all-conference)
The Lady Wildcats have been a fixture in the state tournament, falling to the eventual state champion the past two years: Baptist Prep and Paris. The Lady Wildcats are poised to make another deep run again with six players back who saw significant playing time. Head coach Matt Francis likes his team’s offensive connections, experience, backcourt defense and serving. He’s concerned about his team’s ability to generate blocks and serve-receive game. He said the key to success is serve-receive, first-ball kills, maintaining a .200 hitting percentage and blocking.
COACH SAID: “3A again has a chance to be very competitive with multiple teams who will be in a spot to compete for a championship. I think the 3A-4 will be incredibly tough at the top with CAC, Episcopal and Harding Academy all bringing back large parts of their teams. While I think CAC and Episcopal are the favorites, teams like Mayflower and Haskell Harmony Grove have a chance to be really good.” — Harding Academy head coach Matt Francis.
5. HARRISBURG
Head coach: Dereck Falls, one season (27-2)
2024 record/postseason results: 27-2 (14-0 3A-3)/lost 3-1 to Central Arkansas Christian in the 3A semifinals
Projected starting lineup: Cassie Carlson, 5-11 senior outside hitter (465 kills, 255 digs, 72 aces); Adalen Kocher, 5-9 junior outside hitter; Addy Biggs, 5-9 junior middle blocker; Laynie Casebier, 5-9 senior opposite hitter/middle blocker; Brae Faulkner, 5-6 junior setter/libero/defensive specialist
Key departures: Emerson Kerby, setter (all-state, all-star); Macey Briley, middle blocker (all-state, all-star)
The Lady Hornets, who reached the Class 3A semifinals, are looking to keep their momentum going with five returning starters, led by Cassie Carlson. Head coach Derek Falls likes his team’s passing, defense and tempo. He said his team must develop new players and gain confidence. He said the key to success is competing on every touch. His team is scheduled to play in three tournaments — Spikefest, Little Rock Christian and Paris — which will feature schools in higher classes.
COACH SAID: “Harrisburg will be very competitive in the state again this year. Key will be developing players, gaining confidence and competing in early competitive tournaments. Our conference at this time, does not push us very much so these non-conference matches will be critical to our postseason success. We should have a late-season addition that could be a game changer. I’m not sure about 3A. I think Paris had a bunch graduate. CAC and Mansfield return key players.” — Harrisburg head coach Derek Falls.
6. MAYFLOWER
Head coach: Monty Smith
2024 record/postseason results: 19-12-1 (11-4 3A-5 Conference)/lost 3-1 to Central Arkansas Christian in the 3A quarterfinals
Projected starting lineup: Miranda Leslie, 5-4 senior libero (627 digs, 64 aces, 93 assists, second-team Natural State Sports Network all-star team; 2-time all-state, 2-time all-state tournament team); Lydia Matthews, senior outside hitter (428 kills, 32 aces, 7 blocks, 274 digs, 2-time all-state); Patience Webb, 5-6 junior middle hitter/right-side hitter (175 kills, 32 blocks); Tori Malone, junior middle hitter/right-side hitter (226 kills, 30 blocks); Chloe Whittington, 5-6 junior setter (186 assists); Kayla Alexander, 5-9 junior middle blockers (92 kills, 10 digs); Sophie French, junior defensive specialist/outside hitter (134 digs, 57 aces, 65 kills).
Mayflower reached the 3A quarterfinals and head coach Monty Smith believes his team is ready to have an even better season in 2025, led by libero Miranda Leslie and outside hitter Lydia Matthews. Smith likes his team’s hitting options, setters, defense and team speed. He said he is concerned about his team’s serving. He said the key is to be consistent and aggressive on offense and great at serve and receive.
COACH SAID: “I feel this will be the strongest team Mayflower has had in a long time. We have great leadership, great work ethic and a desire to compete. I also feel there are a lot of schools who can compete for the state title. There are more than one team in our conference that could do so. It’s going to be an exciting season.” — Mayflower head coach Monty Smith.
7. MANSFIELD
Head coach: Kaylie Andrews, 7 seasons (164-40)
2024 record/postseason results: (22-6, 11-3 3A-1)/lost 3-1 to Harrisburg in 3A quarterfinals
Projected starting lineup: Kaylee Ward, 6-4 senior middle blocker (4-year starter); Danielle Lowery, 5-9 junior middle blocker (2-year starter); Bailey Quick, 5-4 sophomore libero/defensive specialist (moved up as freshman toward end of the season); Daisy Nelson, 5-3 senior defensive specialist/libero (2-year starter); Kamryn Infalt, 5-5 senior setter (2-year starter); Adeline Godwin, 5-6 sophomore setter/outside hitter; Ashlynn Whittaker, 5-8 junior right-side hitter/outside hitter; Abby Smith, 5-4 sophomore outside hitter (moved up as freshman toward the end of the season); Miley Clopton, 5-6 sophomore outside hitter (moved up as freshman toward the end of the season).
Key departures: Presley Curry, setter
Mansfield, which won four consecutive Class 2A state titles moved up to 3A a year ago and lost to the Harrisburg in the 3A quarterfinals. In addition, the Lady Tigers had several players leave the team toward the end of the season which prompted head coach Kaylie Andrews to call up three freshmen: Bailey Quick, Abby Smith and Miley Clopton. Going into their second year in 3A, Andrews likes the experience the three sophomores gained from moving up last year along with senior Kaylee Ward, who is a basketball prospect and has been a dominant volleyball player since her ninth grade season. She likes having a senior setter in Kamryn Infalt, her team’s serving ability and her defense. Andrews is concerned about the lack of experience in certain areas. Andrews said the keys to success are not making errors, communication and showing competitiveness.
COACH SAID: “I was hoping 3A was going to be very wide open last year. We competed the best we could and were a lot better by the end of the year. The transition for us we didn’t have the numbers like a lot of teams in 3A and we were seeing a higher level of volleyball every night. I hope we get to go all the way and have Kaylee Ward finish her career on top. I think the chemistry is right where I want to see it. The ninth graders have played a lot together are are a lot more mature as sophomores and have done an excellent job working together and staying motivated.” — Mansfield head coach Kaylie Andrews
8. CONWAY CHRISTIAN
Head coach: Kobie McKnight, two seasons
2024 record/postseason results: 16-11 (6-2 3A-5 Conference)/lost 3-2 to Episcopal Collegiate in 3A first round
Projected starting lineup: Kaylee McKinney, senior libero/defensive specialist; Presley Sims, senior outside hitter/right-side hitter; Hannah Reed, junior middle blocker (72 kills, 21 blocks); Chloe Davis, junior defensive specialist (90 digs); Camille Johnson, sophomore setter; Millie Teague, sophomore setter; Mallory King, junior outside hitter; Lacee Carver, sophomore middle blocker
Key departures: Brooklyn Pratt, setter (all-state, all-star selection; Savannah Shoesmith, libero; Emma Carver, middle blocker, Emerson Rice, outside hitter
The Lady Eagles, who were Class 2A runner-up to Mansfield in 2023, moved up to 3A thanks to the Arkansas Activities Association’s competitive equity rule, and lost to Episcopal Collegiate in the first round. Head coach Kobie McKnight, who enters her third season, likes her team’s experience, work ethic on and off the court and is excited to see how it plays out on the floor. She is concerned about losing six seniors and is counting on three sophomores in the rotation. However, she believes the sophomores have the talent to make positive contributions. She said the key to success is team unity.
COACH SAID: “We were fortunate enough to add (former Conway assistant coach) Cheryl Bing to our coaching staff and bring her experience and knowledge of the game to the Conway Christian program. Similar to years past, I have scheduled tough non-conference games (2A runner-up England, 3A runner up Central Arkansas Christian, 3A state tournament participant Episcopal Collegiate). I truly believe that competition at our highest potential, win or lose, prepares us better for the postseason.” — Conway Christian head coach Kobie McKnight
9. CROWLEY’S RIDGE ACADEMY
Head coach: Royce McMillon, 14 seasons
2024 record/postseason results: 13-11-1 (9-3 3A-3)/lost 3-0 to Episcopal Collegiate in 3A quarterfinals
Projected starters: Kenslee Sheppard, 5-8 senior outside hitter (93 kills); Ryan Gramling, 5-5 junior outside hitter (100 digs, all-conference); Tenley McMillon, 5-10 outside hitter/middle hitter (150 kills); Sofie Snow, 5-7 libero (300 digs, all-state, all-state tournament); Addie Holmes, 5-1 junior defensive specialist; Hensley Rouse, freshman right-side hitter; Andee Eades 5-9 junior middle hitter (240 digs)
Key departures: Bailee Watson, setter (all-conference); Ella Oxley, middle hitter (all-conference); Ava Summitt, defensive specialist/outside hitter (all-conference)
Crowley’s Ridge, which has won seven state champions, with its last coming in 2018, comes off a season in which it fell to Episcopal in the quarterfinals. The Falcons have seven players on the roster, which doesn’t leave them with any depth, however head coach Royce McMillon believes he has a talented group which has good ball control and strong serve-receive game. Because of the lack of depth, he said his team has to be conditioned to play nearly every minute of every match. He also said his team doesn’t have a lot of size with Tenley McMillon standing 5-10 and Andee Eades standing 5-9. He said the keys to success is to stay mentally tough, serve aggressively and not get into many bad rotations.
COACH SAID: “I’m excited for another year. We’ll play the hand we’ve been dealt and get ready to hit the season on Aug. 23.” — Crowley’s Ridge Academy head coach Royce McMillon
10. HASKELL HARMONY GROVE
Head coach: Bailey Korte
2024 record/postseason results: 20-7 (10-0 3A-6)/lost 3-0 to Mansfield in Class 3A first round
Projected starting lineup: Leland Kennan, 5-5 junior setter (606 assists, 165 digs, 92 kills, 63 aces); Preslie Walker, 5-6 junior outside hitter/defensive specialist (229 digs, 226 kills, 70 aces); Jaycee Bossert, 5-10 junior middle blocker/outside hitter (254 kills, 40 blocks, 55 aces); Abby Jones, 6-0 senior right-side hitter (87 kills, 13 blocks); Kinlynn Brown, 5-2 freshmen libero/defensive specialist; Brittyn Brown, 5-0 junior libero/defensive specialist (159 digs, 44 aces); Sarinety Golden, 5-6 junior right-side hitter/defensive specialist (154 digs, 59 kills, 66 aces); Anna Shaw 5-10 senior middle blocker/outside hitter (147 kills, 9 block assists); Chloe Childress, 5-0 sophomore defensive specialist (transfer from Benton)
Key departures: Mazie Bennett, middle blocker (121 kills, 44 blocks)
The Lady Cardinals fell 3-0 to Mansfield in the first round of the state tournament and return a group of players, who have plenty of the requisite skills: serving, hitting, setting and serve-receive. Head coach Bailey Korte said her team needs to do a better job of communication, blocking, reading hitters and making heads-up plays. She said the key to success is communication from all six players on the floor, solid serve and receive and being able to make out-of-system plays.
COACH SAID: “I am excited to see how this group comes together. They’ve played well against good competition last year, beating CAC (3A finalist) once and going five sets with them two others times. We also took Wynne to five sets who were in the 4A state finals. We struggled with some attitude issues at the end of last year and I really hope we don’t this year. They will be as good they let themselves be. As of now, I think they’re read to get after it.” — Haskell Harmony Grove head coach Bailey Korte
OTHER TEAMS THE NATURAL STATE SPORTS NETWORK RECEIVED INFORMATION ON
Lincoln (19-9, 12-2 3A-1) fell to Conway Christian in the first round of the regional tournament. Head coach Brittany Engel has five starters back in outside hitter Hanna Remington (176 kills, 12 blocks, 205 digs, 29 aces), outside hitter/setter Layni Birkes (198 kills, 13 blocks, 176 digs), outside hitter Lauren Remington (165 kills, 8 blocks, 209 digs), middle blocker Jayce Provence (16 aces, 13 kills, 10 blocks) and libero Sophia Rothrock (254 digs, 33 assists).
Valley Springs (20-8, 11-1 3A-2) lost to Harding Academy in the 3A first round and has three returning starters in outside hitter Jayd Berry, setter Jada Wray and middle blocker Reagan Helams.
Hoxie (9-20, 4-8 3A-3) fell to Valley Springs in the first round of the regional tournament. The Lady Mustangs have a libero to watch in Gracie Fulton (344 kills, 296 digs).
Walnut Ridge (10-14, 5-8 3A-3) failed to qualify for the regional tournament and has eight players back who either started or saw significant playing time in outside hitters Candace Morgan and Mallory Moore; setters Selbi Muradova and Haylen Moore; right-side hitters Marlee Lady and Bree Hudson; middle blockers Whitley White and Langley Austin, sophomore middle blocker; and defensive specialists Jalynn Hughes and Sarah McGuire.
Manila (14-10, 9-6 3A-3) lost to Mayflower in the first round of the state tournament and has a new coach in JoBeth Webb who inherits three returning starters in outside hitter Eden Chapman, middle blocker Madysen Deeds and setter Maddie Hovis.
Newport (5-15, 4-8 3A-3) is looking to improve and has four returning starters in outside hitter Jazz Wren, setter Aubrey Daniels, middle blocker Sydney Walker, and defensive specialist Dakar Bradley.
Lamar (2-18, 1-10 3A-5) are coming off their first season as a sanctioned member of the Arkansas Activities Association and has four returning starters in setter Addie Hardin, right-side hitter Nevaeh Danver, outside hitter Newt Melton and middle blocker Peyton Dlugosh.
Camden Harmony Grove (4-14, 2-8 3A-6) is in its second year of existence and came one victory away from qualifying for the regional tournament. Head coach Scott Adkins is looking for more improvement this season.
Ashdown (9-11, 7-3 3A-7) lost to Episcopal Collegiate in the first round of the regional tournament. The Lady Panthers have three starters back in libero Camryn Blankenship, defensive specialist Kumykho Ting and setter Kayleigh Moore.
Lavaca (16-7-1, 12-2 3A-1) fell to Mayflower in the first round of the 3A-North Regional Tournament. Head coach Shannon Todaro returns two seniors in outside hitter/defensive specialist Marlee Smith and middle blocker Kami Erp.