A year ago, when Hackett dropped to Class 2A after finishing as 3A runner-up the previous three seasons, the path seemed clear for the Lady Hornets to win a state championship.
Not only was Hackett dropping in classification, but four-time defending champion Mansfield was moving up to to 3A along with Lavaca which was the 2A runner-up in 2022 and 2023 2A runner-up Conway Christian, because of the Arkansas Activities Association’s competitive equity rule.
The Lady Hornets took advantage going 36-0 and winning the 2A title which was the school’s third in the past six years. In addition to beating everyone in 2A, the Lady Hornets beat 5A state champion Shiloh Christian, 3A state champion Paris along with 5A teams Harrison and Siloam Springs; 4A teams Gravette, Pea Ridge and Pottsville and 3A teams Conway Christian and Lavaca.
The Lady Hornets look strong with five starters back, including Gatorade Arkansas Player of the Year in Michaelyn Freeman. The Lady Hornets will test themselves in tournaments at Paris, Fort Smith and Hot Springs Lakeside and have non-conference matches against Shiloh Christian, Harrison, Farmington, Siloam Springs, Gravette, Mena and Pottsville.
Here are the Natural State Sports Network’s Class 2A rankings.
Coverage presented by Arkansas Select Volleyball.
1. HACKETT
Head coach: Bridget Freeman, nine seasons (209-53)
2024 record/postseason results: 36-0 (7-0 2A-4)/Class 2A state champions
Projected starting lineup: Michaelyn Freeman, 6-0 senior outside hitter (455 kills, 213 digs, 71 aces, 16 blocks, Arkansas Gatorade Player of the Year, Class 2A State Tournament MVP, two-time all-state, two-time all-state tournament team, AVCA All-American, Tulsa commitment); Catelyn Edwards, 5-9 junior setter (805 assists, 117 digs, 127 aces, 24 blocks, 88 kills, all-state); Ryleigh Decker, 5-6 junior outside hitter (91 kills, 128 digs, 99 assists, 18 blocks, 68 aces, all-conference); Kinley James, 6-1 senior middle blocker (131 kills, 46 blocks, 62 aces, all-state); Kali Reacher, 5-10 junior middle blocker (75 kills, 24 blocks, all-conference)
Key departures: Makenzie Freeman, outside hitter (3-time all-state, 3-time all-state tournament team, AVCA Best and Brightest); Lilly Oxford, libero (2-time all-star tournament team, 2-time AVCA Best and Brightest, AVCA All Region)
The Hackett Lady Hornets ended three years of coming up short in the state finals with a 36-0 season and a Class 2A state championship, in which they defeated England 3-0. In 2025, the Lady Hornets have the talent to repeat with five players back who saw significant playing time a year ago. Head coach Bridget Freeman likes her team’s talent level and cites good ball control led by setter Catelyn Edwards and a group of good hitters led by Michaelyn Freeman. Bridget Freeman is concerned about losing Makenzie Freeman and Lily Oxford, not just because of their talent level, but the leadership they provided. Bridget Freeman said the key is to keep a fast-paced offense and make sure they get the ball into Edwards’ hands and to make sure they serve aggressively again.
COACH SAID: “I am super excited to coach these girls. We have an incredible work ethic on this team and these girls are truly looking forward for a repeat year. Going 36-0 was amazing last year, but we are definitely looking forward to seeing what we can accomplish in 2025.” — Hackett head coach Bridget Freeman
2. ENGLAND
Head coach: Samantha Brewer, six seasons
2024 record/postseason results: 22-8 (10-2 2A-5)/Class 2A runner up
Projected starting lineup: Avery Edwards, 5-9 senior outside hitter/middle blocker (2-time all-state); Madi Henderson, 5-4 senior libero; Katie Webb, 5-9 senior middle blocker; Felicity Harrison, right-side hitter; middle blocker
Key departures: Renise Powell, outside hitter (3-time all-state selection); Adrianna Motton; Annabeth Hallum (3-time all-state)
The Lady Lions made it to the state finals before getting swept by Hackett. England has four returning starters back in Avery Edwards, Madi Henderson, Katie Webb and Felicity Harrison. In addition, they will be joined by sophomores Amaris O’Neal and Kynnli Chaten, who are coming up from an undefeated junior-high team. O’Neal is expected to work at setter and outside hitter and Chaten will see time at defensive specialist and setter. With four starters back, head coach Samantha Brewer hopes their experience will lead another deep run in the state tournament. Brewer is concerned about having to fill the departures of Renise Powell, Adrianna Motton and Annabeth Hallum on the front row. Brewer said the keys to success are being able to go past three sets and win matches that go four and five sets.
3. CONWAY ST. JOSEPH
Head coach: Luke Davis, 18 seasons
2024 record/postseason results: 21-7 (12-0 2A-5 Conference)/lost 3-0 to Hackett in the 2A quarterfinals.
Projected starting lineup: Anna Nabholz, 5-11 junior middle blocker (all-state); Emily Nabholz, 5-7 junior outside hitter; Hollie Morgan, 5-5 senior libero (all-state); Kinley Freyaldenhoven, 5-8 setter/outside hitter; Sydney Hartwick, 5-6 setter/right-side hitter
Key departures: Kate Nabholz, 5-10 outside hitter (2-time all-state).
The Lady Bulldogs reached the state quarterfinals and hope to go a little farther with three players — Anna Nabholz, Emily Nabholz and Hollie Morgan — who saw significant playing time a year ago. Head coach Luke Davis hopes his team will be strong on defense with Anna Nabholz controlling action at the net and Hollie Morgan getting the digs. He is concerned about his team’s inexperience with only one senior (Morgan) on the team. He said the Lady Bulldogs have to play great defense and make other teams work and cause mistakes.
4. TAYLOR
Head coach: Courtney McHenry, five seasons (97-17)
2024 record/postseason results: 25-7 (6-0 2A-6)/lost 3-0 to Hackett in 2A semifinals
Projected starting lineup: Genna Braswell, 5-3 senior libero (all-conference); Anistyn Nolte, 5-4 senior libero; Kendall Hamlin, 5-10 junior middle blocker (all-state); Kallie McHenry, 5-6 junior setter (all-conference); Carsyn Grant, 5-7 junior right-side hitter (all-conference); Macy Downs, 5-6 junior outside hitter (all-conference); Adley Buford, 5-11 sophomore middle blocker; Scarlett Boyett, 5-10 sophomore outside hitter
Key departures: Ashlyn Clark, setter (all-state); Kadence Curry, middle blocker (all-state); Brynlee McClendon, defensive specialist (all-state); Ayla Buford
The Lady Tigers reached the semifinals a year ago and bring back five starters — Genna Braswell, Kendall Hamlin, Kallie McHenry, Carsyn Grant and Macy Downs — with the latter three consisting of their starting front row. In addition, Buford and Boyett are expected to provide depth up front. Head coach Courtney McHenry is concerned about getting quality work in the offseason since she said most players play multiple sports which prevents the Lady Tigers from getting work similar to other volleyball teams. McHenry said the key is to execute fundamentals and play as a team.
5. OZARK CATHOLIC
Head coach: Peggy Estes, five seasons (54-52)
2024 record/postseason results: 12-10 (5-3 2A-1)/lost 3-0 to England in 2A semifinals
Projected starting lineup: Karianne O’Shaughnessy, 5-8 senior middle blocker (34 blocks); Jasmin Ramirez, senior setter (400 assists); Meghan Estes, junior setter/right-side hitter (all-state, all-star tournament team); Elise Stigge, sophomore outside hitter/right-side hitter; Sophie O’Donohoe, freshman outside hitter; Payton Schultz, junior libero (339 digs)
Key departures: Kamdyn Mantis, outside hitter (all-conference)
Ozark Catholic reached the semifinals last year before losing to England. The Griffins have four starters back in Karianne O’Shaughnessy, Jasmin Ramirez, Meghan Estes and Payton Schultz. Head coach Peggy Estes said her team is very resilient. She is concerned about it being young with a freshman in Sophie O’Donohoe and two sophomores in Itzia Garcia and Elsie Stigge in the rotation. She said the keys to success are playing as a team and playing strong defensively.
OTHER TEAMS THE NATURAL STATE SPORTS NETWORK RECEIVED INFORMATION ON
Hector (8-7 2A-3) is in its second season of playing volleyball and has two returning starters in middle blocker Lyndzi Morley and outside hitter Emma McConnel.
Guy-Perkins (11-8, 5-2 2A-3) fell to LIfeway Christian in the first round of the regional tournament and has a new coach in Chip McDonald, who replaced Jeremy Carson, who left for Cabot. The Lady Thunderbirds have five returning starters: setter Eden Elliott, middle blockers Allyiah Bryant and Zoe Kussmaul, opposite hitters Ryleigh Passmore and Jacey Varnall.
Cutter Morning Star (9-11, 7-5 2A-5) lost to Ozark Catholic in the first round of the state tournament and has a new coach in Grace Chenowith The Lady Eagles have three returning starters in middle blocker Henley Kate Post, right-side hitter/defensive specialist Maggie McGlone and setter/outside hitter Sadie Simmons.
Cedar Ridge (8-14, 4-8 2A-2) lost to Piggott in the regional tournament and has three starters back in middle blocker/outside hitter Emilee Pankey (59 kills, 11 blocks), outside hitter Taylor Gavin (29 aces) and defensive specialist/outside hitter Aubrey Day (114 digs), but has to replace five seniors including all-conference middle blocker Shelby McDaniel (61 kills, 37 aces, 13 blocks) and libero Eirka Gramajo (202 digs). The Lady Timberwolves will be young with 10 sophomores on the roster and three: libero Vada Day, setter Mia McDaniel and middle blocker Jacey Robertson expected to start.