When volleyball season rolls around, the name Valley View is on everybody’s short list. And with good reason, the Lady Blazers have won 16 state titles and have been to the state finals 20 times under head coach Margie McGee.
The Lady Blazers haven’t won a state title since 2021 when they were in Class 4A and have not been to the finals since 2022 when they lost to Benton. After falling to Harrison in the quarterfinals in 2023 and Shiloh Christian in 2024, Valley View is hungry for a 17th state title with six players back who started or saw significant playing time and a bench that can go six deep.
The Lady Blazers figure to be challenged by Marion, which shared the 5A-East title a year ago and has seven players who started or saw significant action a year ago. Benton, which won state titles in 2022 and 2023; and defending state champion Shiloh Christian have a lot of players to replace due to graduation, but figure to be formidable.
Here’s the Natural State Sports Network’s Top 10 poll in Class 5A.
Coverage presented by Arkansas Select Volleyball.
1. VALLEY VIEW
Head coach: Margie McGee, 25 seasons
2024 record/postseason results: 25-9-1 (14-2 5A-East)/lost 3-0 to Shiloh Christian in 5A semifinals
Projected starters: Bonnie Fagan, 5-10 senior middle hitter/outside hitter (136 kills .380 pct., 15 aces 53 digs 39 blocks, all-conference); Audrey Butler, 5-7 senior outside hitter (153 kills, 56 digs, all-conference honorable mention); Kate Calhoon, 5-11 junior middle hitter/outside hitter (132 kills .309 pct., 61 blocks 14 aces, all-state tournament team, all-conference); Meredith Supine, 5-11 sophomore middle hitter/right-side hitter; Mary Kate Reese, 5-7 junior setter (13 kills 21 aces 406 assists 132 digs, all-conference); Emily Miller, 5-8 junior right-side hitter; Peyton Prater, 5-8 junior outside hitter (123 kills 34 aces 252 digs 8 blocks serve receive 2.5, all-conference)
Key departures: Riley Owens, setter (96 kills 66 aces 444 assists 157 digs 6 blocks, all-star tournament team, all-conference); Annika Wilbanks, right-side hitter (237 kills 35 digs 20 blocks, all-state); London Bean, outside hitter/defensive specialist (8 kills 35 aces 19 assists 235 digs, all-conference); Avery Peters, right-side hitter; Ayla Bigham, utility
The Lady Blazers, who’ve won 16 state titles and have been to the state finals 20 times since 2002, are hungry to get back to the state finals after falling short the past two seasons. Head coach Margie McGee has a team with plenty of experience in seniors Bonnie Fagan and Audrey Butler and four juniors Kate Calhoon, Mary Kate Reese, Emily Miller and Peyton Prater who will start or see significant action. In addition, she has six others — junior middle hitter/right-side hitter Anna Schulte, junior defensive specialist Raney Turley, sophomore outside hitter Carleigh Cullen, sophomore setter Avery Ellis, junior right-side hitter Barrett Libeling and junior defensive specialist Lynnli Jo Thomas — who are expected to contribute. “Our bench is talented and any player can make a difference on a given day,” said McGee. McGee likes her team’s athletic ability and the fact they have a team-first attitude that shows up in practice. She said her main level of concern is eliminating weaknesses in pressure situations. She said the key to success is making sure everyone keeps the team-first attitude at all times. “We don’t have any room for individuals and they are all about playing well and winning,” said McGee.
COACH SAID: “I’m looking forward to another successful season and making a deep run into the state tournament and getting back into the finals.” — Valley View head coach Margie McGee
2. MARION
Head coach: Lisa Beasley, 30 years
2024 record/postseason results: 23-8-1 (14-2 5A-East)/lost 3-0 to Van Buren in the first round of the 4A State Tournament
Projected starters: Kennedy Bullins, 6-2 senior middle blocker (111 kills, 24 blocks, 18 digs); Kendall Brown, 5-9 junior outsider hitter/middle blocker (341 kills, 87 blocks, 25 aces, 71 digs, Mississippi State commit); Kaitlyn Austin, 5-8 senior outside hitter/defensive specialist (199 kills, 392 digs, 23 aces, 15 blocks, 23 assists, St. Petersburg College (Fla.) commit); Abbigale Simmons, 5-2 senior libero (436 digs, 45 aces); Marlee Williams, 5-10 outside hitter/middle blocker (114 kills, 35 blocks, 42 digs); Claire Brinkley, 5-7 setter/outside hitter (385 assists, 199 digs, 18 aces, 17 kills); Aynslee Coad, 5-10 outside hitter (127 kills, 40 blocks, 57 digs); Annabelle White, 5-3 libero/defensive specialist (18 digs, Henderson State commit); Taylor Chamness, 5-5 senior setter (28 assists, 8 aces, 3 kills); Reese Goodwin, 5-8 senior setter/outside hitter (28 kills, 14 digs); Jaida Sturdivant, 5-10 junior middle blocker/outside hitter
Key departures: Maggie Miller, setter (2-time all-state, school’s all-time leader in assists with 2,248, Itawamba College signee); Alexa Shinabery, outside hitter, defensive specialist (2-time all-conference selection).
Marion, which will host the 5A state tournament, hopes home court allows them to go deep in postseason. A year ago, the Lady Patriots shared the 5A-East Conference title with Valley View, but were the No. 2 seed based on the number of sets won in head-to-head competition. Marion spent most of the season without middle blocker Kennedy Bullins, who had an Achilles injury. Bullins is healthy and working to get her conditioning back to normal. Marion has plenty of experience and depth at every position with seven players — Bullins, Kendall Brown, Kaitlyn Austin, Abbigale Simmons, Marlee Williams, Claire Brinkley and Aynslee Coad — who either started or saw significant action a year ago. Head coach Lisa Beasley likes her team’s volleyball IQ and court savvy and competitiveness. Beasley said there areas her team can improve and stresses the need to have good communication. She said the key for success is staying healthy
COACH SAID: “I just feel privileged to be their coach and am thrilled to have a front row seat watching these young ladies do what they love. I am in awe of them, not to mention getting a front row seat to the moments that matter is also a blessing. It is more than just a game and these young ladies are locked in.” — Marion head coach Lisa Beasley
3. BENTON
Head coach: Michelle Shoppach, 6 years (162-22)
2024 record/postseason results: 32-4-1 (14-0 5A-South)/lost 3-2 to Greenbrier in 5A semifinals
Projected starters: Bella Gonzalez, 5-7 junior outside hitter/setter (207 kills, 24 aces, 37 assists, 216 digs, Natural State Sports Network’s newcomer team); Sahara Stamps, 5-0 senior middle hitter/opposite hitter (60 kills, 13 blocks); Rylynn Poor, 5-8 junior outside hitter/defensive specialist (5 aces, 21 kills, .230 pct., 26 digs); Vivian Hope, 5-10 sophomore outside hitter/setter; Ella Williams, 5-10 senior opposite hitter (8 kills, .250 pct., 12 digs); Lynley Woolbright, 5-10 junior middle blocker; Belle Russell, 5-10 junior opposites hitter; Anna Edit, 5-4 junior libero
Key departures: Isabella Lagemann, setter/outside hitter (295 kills, 50 blocks, 118 aces, 192 assists, 246 digs, Natural State Sports Network’s second team, LSU signee); Drew Hudspeth, setter (54 kills, 59 aces, 804 assists, 211 digs, all-state); Evie Hendrix, middle hitter/opposite hitter (199 kills, 100 blocks); Parker Stearns (375 kills, 48 blocks, Arkansas State signee); Delaney Cooper, libero (403 digs, 39 aces, 92 assists, all-conference); Anna Grace Hardy, defensive specialist (139 digs, 29 aces); Kam Flynn, middle blocker (86 kills, 43 blocks, 30 aces, 19 assists)
For the first time since 2020, Benton failed to reach the state finals. Benton lost 3-2 to Little Rock Christian in 2021, defeated Valley View 3-0 in 2022 and Greenwood 3-2 in 2023. This year, the Lady Panthers have to replace nine seniors including Division I signees Isabella Lagemann and Parker Stearns. The one player who returns who received significant playing time a year ago is Bella Gonzalez. Despite the losses, Benton coach Michelle Shoppach believes her players, despite a lack of experience, know how to play and know what’s expected. She said this year’s team must be a ball-control team that works together to win points.
COACH SAID: “We understand how to play each point hard. We have a variety of players who push each other in practice to make the team better as a whole. We have depth, just not depth with varsity. We had nine players graduate who took most of the reps on the court. This year’s players have to grow into their roles and understand what it’s like to play at the varsity level.” — Benton head coach Michelle Shoppach
4. SHILOH CHRISTIAN
2024 record/postseason results: 34-4-1 (14-0 5A-West)/5A state champions
Head coach: Nathan Bodenstein 11 years (284-96-11)
Projected starters: Chloe Blessing, 5-10 senior outside hitter (410 kills, 49 aces, 33 blocks, 370 digs, 2-time all-state); Mary Reece, 5-7 senior right-side hitter (93 kills, 13 blocks, 62 digs); Oliva Yancey, 5-2 senior defensive specialist; Caroline Stallbaumer, 6-2 sophomore middle blocker; Kennedy Brown, 5-6 sophomore setter; Hadley Brown, 5-6 sophomore setter; Hadley Carnes, 6-0 junior outside hitter/right-side hitter; Rylee Bodenstein, 5-8 sophomore middle blocker; Faith Fuller, 6-0 junior outside hitter/right-side hitter
Key departures: Bella Bonanno, libero (4-time all-state selection, Class 5A state tournament MVP, Ole Miss signee); Laila Creighton, setter (4-time all-state); Audrey Pender, middle blocker (2-time all-state, Western Illinois signee); Caroline Red, middle blocker (2-time all-conference); Paige Addington, defensive specialist (3-time all-conference); Reese Jones, outside hitter (all-state)
After losing to Brookland in 2022 and 2023 in the Class 4A state finals, Shiloh Christian moved up to 5A thanks to the Arkansas Activities Association’s competitive-equity rule and went all the way, sweeping Greenbrier in the state finals. This time, the Lady Saints must replace 816 kills, 1,321 assists, 1,194 digs, 151 blocks and 229 aces from six seniors. However, the Lady Saints return outside hitter Chloe Blessing, a 2-time all-state selection and Mary Reece a 2-time all-conference selection. Head coach Nathan Bodenstein likes his team’s multiple hitting options, despite the graduation losses. He said the big challenge is replacing the graduating experience. He said the key to success is learning quickly through a tough schedule that features 6A-West teams Fort Smith Northside, FS Southside, Rogers, Springdale Har-Ber, 6A state runner-up Bentonville along with playing in the Bentonville Early Bird Invitational, Fort Smith Invitational and Lady Cat Invitational in Conway.
COACH SAID: “Coming in as the defending 5A state champions, we know there will be a target on our backs and will get everyone’s best match. We are a completely different team, but have the pieces to be extremely competitive if we work together and mesh quickly. Inexperience will have to get experience quickly.” — Shiloh Christian head coach Nathan Bodenstein
5. MOUNT ST. MARY
Head coach: Olivia Stroud, 1 year
2024 record/postseason results: 25-10 (14-2 5A-Central)/lost 3-0 to Shiloh Christian in 5A quarterfinals
Projected starters: Taylor Wheery, 5-11 sophomore outside hitter; Kaylee Moix, 5-11 senior right-side hitter/outside hitter (all-conference); Josie Wrape, 6-1 senior middle hitter; Lindley Alton, 5-8 senior setter; Ella Nelson, 5-5 senior libero; Vivian Ardoin, 5-4 junior defensive specialist
Key departures: Hannah Wherry, outside hitter (all-state); Harber Williams, right-side hitter, (all-star game selection).
The Belles reached the quarterfinals of the state tournament under first-year coach Olivia Stroud a year ago and have seven players back who saw significant playing time including Kinzi Browning, a 5-2 sophomore defensive specialist, who Stroud said can play any position. Stroud likes her team’s leadership and work ethic. She is concerned about being young in some spots and wants to make sure those players know what winning and a successful culture look like. She said the key to success is having good knowledge, culture and community.
COACH SAID: “We play in one of the strongest conferences in the state which will challenge us every week and help us improve. On top of that, we make it a point to schedule some of the top teams in the state outside of our conference. That combo gives us great competition and a true measure of where we stand.” — Mount St. Mary head coach Olivia Stroud
6. GREENBRIER
Head coach: Katie Huff, 6 years (103-61)
2024 record/postseason results: 24-10 (16-0 5A-Central/5A runner-up
Projected starters: Dayzee Jones, 5-8 senior middle hitter; Lily Parker, 5-8 sophomore setter (496 assists, 78 kills, 37 aces, 170 digs, all-state); Marlie Crossman, 5-9 setter/right-side hitter (133 kills, 144 digs, 44 aces, 504 assists, all-conference); Braylee Bass, 5-3 junior libero (all-conference); Kyleigh Bryant, 5-7 junior libero
Key departures: Madison Crum, outside hitter (4-year starter, 3-time all-state, Missouri State signee); Mia Southall outside hitter (all-state); Jacey Mobley, libero (381 digs, 43 aces, all-state, all-state tournament team)
After winning five matches in the 2023 season, the Lady Panthers went undefeated through the 5A-Central, knocked off two-time, 5A-state champion Benton in the 5A semifinals before falling to Shiloh Christian in the state finals. The Lady Panthers have some big shoes to fill with the graduation of Crum, Southall and Mobley, but have some returning talent in Parker and Crossman and Bass, who also earned all-conference honors. Head coach Katie Huff likes her team’s fight and resilience and said working together will be the key to success.
COACH SAID: “We had a huge turnaround which was a reflection on the team bonding we spent in the offseason and young pieces who stepped up. We have the same thing this year since we graduated Madison Crum which is a huge loss for us and now we conversations not just to fill that hole, but the leadership side of it. We have three seniors who have the best attitudes, even through they were not on the floor during the state tournament, their role was huge and we have these two (Crossman and Parker) who play at a high level.” — Greenbrier head coach Katie Huff
7. GREENWOOD
Head coach: Jennifer Golden, 24 years (510-238)
2024 record/postseason results: 11-19 (8-6 5A-West)/lost 3-0 to Valley View in first round of 5A state tournament
Projected starters: Raylee Wagoner, 5-6 senior setter; Addi Webb, 5-9 sophomore setter; Anna Grace Dedmon, 5-9 senior middle hitter (252 kills, .260 pct., 57 blocks, 56 digs, 14 aces); Alyssa Lovel, 5-5 senior libero (203 digs, 2.0 serve-receive); Rylee Broman-McAdams, 5-10 sophomore middle hitter (28 kills, 5 digs in 8 sets after being called up from junior-high); Lily Johnson, 5-10 senior right-side hitter (121 kills)
Key departures: Lexie Wieser, libero (565 digs, all-state); Loren Eckart, setter (61 kills, 29 aces, 267 digs, all-state); Aspen Payton, outside hitter/defensive specialist (98 kills, 25 aces, 19 blocks, 240 digs, all-conference); Anna Forbus, middle hitter (138 kills, 61 blocks, 19 digs, all-conference)
After reaching the Class 5A state finals in 2023, the Lady Bulldogs had a down year which started with six losses in their first seven matches against strong teams like Fayetteville, Springdale Har-Ber, Bentonville West, Springfield Kickapoo (Mo.), Bentonville West and Greenbrier. The rough start coincided with head coach Jennifer Golden sidelined with back surgery. This year, Golden hopes her team can bounce back. She cites a front row with young players who can provide some balance. She said her team needs to adjust to a higher level of volleyball and must have good chemistry. Greenwood will once again play another tough schedule with non-conference matches against Fayetteville, Har-Ber, Northside, Bentonville West, Fort Smith Southside along with playing in the Bentonville Early Bird Invitational and Ozark (Mo.) Tournament in October.
8. HOT SPRINGS LAKESIDE MTXE
Head coach: Rhonda Thigpen, 7 years
2024 record/postseason results: 17-9 (11-3 5A-South)/lost 3-2 to Valley View in 5A quarterfinals
Projected starters: London Jackson, 5-11 sophomore outside hitter (230 kills, .249 pct., 20 blocks, all-conference, Natural State Sports Network’s newcomer team); Baryett James, 5-9 senior outside hitter (received offer from Spring Hill (Ala.); Laynee Throgmarting, 5-5 senior setter (7 assists per game); Taylor Mace, 5-10 senior middle blocker; Brinkley Gigerich, 5-11 freshman.
Key departures: Lauren Latham, setter (280 kills, .251 pct., 31 blocks, 409 assists, 210 digs
all-state, Kansas State signee); Claire Vance, middle blocker (230 kills, .331 pct., 17 aces, 49 digs, 55 blocks, all-state, heading to BYU on academic scholarship)
The Lady Rams swept Little Rock Christian in the first round of the Class 5A state tournament before losing in five games to Valley View in the quarterfinals. They have to replace 10 seniors including two great players in Lauren Latham and Claire Vance, but head coach Rhonda Thigpen likes the fact she has a number of returning players who played in the state tournament, including retuning sophomore London Jackson. She said the key for success is to grow the team and build for the future.
COACH SAID: “I feel like Benton has a lot of talent to choose from. I study them and championships don’t happen by happenstance, two years ago we beat them and our student section rushed the court. We talk about finding your constant and finding your consistency. If we’re going to be at that level, we have to be consistent.” — Hot Springs Lakeside MTXE head coach Rhonda Thigpen
9. FARMINGTON
Head coach: Kylie Moad, 2 seasons (41-19)
2024 record/postseason results: 18-8 (11-3 5A-West)/lost 3-2 to Greenbrier in 5A quarterfinals
Projected starters: Emmerson Rehkopf, 5-11 junior outside hitter (345 kills, 255 digs, 38 blocks, 23 aces, Natural State Sports Network newcomer team, North Alabama commitment); Sadie Morrison, junior middle blocker; Kolie Beach, junior setter; Emily Hedrick, junior setter; Laney Brisiel, junior middle blocker; Kennedie Browning, senior libero/defensive specialist; Kayla Thompson, sophomore libero/defensive specialist; Emma Gore, sophomore outside hitter; Avery Ball, sophomore right-side hitter; Tatum Rehkopf, sophomore right-side hitter; Kenzie Foster, junior defensive specialist
Key departures: Kaycee McCumber, middle blocker (226 kills, 56 aces, 105 blocks, 98 digs, all-state); Addy Dura, setter (789 assists, 221 digs, 19 kills, 16 aces, 18 blocks, all-conference); Samantha Brye, outside hitter (26 aces, 239 kills, 38 blocks, 155 digs, all-conference)
The Lady Cardinals have been to the state tournament the past two seasons under Kylie Moad, losing to 4A champion Brookland in 2023 and to 4A runner-up Greenbrier last year. They fell to Brookland in 2021 and 2022 with Greg Pair as their coach. Moad has a team with three returning starters in Emmerson Rehkopf, Sadie Morrison and Kennedie Browning. Moad likes her team’s ball control and hitters. She is concerned about the lack of experience with Browning and defensive specialist Paris Walker as the only seniors. She said the key is working together, being consistent and playing to their strengths.
COACH SAID: “We are looking forward to this season. We have a young, talented team.” — Farmington head coach Kylie Moad
10. LITTLE ROCK CHRISTIAN ACADEMY
Head coach: Lacey Rowan, 11 seasons
2024 record/postseason results: 14-10 (12-4 5A-Central)/lost to Hot Springs Lakeside 3-0 in 5A first round
Projected starters: Sydney Lavender, 5-9 senior setter/right-side hitter; Ava Field, 5-8 junior outside hitter (168 kills, 32 blocks, 19 aces); Adie Costello, 5-7 junior outside hitter; Allie Grace Redditt, 5-10 junior middle blocker (92 kills, 65 blocks, 5 aces); Ali Elrod, 6-0 junior middle hitter; Abby Robinson, 5-4 junior libero/defensive specialist; Ava Jeffus, 5-2 junior libero/defensive specialist
Key departures: Brooke Phillips, outside hitter; Rori Rowan, setter; Ella Grace Horton, middle hitter; Gabby Bozzay, defensive specialist; Bailee Jeffus, right-side hitter; Margaret Catherine White, defensive specialist
After getting knocked out in the first round in the Class 5A state tournament the past two seasons, the Lady Warriors are looking to make a deep run in 5A. Head coach Lacey Rowan said she has a cohesive team with six juniors who are expected to start or see significant playing time with Ava Field and Allie Grace Redditt having distinguished themselves as sophomores a year ago. Rowan said her team needs to work on developing depth as she expects sophomores to see significant action, one of whom is Piper Anderson, a 5-11 right-side hitter. Rowan said the key to success is working together to create a strong team culture and being able to utilize the middle hitters in Reddit and Ali Elrod. She said the team should be strong enough defensively to stop rallies
COACH SAID: “We are excited to kick off the season. We know we are in a strong conference and we are ready to compete and grow as a team as we challenge ourselves this season to improve every time we step on the court.” — LRCA head coach Lacey Rowan
OTHER TEAMS THE NATURAL STATE SPORTS NETWORK RECEIVED INFORMATION ON
Mountain Home (16-10, 11-5 5A-East) fell to eventual champion Shiloh Christian in the state tournament and has two great middle blockers in 6-1 senior Daelyn Harper and 5-11 junior Aleigh Lucas, who played in one game last year because of knee surgery.
Nettleton (10-18-1, 5-11 5A-East) is led by Avery Sample (518 digs), setter Kennedy Massey (294 assists, 162 digs, 33 aces) and outside hitter Aubrie Pool (134 kills, 32 aces, 304 digs).
Paragould (13-19, 5-11 5A-East) welcomes back outside hitter Ava Beasley, who missed most of last season with a knee injury. The Lady Rams will be led by assistant coach Chandler Webber while head coach Reed Fogleman is on maternity leave.
Batesville (10-8, 9-7 5A-East) has a new coach in Chastan Carpino, who comes from Barton and is relying on three sophomores in the rotation.
Searcy (3-20-1, 0-16 5A-East) is trying to turn things around under head coach Manuela Harris.
Lake Hamilton (11-9, 7-7 5A-South) has a new coach in Whitney Frye, who was an assistant a year ago. Senior outside hitter Jeney Butler (133 kills, 6 digs), middle blocker Saniyah Cook (91 kills, 34 digs), setters Evie Talbot (118 assists, 13 aces, 41 digs) and Mallie Moore (102 assists, 54 digs) are players to watch.
Sheridan (18-6, 11-3 5A-South) reached the state tournament where it fell to Mount St. Mary in the first round. Outside hitter Skylar Sterritt (274 kills, .437 pct.) is one to watch.
Beebe (3-23, 3-13 5A-Central) has a new coach in Jessica Morrison, who has five returning seniors and is vowing a return to the state tournament. “This group can do whatever it wants. They have the skill, we will go to state as long as they keep buying into it. I’ve been in Arkansas for five years, had a child who went to Sylvan Hills and those schools have amazing players. I have amazing players, but they were never utilized together as a full team,” said Morrison.
Harrison (6-18, 3-11 5A-West), which reached the 5A semifinals in 2023, is hoping to bounce back. Player to watch is libero Taylor Sidani (336 digs, 18 aces).
Siloam Springs (15-15, 6-8 5A-West) missed the state tournament after qualifying in 2023. Players to watch for the Lady Panthers are setter Haley Thomas (708 assists, 49 aces, 115 kills), outside hitter/defensive specialist Erika Ellis (256 kills, 274 digs), libero Cenzi Johnson (479 digs, 55 assists).
Van Buren (16-8, 10-4 5A-West) fell to Benton in the second round of the 5A-State Tournament and is led by outside hitter Aubrie McGhee (318 kills, 279 digs).
Alma (12-16, 3-11 5A-West) has four starters back in outside hitters Chloe Gregory and Maggie Brogan, and middle blockers Lea Henson and Breelia Hughes.