Arkansas High School Rankings 2A

 1. MANSFIELD

Head coach: Brandi Heydenreich

2025 record/conference record: 33-7/14-0 3A-1 (dropping down to 2A-3)

Postseason results: Class 3A state champions

Projected starting lineup; key statistics

Daneille Lowery, 5-10 senior middle blocker; 148 kills, 75 blocks, 62 digs

Adeline Godwin, 5-5 junior setter/outside hitter; 444 Digs, 48 Aces, 10 Blocks, 564 Assists, 202 Kills

Bentley Hoover, 5-7 sophomore middle blocker/outside hitter

Bailey Quick, 5-5 junior libero; 356 Digs, 37 Aces

Abby Smith, 5-4 junior outside hitter; 232 Digs, 40 Aces, 4 Blocks, 71 Kills

Kerrington Quick, 5-6 junior setter; 380 Assists, 172 Digs, 29 Aces

Key reserves; key statistics

Miley Clopton, 5-7 junior outside hitter; 486 Digs, 18 Aces, 18 Blocks, 185 Kills

Whitley Boyd, 5-6 senior outside hitter/right-side hitter; 65 Digs, 2 Blocks, 20 Kills

Ashlynn Whittaker, 5-7 senior right-side hitter/outside hitter; 10 digs, 1 kill

Key departures

Kaylee Ward, middle blocker; Oral Roberts basketball signee; 615 Kills, 121 Blocks, 43 Aces, 308 digs; ended career with 1,962 Kills

Daisey Nelson, libero

After winning five state titles in the past six years, Mansfield has a new coach in Brandi Heydenreich, who was an assistant for the past five seasons. She replaces Kaylie Pyles, who leaves for a junior-high job in the Bentonville School District after going 195-47 the past eight years. The Lady Tigers are coming off a 3-1 victory over Harding Academy after losing 3-1 to Harrisburg in the 3A quarterfinals in 2024. Mansfield drops back to 2A this year and brings back five starters, but must replace Kaylee Ward, who was the MVP of the state tournament. Pyles said her team’s strengths are playing well despite getting out of system, serve-receive, serving, defense, grit, competitiveness and experience. She said serve-receive can improve and the offense might have to work without Miley Clopton, who suffered an injured knee during basketball season and needs to do a better job of increasing the lead when they jump on top of opponents. At media days in July, Clopton said she is finishing up rehab and should be back on the floor. Pyles said the keys to success are chemistry, winning mentality, being challenged, skills, IQ, and leadership.

COACH SAID: “I'm excited to take on the role. I have been the assistant since 2021 and have learned a lot from Coach Pyles. I also have years of coaching club ball experience, and I feel that has prepared me for the job. We have a great group of girls that I've been around for a while now. I know what we are capable of, and we all have the same goal in mind. Mansfield knows volleyball; it's a tradition to win, and we plan to keep that going.” — Mansfield head coach Brandi Heydenreich.

2. HACKETT

Head coach: Madi Fisher, first season

2025 record/conference record: 28-5/7-0 2A-3

Postseason results: Class 2A state champions

Projected starting lineup; key statistics

Catelyn Edwards, 5-9 senior setter; 855 assists, 203 digs, 88 aces, 74 kills, 22 blocks, all-conference

Ryleigh Decker, 5-6 senior outside hitter; 282 digs, 231 kills, 108 aces, 49 assists, 20 blocks, all-conference

Kali Reather, 5-10 senior middle blocker; 117 kills, 71 digs, 59 aces, 34 blocks, 15 aces, all-state

Bailey Edwards, 5-9 sophomore right-side hitter; 162 digs, 103 kills, 40 aces, 32 assists, 18 blocks, all-conference

Key reserves; key statistics

Abby White, 5-6 senior defensive specialist

Eva Thornburg, 5-7 senior all-conference honorable mention

Aubrey Gillett, 5-9 sophomore defensive specialist

Maci Minks, 5-6 sophomore setter/right-side hitter

Addison Hutchings, 5-10 sophomore middle blocker

Key departures, key statistics

Michaelyn Freeman, outside hitter; Tulsa signee, All-Arkansas Preps Player of the Year, AVCA All-Star Player, AVCA All-Star MVP, AVCA All Region, AVCA Best and Brightest, 2-time state tournament MVP, 518 kills, 246 digs, 34 blocks

Kinley James, middle blocker, AAA All-State, AVCA All-Star, AVCA Best and Brightest, 162 kills, .280 hitting pct., 54 aces, 52 blocks, 50 digs, 12 assists

After winning two consecutive Class 2A state championships and appearing in the state finals the past seven years with four state titles, Hackett enters 2026 with a new coach as Madi Fisher, a 2021 graduate of Hackett and assistant coach, takes over for Bridget Freeman, who stepped down after starting the program in 2017. Not only are the Lady Hornets entering the season with a new coach, but they also enter the season without Michaelyn Freeman, who is now playing at Tulsa. However, Fisher is excited about taking over the Lady Hornets. She said she has a team with a lot of young talent, with four sophomores in the rotation along with three seniors, who played a big role on last year’s state championship team. She also likes having an experience setter in Catelyn Edwards and hitters in Ryleigh Decker, sophomore Bailey Edwards, and middle blocker Kali Reather. Fisher is concerned about replacing Michaelyn Freeman and Kinley James, especially Freeman’s leadership. She said the keys to success are being aggressive servers, keeping control of the pace on their side of the court, and being able to maintain control of the game.

COACH SAID: “I am so excited to have this group of girls as my first senior-high team. They come in every day ready to work, and they are looking to get their first-ever three-peat for Hackett. We have a lot of young talent coming up, so we are very excited to welcome them to senior high this year. Being a part of the state championship last year, that was exciting, but we are so excited to see what this year holds.” — Hackett head coach Madi Fisher.

3. TAYLOR

Head coach: Courtney McHenry, six seasons (127-21-1)

2025 Record/Conference record: 30-4-/6-0 2A-8

Postseason results: lost 3-0 to Hackett in Class 2A finals

Projected starting lineup; key statistics

Kendall Hamlin, 5-10 senior middle blocker; 321 kills, 73 aces, 230 digs, 46 blocks

Kallie McHenry, 5-8 senior setter; 694 assists, 213 digs, 65 aces

Macy Downs, 5-9 senior outside hitter; 217 kills, 87 aces

Carsyn Grant, 5-7 senior opposite hitter; 85 kills, 79 aces, 222 digs

Adley Buford, 5-11 junior middle blocker, 149 kills

Scarlett Boyett, 5-10 sophomore outside hitter, 132 kills

Key departures; key statistics

Genna Braswell, libero, 295 digs, 82 aces

Anistyn Nolte, defensive specialist, 126 digs, 73 aces

The Taylor Tigers, who reached the Class 2A state finals a year ago, bring back a lot of experience with four seniors in their starting lineup, including talented players Kendall Hamlin, Kallie McHenry and Macy Downs. Head coach Courtney McHenry likes this experience with her setters and hitters. The one thing she is concerned about is getting the amount of work in over the summer since many of her players play multiple sports. She said the keys to success are focusing on serving and playing aggressively on offense.

4. COTTER

Head coach: Nikki Guthrie, seven seasons (98-45)

2025 record/conference record: 21-1/12-0 2A-2

Postseason results: Lost 3-1 to Taylor in 2A semifinals

Projected starting lineup; key statistics

Myah McNutt, 5-10 junior outside hitter/middle blocker; 249 kills, 152 digs, 80 blocks, 37 aces, all-state tournament team, all-conference

Riley Brotherton, 5-5 junior outside hitter/middle blocker; 264 digs, 104 kills, 56 aces, all-conference

Reagan Cowart, 5-5 junior setter; 544 assists, 183 digs, 45 aces, all-conference

Lily McNutt, 6-4 freshman middle blocker

Kaydence Kawell, 5-1 junior libero

Bailey Ivens, 5-8 sophomore outside hitter/middle blocker

Key departures; key statistics

McKenna Collins, middle blocker; 233 kills, 180 digs, 64 blocks, 50 aces, all-conference, all-state tournament team.

Gracyn Jackson, outside hitter; 193 digs, 89 kills, 38 aces, honorable mention, all-conference

A year ago, the Cotter Warriors reached the Class 2A semifinals and brought back three starters: Myah McNutt, Riley Brotherton, and Reagan Cowart. Head coach Nikki Guthrie likes her team’s mental toughness and powerful offense. However, she has some new players she has to break into the rotation, such as freshman Lily McNutt and sophomore Bailey Ivens. She said the keys to success are mental toughness with a team-first response to adversity and setbacks.

5. CONWAY ST. JOSEPH

Head coach: Luke Davis, 20 seasons

2025 record/conference record: 26-5/10-0 2A-5 (now in 2A-7)

Postseason results: Lost 3-2 to Ozark Catholic in 2A quarterfinals

Projected starting lineup; key statistics

Anna Nabholz, 5-10 senior middle blocker; 315 kills, 132 blocks

Emily Nabholz, 5-7 senior outside hitter

Kinley Freyaldenhoven, 5-9 junior middle blocker/setter; 207 kills, 510 assists, 65 blocks

Sydney Hartwick, 5-4 junior setter

Key reserves; key statistics

Emily Morgan, 5-8 junior right-side blocker

Sydney Chambers, 5-6 junior outside hitter

Key departures; key statistics

Hollie Morgan, libero; led team in digs two years in a row

The past two years, Conway St. Joseph has been knocked out in the quarterfinals of the state tournament after earning a first-round bye by either winning its regional tournament or finishing runner-up. The Lady Bulldogs have two great players among their four returning starters: senior Anna Nabholz and middle blocker/setter Kinley Freyaldenhoven. Head coach Luke Davis said his team will rely on its middle blockers and outside hitters. He said the big area of concern is having to replace libero Hollie Morgan, who was a 3-year starter, and said the defense will have to step up this year. He said the keys to success are having quicker offense, scoring off serves, and playing tenacious defense.

COACH SAID: “As a team, we have some experience and several younger girls that are going to be pushing for varsity time. This is a new conference for us, and I am excited for the competition.” — Conway St. Joseph head coach Luke Davis.

Disclaimer: Some information listed was provided through questionnaires received.

2A-1

FOUNDERS CLASSICAL ACADEMY (ROGERS)

Head coach: Reagan Jones, first year

2025 record/conference record: 6-7/3-5 2A-1

Postseason results: Lost 3-0 to Hackett in the first round of 2A-North Regional

Projected stating lineup; key statistics

Aly Christiano, 5-3 junior outside hitter

Madelyn Jardot, 5-2 freshman setter

Jacey-Mary Jones, 5-4 freshman opposite hitter

Caelyn Buss, 5-7 junior middle blocker

Jordin Gilbert, 5-2 junior defensive specialist

Regan Gilbert, 5-2 freshman libero

Key reserves; key statistics

Chloe Sasser, 5-8 senior middle blocker

Kennedy Humphrey, 5-2 freshman libero

Founders Classical made it to the 2A-North Regional tournament, where it lost to Hackett in the first round. This year, the Spartans have a team that will feature three freshmen in the lineup and four in the rotation. “We lack height and lack experience. Most players will be learning the offensive rotations for the first time,” said Founders Classical head coach Reagan Jones. Despite the inexperience, Jones likes her team’s culture and said the players do a good job of supporting one another. She said the keys to success are to become a team in which the focus is on helping others feel beloved, that they matter, and that they give energetic effort day in and day out.

COACH SAID: “We are excited as a young team to go have a blast playing volleyball and help others feel loved, that they belong, and that they matter." — Founders Classical head coach Reagan Jones.

OZARK CATHOLIC

Head coach: Peggy Estes, seven seasons (68-58)

2025 record/conference record: 15-7/8-0 2A-1

Postseason results: Lost 3-0 to Hackett in Class 2A semifinals

Projected starting lineup; key statistics

Meghan Estes, 5-9 senior setter/opposite hitter; 151 kills, 144 assists, 232 digs, 15 blocks, 47 aces, all-state, all-state tournament team

Sophie O’Donohoe, 5-6 sophomore outside hitter; 192 kills, 291 digs, 19 assists, 41 aces, all-state

Payton Schultz, 5-5 senior libero; 337 digs, 50 assists, 10 kills, 15 aces, all-conference

Elsie Stigge, 5-10 junior outside hitter; 177 kills, 18 assists, 6 blocks, 69 digs, 15 aces

Key reserves; key statistics

Itzia Garcia, 5-1 junior defensive specialist; 202 digs, 15 assists, 5 kills, 25 aces

Karissa Lane, 5-7 sophomore right-side hitter

Natalie Medrano, 5-3 junior defensive specialist/utility

Key departures; key statistics

Karianne O’Shaughnessy, middle blocker

Jasmin Ramirez, setter

Ozark Catholic reached the state semifinals the past two seasons, falling to England in 2024 and eventual state champion Hackett a year ago. Head coach Peggy Estes hopes her team can break through and earn a trip to Hot Springs. This year, she has a team with four returning starters: Meghan Estes, Sophie O’Donohoe, Payton Schultz, Elsie Staggs, and defensive specialist Itzia Garcia, who is expected to see a lot of playing time. Estes said her team is very strong when it comes to perseverance, but lacks size, with two players standing at least 5-9, and is young, with two sophomores in the rotation. She said her team must continue to work as a team.

2A-4

GUY-PERKINS

Head coach: Chip McDonald, one year (19-9)

2025 record/conference record: 19-9/5-2 2A-4

Postseason results: Lost 3-0 to Piggott, Class 2A first round

Projected starting lineup; key statistics

Zoe Kussmaul, 5-9 senior outside hitter; 33 Aces, 55 Kills, 20 tips, 14 Digs

Autumn Pierce, 5-10 junior outside hitter; 13 Kills, 12 Aces, 16 Digs

Chloe Green, 5-5 senior libero; 65 digs

Saniyah Ealy, 5-7 sophomore left-side hitter

Trisity Land, 5-8 sophomore utility

Paisley Odom, 5-8 sophomore setter

Key reserves; key statistics

Clementine Green, 5-4 sophomore libero

Key departures, key statistics

Alliyah Bryant, outside hitter; 76 kills, 24 aces

Ryleigh Passmore, outside hitter, 20 aces, 47 kills, 13 blocks

Eden Elliott, setter

Jayce Varnell, outside hitter; 21 kills, 26 aces, 30 digs

In its fifth season, Guy-Perkins made a trip to the Class 2A state tournament where it lost 3-0 to Piggott. Going into 2026, the Thunderbirds must replace four seniors. Despite the loss of experience, head coach Chip McDonald likes his team’s height, with Autumn Pierce standing 5-0 and Zoe Kussmaul standing 5-9, and leadership with two seniors in the lineup. However, he is concerned about depth, with Clementine Green being listed as the only reserve expected to see playing time. McDonald said the keys to success are staying healthy, players accepting their roles, and having a good work ethic.

COACH SAID: “I believe with enough work we can be a very competitive team in our conference and region. We have a lot of evenly matched teams in our conference and

region. It will be survival of the fittest to get to state.” — Guy-Perkins head coach Chip McDonald.

HECTOR

Head coach: Paige Day, two seasons (23-12)

2025 record/conference record: 15-7/7-5 2A-3 (now in 2A-4)

Postseason results: lost 3-1 to Hackett in the first round of 2A-North Regional

Projected starting lineup; key statistics

Aliza Keeling, 5-9 sophomore outside hitter

Anna Leavell, 5-8 junior middle blocker

Natalee Brock, 5-7 junior outside hitter

Sarena Myers, 5-5 junior setter

Addie Prince, 5-3 junior libero

Melody Mason, 5-2 sophomore libero

The Lady Wildcats don’t have a senior in the lineup and hope to win their first-round match in the regional tournament, which would earn them a trip to the state tournament. Head coach Paige Day said her team is young, but scrappy and has gained harder hitters and a defensive specialist. She is concerned about her team’s lack of height, with nobody over 5-9 and experience. She said the keys to success are working as a team and not getting down. She added that harder hitting and blocking will be the key this year. This year, Hector will be in the new 2A-4 Conference with Guy-Perkins, Marshall, Nemo Vista, Rose Bud, Conway St. Joseph, and South Side Bee Branch.

COACH SAID: “This is a new conference for us, so I’m unsure how we will be ranked, but I feel that we have grown and gotten stronger since last year, and the 2A is a very strong classification, and I am excited that we have a very challenging schedule and conference to make us better.” — Hector head coach Paige Day.

2A-6

ENGLAND

Head coach: Samantha Brewer, 16 seasons

2025 record/conference record: 14-8/8-4 2A-6

Postseason results: Lost 3-1 to Quitman in Class 2A first round

Projected starting lineup; key statistics

Felicity Harrison, 5-7 senior setter

Bianca Valencia, 5-5 senior defensive specialist

Kadence Brown, 5-8 senior 

McKensie Hamilton, 5-8 senior

Key departures; key statistics

Avery Edwards, middle blocker; 383 kills, 230 assists, 112 aces, 170 digs

One year after reaching the Class 2A state finals, England lost in the first round of the 2A state tournament. The Lady Lions have four seniors in the starting lineup, but head coach Samantha Brewer is concerned about depth, adding that her team many times has had to practice with five players and is looking to have some newcomers help out in practice. Despite the lack of depth, Brewer likes her seniors’ leadership.

2A-7

CUTTER MORNING STAR

Head coach: Gracie Chenowith, one season (9-13)

2025 record/conference record: 9-13/4-6 2A-5 (now in 2A-7)

Postseason results: lost 3-0 to Taylor in the first round of 3A South Regional

Projected starting lineup; key statistics

Baylee Ward, 5-6 junior setter; led team in assists

Kennedy Carpenter, 5-2 freshman setter

Maddie Dwyer, 5-10 junior middle blocker; One of top servers with 85% rating

Aaliyah Borra, 5-2 senior defensive specialist/outside hitter; Top server (94%) & leader in digs

Ellee Hood, 5-9 junior defensive specialist/outside hitter; All around utility player

Addie Hawthorn, 5-6 junior middle blocker

Key reserves; key statistics

Emoree Dobbs, 5-5 sophomore libero

Kaydence Miles, 5-1 sophomore right-side hitter

Kayleigh Mutter, 5-6 sophomore right-side hitter

Skyler Sharp, 5-7 senior right-side hitter

Key departures; statistics

Henley Post, middle blocker; Top Offensive Player/Most Kills

Layna Hawthorn, 5-8 senior opposite hitter/defensive specialist

Maggie McGlone, 5-9 right-side hitter/setter

Cutter Morning Star, which fell in the first round of the regional tournament, hopes to go a step farther, which would mean a trip to the state tournament. Head coach Gracie Chenowith likes her team’s energy, chemistry, scrappiness, aggressive defense, coachability, and setters. She is concerned about her team’s ability to finish close sets, limit unforced errors, and adjust to speed and tempo. She said the keys to success are consistent serving, serve-receive, communication, staying mentally tough, and trusting teammates.

COACH SAID: “This is a young group that is eager to get better and continue to improve team chemistry. They are hard workers who ask questions and want to learn more. In the conference, there are some new teams that are just starting their programs or getting into a conference and established competition from last year's conference.” — Cutter Morning Star head coach Gracie Chenowith.