Arkansas High School Rankings 3A

1. MAYFLOWER

Head coach: Monty Smith, fifth season

2025 record/conference record: 20-12-1/6-1 3A-4

Postseason results: lost 3-1 to Episcopal Collegiate in 3A quarterfinals

Projected starting lineup; key statistics

Jordan Fusilier, senior outside hitter; 319 kills

Chloe Whittington, senior setter; 1,003 assists

Patience Webb, 5-6 senior middle blocker/outside hitter/right-side hitter; injured in 2025, 175 kills, 39 blocks in 2024

Kayla Alexander, 5-9 senior middle blocker; 151 kills, 22 blocks

Bella Jackson, senior outside hitter/middle blocker/right-side hitter

Zoe Dawson, junior libero

Adah Matthews, junior right-side hitter/middle blocker; 65 kills

Key reserves; key statistics

Millee Gordon, sophomore outside hitter/right-side hitter

Adleigh Stewart, junior defensive specialist

Malia Davis, senior defensive specialist

Aalyah Surrett, sophomore defensive specialist

Key departures; key statistics

Miranda Leslie, libero; 664 digs, 85 aces, ArVCA All-Star

Lydia Matthews, outside hitter; 489 kills, ArVCA All-Star

Tori Malone, middle blocker; 207 kills

Sophie French, defensive specialist; 68 aces

Mayflower advanced to the quarterfinals of the 3A state tournament and has to replace two outstanding players: libero Miranda Leslie and outside hitter Lydia Matthews. However, Mayflower has plenty of talented players coming back, including outside hitter Jordan Fusilier, setter Chloe Whittington, middle blocker Patience Webb, who returns after missing the 2025 season with an injury, and middle blocker Kayla Alexander. Head coach Monty Smith likes his team’s offensive power and work ethic. He is concerned about having to use a lot of new players on defense. He said the team has a lot of potential and should be strong offensively. If the defense improves, he said the Lady Eagles have a chance to compete at a high level.

COACH SAID: “I think the top half of our conference is the strongest in 3A. I am excited about watching us grow as a team and the girls individually. I think we will be an exciting team to watch because of our versatility on offense, and by the end of the year we will be very strong defensively as well. I think the 3A classification will be a lot of fun to watch, and it could be several teams that fight for the top.” — Mayflower head coach Monty Smith.

2. CONWAY CHRISTIAN

Head coach: Kobie McKnight, third year

2025 record/conference record: 18-12/6-2 3A-5 (moves to 3A-4)

Postseason results: Lost 3-1 to Lavaca in first round of Class 3A North Regional

Projected starting lineup

Hannah Reed, middle blocker, 6-0 junior

Lacee Carver, middle blocker, 5-11 junior

Chezney Stone, right-side hitter, 5-7 senior

Millie Teague, setter, 5-5 junior

Mallory King, outside hitter, 5-8 senior

Cloie Davis, defensive specialist, 5-6 senior

Key reserves; key statistics

Camille Johnson, setter, 5-8, junior

Cameron Powell, defensive specialist, 5-6, senior

Maggie McKay, outside hitter, 5-9, sophomore

Hannah Swenson, defensive specialist, 5-4, junior

The Lady Eagles, who did not qualify for the state tournament a year ago, are hoping to return after losing in the regional tournament. They move from the 3A-5 to the 3A-4. Head coach Kobie McKnight likes the fact that she has three seniors and three juniors in her starting lineup, along with two juniors and one senior coming off the bench. She likes her team’s attitude and said they are driven to have a longer postseason stay. 

COACH SAID: “We got moved into a new conference this year, but have been playing non-conference games vs Episcopal and Central Arkansas Christian for the last couple of seasons. I believe this conference will be pretty competitive, and I am looking forward to watching our girls compete at a high level.” — Conway Christian head coach Kobie McKnight.

3. FOUNTAIN LAKE

Head coach: Tina Moore, 30 seasons (563-190)

2025 record/conference record: 23-6/10-2 4A-6 (moves to 3A-6)

Postseason results: lost 3-1 to Bauxite in 4A-South Regional Tournament

Projected starting lineup; key statistics

Aliyah McKellar, 5-9 senior setter; all-state

Ireland Kane, 5-7 senior opposite hitter; all-conference

Baylee Hedges, 5-8 senior outside hitter; all-conference

Kiley Williams, 5-6 senior middle hitter

Addy Blees, 5-5 junior libero

Kendal Gunnoe, 5-3 junior defensive specialist

Key reserves; key statistics

Kendal Gunnoe, 5-3 junior defensive specialist

Kassidy Wilhite, 5-4 junior setter

Heather King, 5-5 senior outside hitter

Alexis Culpepper, 5-7 sophomore outside hitter

Key departures; key statistics

Emma Lawhon, setter

Addison Moore, middle hitter

Sophia Wyatt, libero

After winning 23 matches a year ago and reaching the 4A-South Regional Tournament, Fountain Lake drops to Class 3A. Despite losing three starters from last year, the Lady Cobras return one all-state selection in setter Allyah McKellar and two all-conference selections in opposite hitter Ireland Kane and outside hitter Baylee Hedges. Head coach Tina Moore likes her team’s senior class and experience and said they will be the key to how far the Lady Cobras go this year.

4. PARIS

Head coach: Jerry Fulmer, two seasons (49-15-1)

2025 record/conference record: 21-10-1; 6-1 3A-5 (moves to 3A-1)

Postseason results: Lost 3-2 to Haskell Harmony Grove in 3A quarterfinals

Projected starting lineup; key statistics

Chloe Moore, 6-0 junior outside hitter

Addison Harrell, 5-9 junior outside hitter

Brooke Hice, 5-6 junior setter

Shaley Newman, 5-6 sophomore setter

Maddy Howard, 5-8 junior middle blocker

Adalyn Trusty, 6-0 sophomore middle blocker

Key reserves; key statistics

Beatrix Wells, 5-6 junior libero

Emma Tencleve, 5-6 sophomore libero

Ella Freeman, 5-8 sophomore right-side hitter

Key departures; key statistics

Ashton Ihle, outside hitter; 16.9 kills per match, .232 hitting pct.; all-state

Rowan Patterson, outside hitter; all-state

Abby Yarnell, setter; all-state honorable mention

After winning the Class 3A state title in 2024, the Lady Eagles, who had two returning starters from their state championship team in Rowan Patterson and Ashton Ihle, got off to a 4-9 start. They recovered to win 11 in a row before losing to Haskell Harmony Grove in the state quarterfinals, adding district tournament and regional tournament titles in the process. This year, the Lady Eagles have one returning starter in junior Chloe Moore. However, head coach Jerry Fulmer likes his team's scrappiness and serving. He is concerned about the lack of experience at the varsity level. Fulmer said the key to success is that the young players must gain experience during the summer camps.

COACH SAID: “We have a very young team; however, our junior class and sophomore class were really good in junior high, so we’re planning on having a very successful season. 3A volleyball in Arkansas has improved a tremendous amount over the past five years. This should be a fun one.” — Paris head coach Jerry Fulmer.

5. CROWLEY’S RIDGE ACADEMY

Head coach: Royce McMillon, 13 seasons

2025 record/conference record: 19-8/10-2 3A-3

Postseason results: Lost 3-0 to Mayflower in 3A first round

Projected starting lineup; key statistics

Tenley McMillon, 5-10 junior outside hitter; 359 kills, 380 digs, 26 blocks, 67 aces, All conference, All State, All-State Tournament team

Andee Eades, 5-8 senior middle blocker; 312 kills, 349 digs, 28 blocks, All conference, All State

Ryan Gramling, 5-5 senior setter; 450 assists, 57 aces, 197 digs, All-Conference

Lynnlea Morton, 5-6 sophomore right-side hitter/defensive specialist/15 kills, 66 digs

Eme Smith, 5-6 freshman outside hitter; all-conference in junior high

Emma Kate Campbell, 5-6 freshman middle blocker; all-conference in junior high

Key reserves; key statistics

Izzy Kate Branch, 5-4 freshman libero/defensive specialist; led junior high in digs as an eighth grader

Harper Hale, 5-6 sophomore utility; moved up as freshman; 8 blocks, 8 digs in 9 sets

Key departures; key statistics

Sofie Snow, outside hitter/right-side hitter; 69 kills, 32 aces, 192 digs

Kenslee Sheppard, setter/outside hitter; 97 kills, 136 digs, 247 assists, 28 aces, all-conference

Crowley’s Ridge Academy finished 10-2 in conference play and lost to Mayflower in the first round of the state tournament. The Falcons return Tenley McMillion and Andee Eades as their main outside and middle hitters, and Ryan Gramling returns as the setter. The Falcons have two freshmen in Eme Smith and Emma Kate Campbell, set to start at outside hitter and middle blocker, and have two freshmen in Izzy Kate Branch and Harper Hale coming off the bench. Head coach Royce McMillion said this is the youngest team he’s had at Crowley’s Ridge. He said the Falcons have to be good at communicating and forgetting mistakes. Despite the inexperience, he likes his team’s energy level and scrappiness. He said the keys to success are getting better in every practice and game, encouraging teammates every day, and staying patient when adversity strikes.

6. HARRISBURG

Head coach: Derek Falls, 2 seasons (43-12)

2025 record/conference record: 21-13-2/11-1 3A-4

Postseason results: Lost 3-1 to Mansfield in 3A Quarterfinals

Projected starting lineup; key statistics

Adalen Kocher, 5-9 senior outside hitter; injured in 2025

Cali Jo Heeb, 5-9 sophomore outside hitter; 171 kills, 277 digs, 64 aces, 2.01 serve-receive rating

Brae Faulkner, 5-6 senior setter/libero/defensive specialist; 

Sophia Moore, 5-10 junior setter

Addy Biggs, 5-9 senior middle blocker

Sonni Crews, 5-10 sophomore middle blocker

Key reserves; key statistics

Bella Morgan, 5-11 senior oppositie hitter

Camilla Spiegel, 5-6 senior defensive specialist

Emily Busby, 6-1 sophomore opposite hitter/middle blocker

Emelia Stonecipher, 5-8 sophomore opposite hitter/outside hitter

Key departures; key statistics

Cassie Carlson, outside hitter; 610 kills, 359 digs, 97 aces, 2.14 serve-receive rating, all-state, all-state tournament team, ArVCA all-star team

Laynie Casebier, middle blocker

Two years ago, Harrisburg went 27-2 and fell 3-1 to Mansfield in the quarterfinals. A year ago, the Lady Hornets, playing against a tough schedule that featured two tournaments in Spikefest and the Little Rock Christian Classic, which featured plenty of teams in higher classes, went 21-13-2 and fell to Mansfield in the quarterfinals again. Harrisburg spent most of the season without Adalen Kocher, who suffered an ankle injury. This year, Harrisburg returns her and sophomore Cali Jo Heeb, who stepped up after Kocher’s absence, but the Lady Hornets must replace Cassie Carlson, who had 1,075 kills and 614 digs the past two seasons.  Head coach Derek Falls likes his team’s experience and depth. He said Sophia Moore lacks experience at setter, but continues to improve. He said the keys to success are ball control.

COACH SAID: “Harrisburg gets a huge lift by getting Adalen back from injury and only loses two players. Several sophomores appear ready to step up and help the team. A very well-rounded team with depth.” — Harrisburg head coach Derek Falls.

7. EPISCOPAL COLLEGIATE

Head coach: Rebecca Niedźwiedź, first season

2025 record/conference record: 19-9/7-0 3A-4

Postseason results: lost 3-1 to Mansfield in Class 3A semifinals

Projected starting lineup; key statistics

Sadie Janes, 5-9 senior middle blocker/outside hitter

Lauren Fryar, 5-7 senior setter/right-side hitter

Taylor Prater, 5-6 junior libero/defensive specialist; 275 digs, 80 assists, 35 aces, all-conference

Layla Dement, 5-5 sophomore outside hitter/defensive specialist

Jillian Frazier, 5-8 sophomore outside hitter/right-side hitter

Ella Saoud, 5-5 junior setter/right-side hitter

Key reserves; key statistics

Lillian Franzetti, 5-4 sophomore defensive specialist/libero

Keers McMillian, 5-7 sophomore middle blocker

Jordyn Jones, 5-8 senior right-side hitter/middle blocker

Julia Khasawneh, 5-3 freshman defensive specialist/libero

Key departures; key statistics

Laney Marsh, setter/middle blocker; 320 kills, .208 hitting pct., 230 digs, all-state, all-state tournament team, all-star team, topped 1,000 kills during the season

Emma Schnackenberg, setter/right-side hitter; 560 assists, 170 digs, 90 kills, .288 hitting pct., all-state, all-state tournament team, topped 2,000 career assists, Rose Hulman (Ind.). signee

Elois Moore, 5-8 middle blocker/right-side hitter

Jules Johnson, outside hitter; 195 kills, .217 hitting pct., 170 digs, 55 aces, all-state

Madison Smith, defensive specialist/libero

The Lady Wildcats have reached the semifinals the past two seasons, losing to the eventual 3A champions Paris and Mansfield. This year, Episcopal has a new coach in Rebecca Niedźwiedź, who replaces Paige Gantar, who is now at Bryant. Niedźwiedź was an assistant at Pulaski Academy with Dani Moura in the 2022-2023 seasons. Niedzwiedz takes over a team that lost three all-state performers in Laney Marsh, Emma Schnackenberg and Jules Johnson. The Lady Wildcats' most experienced returnee is junior libero/defensive specialist Taylor Prater, an all-conference selection. Despite the amount of production to replace, Niedwiedz said her team is strong when it comes to serve-receive and getting to balls when out of system. She said the team’s blocking has to improve and the team needs to catch up to the speed when it comes to setting up blocks. She said her team needs to stay disciplined, despite fluctuations in the match. She said the keys to success are staying committed as a team, having good effort and energy, and being good teammates every day.

COACH SAID: “You can never fill those shoes. They helped the program get to where it is. It’s these girls turn to get it done and use it to their advantage.” — Episcopal Collegiate head coach Rebecca Niedźwiedź.

8. LAVACA

Head coach: Shannon Todaro, eighth season

2025 record/conference record: 17-13/10-4 3A-1

Postseason results: Lost 3-1 to Harding Academy in 3A quarterfinals

Projected starting lineup; key statistics

Presley Noel, 5-8 senior setter

Lexie Rogers, 5-9 senior outside hitter/defensive specialist

Bella Ward, 5-9 senior middle blocker

Aubree Hobbs, 5-9 senior right-side hitter

Haylee Muck, 5-7 junior outside hitter

Maggie Landis, 5-9 junior middle blocker

Key reserves; key statistics

Bracleigh Newbolt, 5-8 junior setter/right-side hitter

Myla Patterson, 5-5 junior libero

Karter Barton, 5-6 junior defensive specialist

Key departures; key statistics

Marlee Smith, outside hitter/6-rotation; all-state, all-state tournament team

Kami Erp, middle blocker; all-conference

Zoey Pope, libero; all-conference

After reaching the second round of the Class 3A state tournament a year ago, Lavaca brings back four starters: Presley Noel, Lexie Rogers, Bella Ward and Aubree Hobbs. Head coach Shannon Todaro likes her team’s senior leadership and ability to play offensively and defensively. She is concerned about shutting down the opposition’s attackers consistently and being able to put up a strong block. She said the keys to success are being able to pass well.

COACH SAID: ‘We have a very strong conference. Every match you have to be ready to compete at your team’s best. I am very excited to see what this team does this season.” — Lavaca head coach Shannon Todaro.

9. CENTRAL ARKANSAS CHRISTIAN

Head coach: Lynn Brown, nine seasons

2025 record/conference record:18-15/5-2 3A-4

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

Projected starting lineup; key statistics

Maddie Phillips, 5-7 senior middle blocker/right-side hitter; 144 kills, .234 hitting pct., 30 blocks, 19 aces, 61 digs, 22 assists

Alyssa Jansen, 5-4 senior libero/defensive specialist; 367 digs, 93 assists, 47 aces

Leighton DeVore, 5-10 junior middle blocker; 35 kills

Stella Gillespie, 5-7 sophomore setter/outside hitter

Olivia Patton, 5-6 sophomore outside hitter

Key reserves; key statistics

Brantlee McMillan, 5-4 sophomore libero/defensive specialist

Baylee Burnette, 5-7 senior outside hitter; 153 kills, 36 aces, 7 blocks, 60 digs

Key departures

Kayla Myers, outside hitter; 336 kills, 270 assists, 270 digs, 57 aces, 34 blocks, AVCA All-Star Team, 3A All-State Tournament Team, Texas Wesleyan signee

Calleigh Atcherson, outside hitter; 177 kills, 37 aces, 9 blocks, 228 digs

One year after reaching the Class 3A state finals, Central Arkansas Christian struggled to an 18-15 season that ended with a first-round loss to eventual champion Mansfield in the state tournament on its home floor. After graduating Kayla Myers and Calleigh Atcherson, the Lady Mustangs were hit with another blow when setter Mia Adams (487 assists, 107 kills, 76 aces, 11 blocks, 211 digs) was lost for the season with a torn ACL, which has forced head coach Lynn Brown to redo rotations. Despite the loss, Brown thinks her team is talented and has a good attitude to have a good season. Brown said the keys to success are developing trust, finding the right roles, and playing strong defense. 

COACH SAID: “We've had a great summer of practices and hard work to prepare us for the upcoming season! We have about the same number of athletes as last year, and a big sophomore class who came in ready to go and push everyone to be the best they can be. We're really excited to have a lot of players who can fill multiple different roles depending on the needs of our team and opponent. I think that will keep our competition on their toes and give us many different options for adjustments on the court. Our girls have had a great attitude about that movement and seem ready and willing to play whatever role the team needs.” — Central Arkansas Christian head coach Lynn Brown.

10. HOXIE

Head coach: Brandi Johns, four seasons (52-52)

2025 record/conference record: 12-12/6-6 3A-3

Postseason results:  Lost 3-1 to Bergman in 3A-East Regional

Projected starting lineup; key statistics

Dayla Davis, 5-2 junior libero; 263 digs

Maddison Light, 5-9 junior setter/outside hitter; 273 assists, 136 kills

Allie Thrasher, 5-9 junior middle blocker; 68 blocks, 125 kills

Addison Croom, 5-5 junior outside hitter/defensive specialist, 73 kills, 310 digs

Maddox Orrick, 5-6 junior setter

Bella Land, junior defensive specialist

Key reserves; key statistics

Piper Greer, junior setter/middle blocker, defensive specialist

Khloe Turner, junior middle blocker

Henzley Slusser, sophomore middle blocker

Key departures

Gracie Felton, setter/outside hitter; 778 career kills, 3-time all state

Hoxie, which was eliminated in the first round of the regional tournament, hopes to win its first-round game in the regional, which would allow the Lady Mustangs to earn a trip to the state tournament. Head coach Brandi Johns has four returning starters in Dayla Davis, Madison Light, Allie Thrasher, and Addison Croom. Johns likes her team’s athleticism, height, with Light and Thrasher standing 5-9, and defensive ability. She said the team in young in areas. She said the keys to success are developing strong hitters and blockers.

Disclaimer: Some information listed was provided through questionnaires received.

3A-1

LINCOLN

Head coach: Brittany Engel, 8 seasons (60-81)

2025 record/conference record: 13-14/6-10 3A-1

Postseason results: Did not qualify

Projected starting lineup; key statistics

Lauren Remington, 5-10 senior outside hitter; 253 kills, 25 blocks, 33 assists; 317 digs

Jacey Provence, 5-7 senior middle blocker; 27 aces, 30 kills, 42 blocks

Paisley Huffaker, 5-4 senior setter; 325 assists, 20 aces, 135 digs

Layla Hickerson, 5-7 sophomore middle blocker; led junior-high team in blocks, kills and aces

Joslynn Brown, 5-6 senior right-side hitter

Brooke Cockrell, 5-2 senior libero

Key reserves; key statistics

Aubrey McConnell, 5-5 senior outside hitter/setter

Lily Roy, 5-7 sophomore outside hitter

Ra Chal, 5-2 sophomore defensive specialist/libero

Olivia Bawi, 5-3 sophomore defensive specialist

Key departures; key statistics

Layni Birkes, outside hitter; 267 kills, 59 aces,20 blocks, 88 assists, 307 digs

Hannah Remington, outside hitter/setter; 234 kills, 263 assists, 250 digs, 59 aces, 15 blocks

Sophia Rothrock, libero; 368 digs, 54 assists, 23 aces

Lincoln, which lost to Conway Christian in the regional tournament in 2024, was knocked out in the district tournament by Providence Academy. Despite losing three productive players in Layni Birkes, Hannah Remington and Sophia Rothrock, head coach Brittany Engel said she has a cohesive group led by senior outside hitter Lauren Remington. “Most of these girls have played volleyball together since seventh grade and know each other and how each other plays really well. We don't give up on a play and give everything we have to get every ball up,” said Engel. Engel said that with a lot of new players in the lineup who lack varsity experience, she’s excited to see how this team comes together. She said the key to success is setting up its best hitters such as Remington, as much as possible. 

COACH SAID: “The 3A-1 conference is always full of great teams and great competition. Our girls are ready and willing to fight hard for that No. 1 spot!” — Lincoln head coach Brittany Engel.

3A-3

MANILA

Head coach: Jo Beth Webb, second season (10-9)

2025 record/conference record: 10-9/8-4 3A-3

Postseason results: Did not qualify

Projected starting lineup key statistics

Jordan LaRose, 5-2 junior setter; Averaged 1.6 aces, 10.9 assists, 10.3 digs per match

Harleigh McGuire, 5-7 junior outside hitter; Averaged 2.9 aces, 6.9 kills and 8.4 digs per match

Paityn Parsons, 5-7 senior right-side hitter

Allie Brawley, 5-9 sophomore middle blocker

Karleigh Neal, 5-8 junior middle blocker

Ciara Bruce, 5-7 sophomore outside hitter

Key reserves; key statistics

Kenya Shepard, 5-2 junior libero

Lyla Salomon, 5-0 sophomore defensive specialist

Key departures; key statistics

Madyson Deeds, middle blocker; Averaged 8.1 kills, 1.5 aces, 1.1 blocks and 5.6 digs per match

Kyleigh Havis, libero; Averaged 15.9 digs and a 2.4 rating in serve receive

Rowan Shanks, middle blocker/right-side hitter; Averaged 6.2 kills and .9 blocks per match

Eden Chipman, outside hitter; Averaged 1.4 aces, 2.5 rating in serve receive, 4 kills, and 10.8 digs per match

Jo Beth Webb enters her second year at Manila, hoping to get to the regional tournament. Webb said her team is coming along and is getting better when it comes to competing and scrapping. After losing seven seniors to graduation, Webb said the Lions are still trying to get into some new roles on the floor, but have made huge strides in the preseason finding new leaders. She said the keys to success are getting the starters to accept their roles and finding our new identity as a team.

COACH SAID: “The 3A conference has quite a bit of disparity across the board. Our 3A-3 division fared well in postseason last year, so we hope to continue that trend in the upcoming season.” — Manila head coach Jo Beth Webb.

WALNUT RIDGE

Head coach: Sarah Moore, five seasons

2025 record/conference record: 6-17/4-8 3A-3

Postseason results: lost 3-0 to Flippin in first round at the 3A-East Regional Tournament

Projected starting lineup, key statistics

Kaylee Deese, 5-5 sophomore; moved up for postseason, 35 digs in 5 matches; led junior-high team in digs - I consider her to be the best libero in this conference; she won the GOAT award at a Williams Baptist camp this summer.

Andi Davis, 5-6 sophomore; setter; moved up for postseason, 16 kills, 11 aces in 5 matches; led junior-high team in assists and aces s- JH team only lost two games.

Whitley White, 5-8 senior middle blocker, 5-7 senior; 114 kills, 261 digs

Cailyn Meyer, 5-5 sophomore outside hitter; Led junior-high team in kills, JH only lost 2 games last season.

Haylen Moore, setter, 5-5 senior; 164 assists, 148 digs, 41 aces; third-year starting setter - second in digs, and aces last season

Langley Austin, 6-0 junior middle blocker; 81 blocks; led team in blocks and almost beat the school record for blocks in a single season

Key reserves, key statistics

Mallory Moore, 5-8 senior outside hitter/defensive specialist; Led team in kills and digs; also expected to start

Marlee Lady, 5-8 senior right-side hitter 62 kills, 23 blocks; led team in kills and digs, had the second most blocks last season, and the second-best hitting percentage

Bree Hudson, 5-7 senior middle blocker/right-side hitter

Ryleigh Reid, 5-9 sophomore middle blocker

Sloane Cain, 5-4 sophomore middle blocker

Catelyn Sanders, 5-3 sophomore defensive specialist

Hayden Black, junior defensive specialist

A year ago, Walnut Ridge made it to the regional tournament where it lost to Flippin. Head coach Sarah Moore likes her team’s defensive ability, especially libero Kaylee Deese, who she said “is everywhere on the floor” and the support from defensive specialists and blockers. She also likes her team’s service game led by Andi Davis, Mallory Moore and Haylen Moore. Moore said her team is young, with six sophomores expected to see playing time. She said her team has to overcome a lack of size, with Langley Austin being the only player who stands 6-0. She said the keys to success are winning the serve-receive battle, making the opposition earn their points, and playing for each other.

COACH SAID: “Last year did not meet our standards, although we ended up making it to regionals - this year our goal is to make it to state. We are a young team, but they play FOR each other, and I love our energy, and our defensive play.” — Walnut Ridge head coach Sarah Moore.

3A-5

CLINTON

Head coach: Rachel Ballard, first season

2025 record/conference record: 2-15, 0-10 4A-2 (dropping to 3A-5)

Postseason results: Did not qualify

Projected starting lineup; key statistics

Kaylee Cassell, 5-5 junior setter

Vanesa Hunt, 5-9 junior outside hitter

Alexis Williams, 5-6 sophomore outside hitter/defensive specialist

Emma Smith, 5-7 sophomore middle blocker

Avionnah McDaniel, 5-5 sophomore defensive specialist/setter

Peyton Hoyle, 5-3 senior libero

Key reserves; key statistics

Chloe Hudson, 5-10 senior middle blocker

McKenzie Graham, 5-7 sophomore outside hitter/6-rotation

Kallie Keith, 5-7 junior defensive specialist

Addison Balentine, 5-4 senior defensive specialist

Kenzie Kennair, 5-10 senior middle blocker

Peyton Hoyle, 5-3 senior libero

Hailey Hendrix, outside hitter

A year ago, the Clinton Yellowjackets went 2-15 under Jace Powers. Rachel Ballard, a former head coach at Marshall, is now the new coach. Ballard has a young team with three sophomores in the lineup, but likes its attitude, energy, and resilience. She said her team needs to learn how to develop its communication. She said the keys to success are developing mental toughness and working as a team.

COACH SAID: “We are excited to compete at a high level in our conference this year with several other talented high school programs.” — Clinton head coach Rachel Ballard.

LAMAR

Head coach: Megan Brown, five seasons

2025 record/conference record: 12-9/3-5 3A-5

Postseason results: Did not qualify

Projected starting lineup; key statistics

Phoenix Sanders, 5-6 junior outside hitter; 211 kills, 142 digs, 19 kill/match

Cassey Garcia, 5-5 junior setter; moving up from JV

Ashlyn Hays, 5-7 junior middle blocker; moving up from JV

Brianna Bush, 5-8 freshman outside hitter

Nevaeh Danver, 5-4 senior opposite hitter; 29 aces

Lizzy Walker, 5-6 senior middle blocker; 71 kills

Key reserves; key statistics

Kayden Blackburn, 5-7 senior opposite hitter/defensive specialist

Emma Bolduc, 5-5 junior libero; 275 digs, 32 aces

Key departures; key statistics

Addie Hardin, setter; 57 Aces, 96.6 pct. Serving, 119 digs

Peyton Dlugosh, middle blocker; 63 kills, 35 blocks

Lamar, which missed qualifying for the regional tournament with a loss to Dover, hopes to advance further in October. The Lady Indians are led by junior Phoenix Sanders and libero Emma Bolduc. Head coach Megan Brown said her team is scrappy, has a great serve-receive game, and a desire to win and take the program to places where it hasn’t been. She said inexperience is a concern with inexperience in some places and that the program has been in existence for five years. She said the keys to success are staying healthy, playing together, and focusing on the next point.

3A-6

GENOA CENTRAL

Head coach: Kynli Holder, first season

2025 record/conference record: first-year program, Conference affiliation 3A-6

Postseason results: N/A

Projected starting lineup

Kenzie Burris, junior libero

Rylee Fike, senior outside hitter

Adilyn Jones, freshman setter

Sara Spakes, freshman defensive specialist/hitter

Lakyn Muhl, junior middle blocker

Piper Neal, senior setter/opposite hitter

Genoa Central is starting volleyball under Kynli Holder, who previously coached at Ashdown, where the Panthers went 6-9 in 2025 and advanced to the 3A-South regional tournament. Holder likes the way her team approaches the game. She likes the athleticism and the fact that they have a hunger to improve.  “They respond to coaching with enthusiasm, embrace challenges, and refuse to settle for yesterday’s level of play. In just a few weeks, they have built a culture of accountability, resilience, and continuous growth that will define the future of our program,” said Holder. Because Genoa Central is a first-year program, she said developing a volleyball IQ, communication under pressure, and developing consistency are going to take time. "Every practice and match provides an opportunity to gain experience and continue building a strong foundation for the future,” said Holder. Holder said the keys to success are developing coaching ability and communication. “Great teams are built by athletes who are willing to learn, make adjustments, and hold themselves and their teammates accountable. As we continue to develop as a first-year program, these qualities will strengthen our confidence, improve our execution, and lay the foundation for sustained success,” said Holder.

COACH SAID: “As we begin the inaugural season of Genoa Volleyball, our focus extends beyond wins and losses. We are committed to building a program founded on character, accountability, teamwork, and a relentless pursuit of improvement. Our athletes have embraced the challenge of creating something new, and their dedication, work ethic, and enthusiasm have established a strong foundation for the future of our program.” — Genoa Central head coach Kynli Holder.

OUACHITA COUNTY HARMONY GROVE 

Head coach: Scott Adkins, five seasons (6-30)

2025 record/conference record: 2-16/1-9 3A-6

Postseason results: Did not qualify

Projected starting lineup; key statistics

Ruby June Adkins, outside hitter, 5-9 junior; all-conference

Cadie Belle Givens, setter/defensive specialist, 5-5 senior

Jasmine Givens, right-side hitter/middle blocker, 5-11 senior

Julia Knight, libero, 5-6 senior; 252 digs, all-conference selection

Isabella McDonald, outside hitter, 5-9 senior, all-conference selection

Jacey Wright, defensive specialist/setter, 5-3 junior

Key reserves

Kelsey Fogle, right-side hitter/middle blocker, 5-9 junior; all-conference selection

Peyton Horstkamp, defensive specialist, 5-6 junior

Jasmine McClane, libero/defensive specialist, 5-5 sophomore

Madison Valencia, middle blocker, 5-8 senior; missed most of the 2025 season due to injury

Key departures

Danni Claire Adkins, outside hitter/defensive specialist, all-conference selection, team MVP, committed to Central Maine CC

The Lady Hornets return most of their roster and are expecting offensive growth from Jasmine Givens, Ruby Jane Adkins and Isabella McDonald. Head coach Scott Adkins expects better defense and depth from Jasmine McClane, Peyton Horstkamp, and Jacey Wright. Adkins said the big issue is replacing production from Danni Claire Adkins and getting production from its setters. He said the key is showing improvement offensively and playing strong defensively, and having the setters develop. Serving under pressure, improved ball control, and senior leadership will be critical, said Adkins. 

COACH SAID: “With nearly the entire roster returning and several players already carrying meaningful varsity experience, Harmony Grove enters 2026 in a much stronger position than the overall record from 2025 may initially suggest. The program is still young, but this roster has more continuity, more varsity experience, and more defensive stability than the previous season. The challenge will be continuing to improve offensively and mentally in pressure situations.” — Harmony Grove head coach Scott Adkins.