Arkansas High School Rankings 6A

In July, 6A schools voted down a proposal 10-7 at the Arkansas Activities Association’s governing body meeting that would allow the 6A West to have seven schools qualify for the state tournament and five for the 6A Central, since the West has 10 members to the Central’s seven.

The addition of Shiloh Christian to the West because of the AAA’s Competitive Equity rule for private schools creates the disparity.

Based on the Arkansas Volleyball Network’s preseason rankings, there are seven teams from the West ranked in the top 10, which means a good team from that conference will not qualify for the state tournament.

Fayetteville, which won four state championships from 2000-2003 and has played in five of the past six state finals, is the year’s preseason No. 1 with new coach Kele Luigs. Bentonville and Cabot, which were ranked No. 1 in every poll last year, except the final one, are second and third. Conway, which has won the past two state championships, is third.

Here are the Arkansas Volleyball Network’s Class 6A rankings.

*Last updated 8/20/26*

1. FAYETTEVILLE

Head coach: Kele Luigs, first year

2025 record/conference record: 25-6/14-2 6A-West

Postseason results: Lost 3-1 to Conway in 6A state championship

Projected starting lineup; key statistics

Molly Miller, 5-11 junior setter; 662 assists, 177 kills; all-state/all-state tournament, Duke commitment

Kenzy Hogue, 6-2 junior middle blocker; 261 kills, 363 hitting percentage/86 blocks. All-State, George Mason commitment

Ivy Kirkconnell, 6-1 sophomore outside hitter; 151 kills; 26 blocks; 52 digs

Lyla Blagg, 5-6 junior libero/defensive specialist; 304 digs, 387 receptions

Eva McPike, 5-6 senior libero/defensive specialist; 241 digs, 278 receptions

Lydia Washington, 6-1 sophomore middle blocker; 20 kills, 11 blocks

Key reserves; key statistics

Avah Brown, 6-2 junior right-side hitter; 247 kills, Rogers transfer, Old Dominion commitment Katie Gaines, 5-9 sophomore outside hitter Riglee Thomas, 5-6 senior libero/defensive specialist Cora Cox, 6-2 senior right-side hitter/outside hitter.

Key departures; key statistics

Piper Batie, outside hitter; Missouri signee Lauren Taylor, outside hitter/right-side hitter; Arkansas Tech signee Bella Street, middle blocker.

The 2026 season marks the start of a new era as Kele Luigs replaces Jessica Phelan, who won eight state titles in 22 seasons. Luigs inherits a team with four returning starters from a team that played in the state finals for the fifth time in six years, but must replace Piper Batie, who signed with Missouri and Lauren Taylor, now at Arkansas Tech. Luigs, a former Razorback player, who was previously an assistant at Fayetteville, said the team has experience, a talented setter in Molly Miller and is hungry to win its first state tile since 2023. Fayetteville also added Rogers transfer Avah Brown. Luigs said the Lady Bulldogs will have to develop consistency in the lineup over the summer and the key to success is first-ball contact which will allow them to run a fast tempo.

COACH SAID: “We return a strong group of players with state tournament championship

experience who are hungry to prove themselves in the always competitive 6A. We know we’ll need to show up ready to play every night.” — Fayetteville head coach Kele Luigs.

2. BENTONVILLE

Head coach: Hannah Berry, 2 seasons (56-13)

2025 record/conference record: 31-4 (15-1 6A-West)

Postseason results: lost 3-1 to Conway in 6A semifinals

Projected starting lineup; key statistics

Evie Venters, 6-1 senior middle blocker; .307 hitting pct., 323 kills, 97 Total Blocks, 52 Aces, All-State; Arkansas commitment

Tristen Hamilton, 5-9 junior 6-rotation/outside hitter;  .218 Hitting pct., 369 Kills, 317 Digs, 37 Aces, 26 Total Blocks, All-State.

Kennedy Baber, 5-8 junior libero; 284 Digs, 234 Kills, 23 Total Blocks, 27 Aces, All Conference

Avery Jo McDonald, 5-11 senior setter; 91 Kills, .221 Hitting pct., 50 Total Blocks, All-Conference

Ella Dryer, 5-8 junior outside hitter; .269 Hitting pct., 23 Kills

Averi Wessel, 5-8 junior right-side hitter

Key reserves; key statistics

Zoee Miller, 5-10 senior middle blocker/right-side hitter

Arai Alleman, 5-8 junior setter

Kenna Dorey, 5-9 senior defensive specialist/libero

Key departures; key statistics

Ady Bollinger, libero; 470 Digs, 116 Assists, 404 Receptions, All-State; George Mason signee

Elizabeth Dorey, setter; 524 Assists, 221 Digs, 52 Kills, All-Conference Kylah Manthe, setter; 459 Assists, 162 Digs, 45 Aces, 20 Kills, All Conference Shaylee Howard, middle blocker; right-side hitter; 50 Kills, .134 Hit%, 37 Total Blocks, (Only played in 56 Sets) All State Tournament Anna Nikolish, right-side hitter; 92 Kills, .182 Hit%, 44 total Blocks, All conference.

The Lady Tigers closed the 2024 season winning 17 of their last 19 matches before falling to Conway in the state finals. In 2025, they were preseason No. 1 and won the 6A-West before falling to the Wampus Cats in the state semifinals. This season, they have four players back, who saw significant playing time a year ago, but must replace their libero and both setters. Head coach Hannah Berry likes the returnees and said her team has good ball control. She said her team must develop chemistry. She said her team must speed up the offense to beat the opposition’s block, serve tough and get teams out of system.

COACH SAID: “Every year it is a toss-up to see who is going to finish at the top of the

conference and the state. I have loved watching Arkansas volleyball grow in just

the last four years that I have been here and there are some really great players and teams in our state. I am really excited for another great season of competitive volleyball!.” — Bentonville head coach Hannah Berry.

3. CABOT

Head coach: Anna Robertson, 7 seasons (142-68)

2025 record/conference record: 31-3/12-0 6A-Central

Postseason results: lost 3-1 to Fayetteville in Class 6A semifinals

Projected starting lineup; key statistics

Olivia Ambeau, 6-0 junior setter/opposite hitter; 35 aces, 314 kills, .262 hitting pct., 408 assists, 81 blocks

Izzie Duncan, 5-10 senior middle hitter; 211 kills, .335 hitting pct., 104 blocks

Alexa Robertson, 5-6 senior; 6-rotation/outside hitter; 29 aces, 169 kills, team leader in passing pct., 256 digs

Brylee Passmore, 5-6 senior opposite/outside hitter; 97 kills, 23 blocks, 58 digs

Whitney Shepherd, 5-5 junior libero; 27 aces, 32 assists, 296 digs

Payton Styles, 5-2 senior setter; 27 aces, 207 assists

Key reserves; key statistics

Addison Adair, 5-11 senior middle hitter; 24 blocks, 67 kills

Mariah Bunn, 5-1 senior libero; 242 digs, 46 assists

Gracelyn Edrington, 5-8 junior middle hitter

Kiaya Pixley, 5-9 sophomore outside hitter/setter

Key departures, key statistics

Mecate Marsh, setter; 590 assists, 23 kills, 36 aces, 171 digs Madilyn Lenox, middle hitter; 228 kills, 60 blocks, 15 digs, 8 assists Candela Saz Price, outside hitter; 191 kills, 11 aces, 32 blocks, 175 digs, 19 aces.

A year ago, Cabot took two of three matches from Bentonville, defeating the Lady Tigers at the Little Rock Christian Invitational to win the championship and take over No. 1 in a state-wide poll in Class 6A. Cabot also defeated state champion Conway three times, including twice in 6A Conference play before falling to Fayetteville in the state semifinals. The Lady Panthers lose a great setter in Mecate Marsh, middle hitter in Madilyn Lenox and outside hitter in Candela Saz Price, but return plenty of talent. Head coach Anna Robertson said her team should be strong offensively with returnees Izzie Duncan and Olivia Ambeau. She said the defense and ball control should be stout with returnees Alexa Robertson, Whitney Shepherd, and Mariah Bunn. “We can outlast in long rallies and will be tough to score against. We have established a winning competitive culture and will have several players ready to step into roles from last year,” said Robertson. She is concerned about replacing Marsh and Lennox and being undersized compared to the opposition. She said Cabot will have to focus on providing a good front line of defense at the net as well as having hitters being able to terminate. Passing and serve receive are always keys for success, said Robertson.

COACH SAID: “I love the chemistry of this group. Our veterans are stepping into massive leadership roles, and our younger girls are ready to prove themselves in a tough 6A Central.” — Cabot head coach Anna Robertson.

4. CONWAY

Head coach: Laura Crow, 24 seasons (605-138)

2025 Record/Conference record: 30-5/10-2 6A-Central

Postseason results: Class 6A state champions

Projected starting lineup; key statistics

Ella Orahood, 5-5 senior setter

Addy Swindle, 5-7 senior outside hitter

Addi Connell, 5-10 senior middle blocker; 72 kills, 32 blocks, 12 digs

Kate Tallent, 5-9 senior right-side hitter; 42 kills, 32 blocks

Paisley Porter, 6-0 junior outside hitter; 32 kills, 6 blocks

Lauren Pouncy, 5-6 senior middle blocker

Braylin Merritt, 5-3 senior libero; 308 digs, 35 aces, 61 assists

Key reserves; key statistics

Braylee Lightfoot, 5-8 senior setter

Avery Rouseel, 6-0 junior middle blocker/right-side hitter

Kya Stewart, 5-4 senior defensive specialist; missed last season with labral tear

Emmy Booy, 5-10 freshman outside hitter

Laney Orahood, 5-4 freshman defensive specialist

Key departures; key statistics

Wren Jones, outside hitter; 543 kills (school record), Evansville signee, 6A State Tournament MVP, Natural State Sports Network, Gatorade, Max Preps Arkansas Player of the Year

London Cabantac, setter; 802 assists, 47 aces, 260 digs

Sylvia King, middle blocker; 214 kills, 91 blocks, 30 aces

Anna Smith, outside hitter; 285 kills, 19 blocks

The Lady Cats didn’t win the 6A-Central for the first time since 2020, but won their second consecutive state championship and appeared in the finals for the third consecutive year. Head coach Laura Crow likes her team’s work ethic in the offseason and likes the skill level of her roster, despite the loss of four starters, including Wren Jones, who was named player of the year by several media outlets. She also likes the versatility they possess. She said the team has a good level of ball control to stay within the system. Crow is concerned about having to replace four starters, some of whom have played in three state championship games, and is counting on several players who had experience at the junior-varsity level to fill those roles. In addition, two freshmen — Emmy Booy and Laney Orahood — could see playing time. Crow said the keys to success are adjusting quickly to the faster pace of the game, staying resilient and pushing to get better early on executing attacks and picking up the pace on blocks.

COACH SAID: “We are very excited about the 2026 season. Our athletes have been working hard to be stronger in the weight room, jump higher, and learn how to be ready mentally for the challenge of playing on the varsity court. We will attend some camps this summer to put them into some pressure situations before the actual season starts. Our plans are to analyze game film and grow their skills in practices to help them grow and be ready to play.” — Conway head coach Laura Crow.

5. BENTONVILLE WEST

Head coach: Brittney Davis, 2 seasons (40-27)

2025 record/conference record: 21-12/9-7 6A-West

Postseason results: lost 3-1 to Bentonville in 6A quarterfinals

Projected starting lineup; key statistics

Audrey Calva, 5-10 senior outside hitter; 443 kills, .259 hitting pct., 54 aces, 30 blocks, 268 digs, 23 aces, all-state, AVCA Phenom Watchlist

Claire Schofield, 5-11 senior outside hitter; 302 kills, 16 aces, 106 digs, 162 assists, all conference

Noelle Hammond, 5-10 junior middle hitter; 35 kills, 8 aces, 22 blocks, 19 digs, 4 assists

Claire Hammond, 5-10 sophomore right-side hitter; 92 kills, 3 aces, 35 blocks, 30 digs, 2 assists

Olivia Hamm, 5-8 junior setter; 435 assists, 145 digs, 20 aces

Emma Thompson, 5-10 sophomore middle blocker; 4 kills, 2 blocks

Key reserves; key statistics

AK Davis, 5-9 sophomore outside hitter; Rogers transfer, 138 kills

Elin Neal, 5-8 sophomore setter; Bentonville transfer

Key departures; key statistics

Addi Thurber, outside hitter; 285 kills, 21 blocks, 252 digs, 27 aces, all-conference

Briana Gibson, outside hitter; 134 kills, 53 blocks, 37 digs, 13 assists

Lacey Chilton, libero; 497 digs, 37 aces

A year ago, the Lady Wolverines handed Bentonville its only loss in conference play. They also defeated No. 1 Cabot at the Conway Lady Cat Invitational. Bentonville West knocked off Jonesboro 3-0 in the first round of the state tournament before falling to Bentonville in the quarterfinals. Bentonville West returns one of the best players in the state, Audrey Calva, and has two other returning seniors in Claire Schofield and Olivia Hamm, and a returning junior, Noelle Hammond. 

6. SHILOH CHRISTIAN

Head coach: Cassie Loyd, first season

2025 record/conference record: 21-15-1/10-4 5A-West (moves to 6A-West)

Postseason results: lost 3-0 to Farmington in Class 5A semifinals

Projected starting lineup; key statistics

Caroline Stallbaumer, 6-2 junior middle blocker; 302 kills, .306 hitting pct., 75 blocks, all-state, all-state tournament, AVCA Phenom, Arkansas commitment

Bristol Bonanno, 5-3 sophomore libero; 627 digs, 43 aces, 63 assists, all-state tournament, AVCA Phenom

Harper Davie, 6-0 sophomore setter/right-side hitter; 187 kills, 43 blocks, 7 aces, all-conference, AVCA Phenom

Micah Unger, 5-6 sophomore setter; 524 assists, 145 digs, 49 aces

Anna McDowell, 5-9 sophomore right-side hitter

Faith Fulfer, 5-10 senior outside hitter; 75 kills, .130 hitting pct., 29 blocks, 39 digs

Key reserves; key statistics

Lily Cox, 5-9 senior outside hitter/defensive specialist; 118 kills, 66 aces, 13 blocks, 106 digs

Hadley Carnes, 6-0 senior middle blocker

Key departures; key statistics

Chloe Blessing; 465 kills, .235 hitting pct., 28 aces, 489 digs, 54 blocks all-state, AVCA Best and Brightest, AVCA All-Region

Despite losing five starters from a team that won the Class 5A state championship in 2025, the Lady Saints took their lumps against a tough schedule and finished 10-4 in the 5A-West and made it back to the semifinals, where they lost to state runner-up Farmington. This year, the Lady Saints move up to 6A because of the Arkansas Activities Association’s competitive equity rule and have a new coach in Cassie Loyd, who moves from Springdale Har-Ber to replace Nathan Bodenstien, who stepped down. The Lady Saints have plenty of returning experience in Caroline Stallbaumer, Bristol Bonanno, Harper Davie, and Micah Unger, who played as freshmen and sophomores. However, they are now playing in 6A, and Loyd said her team must get adjusted to a new system and play fast. She said the key is to develop team chemistry, have grit and competitiveness, and have a strong serve and receive.

COACH SAID: “We’re new to the 6A, and I have been so happy with the competitiveness and grit in the gym. The passion for the game and love for each other shines through when this group is together. We are still young, but we are experienced, and I am excited to see what they are capable of this season!” — Shiloh Christian head coach Cassie Loyd

7. FORT SMITH SOUTHSIDE

Head coach: Nathalie Throneberry, seven seasons (177-50-5)

2025 record/conference record: 22-9-1/10-6 6A-West

Postseason results: Lost 3-1 to Conway in 6A quarterfinals

Projected starting lineup; key statistics

Rachel Settle, 5-9 senior outside hitter/middle blocker; all-conference, 244 kills, 3 blocks, 31 digs

Leighton Cross, 5-8 junior outside hitter; all-conference, 227 kills, 45 aces, 21 blocks, 236 digs

Addison Tharnish, 6-2 right-side hitter; 180 kills (highest by any freshman at Southside), .209 hitting pct., 61 blocks

Aniya Morris, 5-9 junior middle blocker; 188 kills, 90 blocks, 14 digs

Hayden McCain, 5-7 junior setter; 348 assists, 15 kills

Harper Hogue, 5-6 senior defensive specialist; 164 digs, 16 aces, 5 assists

Key reserves

Layla Moses, 5-4 senior setter; transferred in from Houston, Texas; Piedmont University (Ga.) commitment

Emily Butler, 5-9 senior middle blocker; 126 kills, 45 blocks, 26 aces, 32 digs

Julissa Parga, 5-0 sophomore defensive specialist

Ava Edwards, 5-7 senior defensive specialist/outside hitter

Addie Follis, 5-5 junior defensive specialist

Key departures

Julia Suggs, setter; 501 assists, 33 kills, 18 aces, 255 digs

Ella Shelby, libero; 506 digs, 46 aces

Kinsley Harrison, right-side hitter

The Lady Mavericks’ 5-year streak of reaching the semifinals came to an end a year with a loss to eventual state champion Conway in the quarterfinals. Head coach Natalie Throneberry hopes her team can make a long tournament run and has a team with seven players who started or saw significant playing time a year ago. “We saw that pay off a really competitive, loud and scrappy off-season. This group is focused, but also knows how to have fun,” said Throneberry. Throneberry is looking to see who takes on leadership roles and wants her team to have good communication on the court. “If we can lean into new roles and continue to push each other to be the best version of ourselves, this team will continue to set goals and reach them,” said Throneberry

COACH SAID “It's time for my yearly quote! In the 6A West, anything can happen! It's going to

be a really fun, competitive year. 6A-West conference in the state of Arkansas continues to have such great athletes and well-coached teams. It's going to be a great year of volleyball in the state of Arkansas!” — Fort Smith Southside head coach Natalie Throneberry

8. SPRINGDALE HAR-BER

Head coach: Sophie Simmons, first year

2025 record/conference record: 19-13/9-7 6A-West

Postseason results: Lost 3-1 to Cabot in Class 6A quarterfinals

Projected starting lineup; key statistics

Beaux Cameron, 5-10 sophomore outside hitter; 288 kills, .264 hitting pct., 75 digs, 23 blocks, all-conference

Leighton Keyes, 5-9 senior outside hitter/opposite hitter/middle blocker; 278 kills, 22 blocks, 272 digs

Reese Davis, 5-9 senior setter; 692 assists, 2.7 digs per set

Blakeley Pryor, 5-9 junior setter/right-side hitter; 228 kills. 203 hitting pct., 247 digs, 32 blocks, 39 aces

Joely Tankersley, 5-4 senior libero; 375 digs, 3.7 digs per set

Jenna Pangburn, 6-0 senior middle blocker; 24 kills, 25 blocks

Key reserves; key statistics

Emory Bertrand, 5-10 junior right-side hitter/setter; 100 assists, .345 hitting pct., 1.4 kills per set

Maya Sargent, freshman libero/defensive specialist

Kennedy Johnson, 5-10 sophomore middle blocker/opposite hitter

Lakin Harris, 5-10 sophomore middle blocker/opposite hitter

Key departures; key statistics

Madi Bryant, middle blocker; 57 blocks. .295 hitting pct., all-state, all-state tournament team, all-star team. Wendy Chinglong, middle blocker; 88 kills, 37 blocks.

Springdale Har-Ber, which reached the state finals in 2021 and hasn’t advanced past the quarterfinals since then, has a new coach in Sophie Simmons, who comes over after being an assistant at Bentonville. She replaces Cassie Loyd, who is now the head coach at Shiloh Christian. Simmons said her team is strong with its pin hitters and defense. She said the team’s middle blockers need some work. She said the keys to success are displaying grit, using all the tools with its hitters, going after the free balls, and establishing a tempo.

9. FORT SMITH NORTHSIDE

Head coach: Matthew Waack, 11th season (174-151)

2025 record/conference record: 18-18/6-10 6A-West

Postseason results: Did not qualify

Projected starting lineup, key statistics

Paisley Hogan, 6-2 sophomore outside hitter; 289 kills, .324 hitting pct., 50 blocks, 97 digs

Jalliyah Freeman, 6-0 junior right-side hitter/setter; 272 kills, .251 hitting pct., 63 blocks, 239 digs, 303 assists, 40 aces

Eden Fields, 5-2 senior libero; 532 digs, 545 receptions

Rylee Cofey, 5-8 junior outside hitter; 206 kills, .157 hitting pct., 76 digs

Kamdyn Fleming, 5-5 senior setter; 568 assists, 212 digs, 35 aces

Averi Childers, middle blocker, 6-0 senior

Key reserves

Taleah Watson, middle blocker, 6-0 junior

Mia Meadors, right-side hitter/setter, 5-9 sophomore

Morgan Sanger, outside hitter, 5-8 junior

Sophia Kindrick, setter, 5-6 junior

Key departures, key statistics

Caroline McKinney, right-side hitter; 276 kills, 54 blocks, 83 digs

The Lady Bears missed the state tournament when Rogers knocked off Fort Smith Southside and beat Springdale to get the last spot from the 6A-West while Northside lost to Fayetteville in the regular-season finale. Head coach Matthew Waack likes having five returning starters back and said the team is hungry to get back to the state tournament, even with the conference expanding to 10 teams with the addition of Shiloh Christian, which moves up due to the Arkansas Activities Association’s competitive equity rule for private schools. Waack likes his team’s depth, but needs to build chemistry and be more consistent offensively and defensively. 

COACH SAID: “That last match left me with a chip on the shoulder. We played hard and deserved a shot to go. The seniors want to go; juniors haven’t been. Hosting the state tournament, we want to get there. There’s 10 of us, and we’ve seen a bunch of them. We know there’s no room for nights off.” — Fort Smith Northside head coach Matthew Waack

10. LITTLE ROCK CENTRAL

Head coach: Markie Alberius six seasons (92-49)

2025 record/conference record: 20-8, 8-4 6A-Central

Postseason results: lost 3-2 to Fayetteville, Class 6A quarterfinals

Projected starting lineup; key statistics

Makylah Davis, 6-2 junior middle blocker; .250 hitting pct., 3.2 blocks per set, Alabama commitment

McKenzie Coleman, 5-5 junior outside hitter/defensive specialist; 2 serve receive rating, averages 4 kills per set

Madelyn Sledge, 5-0 junior libero/defensive specialist; 11.3 digs per set, 93 pct., serve rating

Ryan Hampton, 6-0 junior middle blocker; .150 hitting pct., 2 blocks per set

Kinley Morrow, 5-1 senior setter; .410 assist, 2.6 digs per set

Key departures; key statistics

Jaxon Jersey, outside hitter; 289 kills, .254 hitting pct., 41 aces, 18 blocks, 227 digs, all-state, ArVCA all-star selection Henderson State signee

Sydney Crowder, setter; 496 assists, 147 digs, 26 blocks, 35 aces, all-conference, all-state tournament, Georgia State signee

Ava Fugitt, right-side hitter; .240 hitting pct., 2 blocks per set, Washington and Lee signee

Lydia Warrior, defensive specialist; 5.1 digs per set, 1.8 SR rating; Arkansas-Fort Smith signee

A year ago, the Little Rock Central Lady Tigers lost to the premier teams in the state. Central lost to Bentonville in the Little Rock Christian Academy Classic; they lost two 5-set matches to Cabo; they fell twice to Conway, (with one going five sets); they lost to Bentonville West in the Conway Lady Cat Invitational and to Fayetteville in the state quarterfinals. Central lost a great senior class that saw four seniors sign college scholarships. Despite the losses, head coach Markie Alberius said her team has good chemistry, but must find a way to overcome that loss of experience. She said the keys to success are gaining experience for younger players to enjoying and feeling the pressure from previous years. 

COACH SAID: “Central will be a threat to other teams in the conference, as we have been for the last several years. We will be a contender for the state title. 6A volleyball is a powerhouse and we will have to work hard to compete, but we are ready to do so.” — Little Rock Central head coach Markie Alberius

Disclaimer: Some information listed was provided through questionnaires received.

6A CENTRAL

BRYANT

Head coach: Paige Gantar, first season

2025 record/conference record: 9-20-3/4-8 6A-Central

Postseason results: Lost 3-1 to Springdale Har-Ber in 6A first round

Projected starting lineup; key statistics

Taylor Lease, 6-0 senior middle blocker; 210 kills, 47 aces, .182 hitting pct., Rhodes College commitment

Brinkley Gigerich, 6-0 sophomore outside hitter; Hot Springs Lakeside transfer, 216 kills, 151 digs, 56 blocks, 12 assists, Ranked No. 1 for Class of 2029 by Prep Dig; Natural State Sports Network’s all-newcomer team

Brynn Bohannan, 5-7 sophomore right-side hitter; Benton transfer

Brookland Fischer, 5-9 senior setter/outside hitter; 301 assists, 200 digs, 105 kills

Kenley Harris, 5-9 sophomore middle blocker

Katelynn Farrell, 5-5 senior defensive specialist/libero; 34 aces, 278 receptions

Key reserves; key statistics

Taleah Shaw, 5-7 junior outside hitter/right-side hitter; 32 kills, 29 blocks, 17 digs

Kindsey Roberts, 5-7 senior outside hitter/right-side hitter; 101 kills, 42 digs, 19 blocks

Jordyn Stanfield, 5-4 sophomore libero/defensive specialist

Adilyn Skelley, 5-10 junior middle blocker

Key departures; key statistics

Beanna Williamson, libero; 519 digs (1,155 career digs), 24 aces, 23 kills, 103 assists, 2.05 serve-receive rating, all-state, all-state tournament, ArVCA All-Star

One year after snapping Conway’s 45-match winning streak in the 6A-Central and finishing as conference runner-up, the Lady Hornets had a rough season, finishing 9-20-3 overall and 4-8 in  the conference. Paige Gantar, who led Episcopal Collegiate to the Class 3A semifinals a year ago, is the new coach, succeeding Leigh Ann Back. Gantar likes her team’s attitude, competitiveness and leadership with five seniors and sophomores in Brinkley Gigerich, who had an impact for Hot Springs Lakeside along with Kenley Harris and Jordyn Stanfield. “Everyone is eager and coachable, so our practices are very engaged with lots of enthusiasm, while also knowing that we hold ourselves and this program to high standards,” said Gantar. While Gantar has a number of players who are versatile, she said figuring out what role each player needs to fulfill has been a challenge. She said her team’s defense remains a point of emphasis. She said the keys to success are adopting the ALL-IN acronym, which stands for Accountability, Leadership, Locked-In, Intentionality, Next Play Focus.

COACH SAID: “Our conference is very competitive and every year everyone continues to grow and get better.” — Bryant head coach Paige Gantar

JONESBORO

Head coach: Jessica Walton, first season

2025 record/conference record: 16-11-1/5-7 6A-Central

Postseason results: Lost 3-0 to Bentonville West in 6A first round

Projected starting lineup; key statistics

Harper Harris, senior outside hitter; 12 kills, 8 digs

Morgan Ware, 5-9 senior opposite hitter; 144 kills, 29 blocks, 18 digs, 9 aces, 16 assists

Avery McPike, 5-8 senior libero/defensive specialist; 361 digs, 66 assists, 20 kills, 16 aces, 2.05 serve-receive rating

Josie McDaniel, senior middle blocker/opposite hitter; 49 kills, 37 blocks, 14 digs

Payton Scott, senior outside hitter/opposite hitter/defensive specialist; 47 kills, 7 aces, 9 blocks, 28 digs, 16 assists

Jammie Swanson, senior middle blocker

Key reserves; key statistics

Hallie Guadamuz, junior outside hitter/opposite hitter; 25 kills, 8 blocks, 12 digs

Olivia Than, junior setter; 114 assists, 3 kills, 8 aces, 41 digs

Ava Mckelroy, sophomore setter/opposite hitter

Jayci Heard, junior defensive specialist/libero; 15 digs, 4 aces

Key departures; key statistics

Cooper Beck, setter; 667 assists, 27 aces, 16 kills, 7 blocks, all-state tournament team, set a AAA record for the most assists in a match with 52 vs. 3-2 victory over Paragould on Aug. 26.

Emmagin Spencer, outside hitter; 309 kills, 26 blocks, 190 digs, 26 aces, all-state

Mia Burch, outside hitter; 267 kills, 22 blocks, 261 digs, 29 aces

Erynn Waleszonia, defensive specialist; 159 digs, 12 aces

Jessica Walton becomes Jonesboro’s fourth coach in the past seven years, taking over for Canaan Groesbeck, who is now the assistant coach at Conway. Walton was the junior high coach at Annie Camp Junior High and takes over a team that has to replace four starters, including its setter Cooper Beck and top two hitters Emmagin Spencer and Mia Burch. The Hurricanes have six seniors in the lineup, with libero Avery McPike and opposite hitter Morgan Ware providing the most returning production. Walton said the seniors have done a good job recreating the culture and setting the standard for the underclassmen. Walton is concerned about a lack of size and hopes to find a way to overcome it. Walton said the keys to success are improving team chemistry and competing as a team. “We created our success plan as a team where they strive to grow physically and mentally in the sport, while also enjoying their time spent with their teammates and having fun,” said Walton.

COACH SAID: “In the  6A Central and West, we have some high-quality coaches, and I am excited to go and compete against them this upcoming season. Our girls have been working extremely hard in the weight room and on the court this off-season. It is our goal as a coaching staff to prepare our girls for any opponent this season and instill the confidence needed to grow individually and as a team. I am excited to see how we respond to some solid teams this year and strive to finish strong in October.” — Jonesboro head coach Jessica Walton.

NORTH LITTLE ROCK

Head coach: Maddie Back, 1 year (6-13)

2025 record/conference record: 6-13, 3-9 6A-Central

Postseason results: lost 3-0 to Fort Smith Southside in 6A first round

Projected starting lineup

A'Laysia Layton, 5-7 junior outside hitter/right-side hitter

Brylie Piggee, 5-8 sophomore outside hitter/right-side hitter

Janelle McCrae, 5-7 sophomore right-side hitter/middle blocker

Macy Blackwell, 5-3 junior setter/defensive specialist

Kennison Lawrence, 5-6 senior setter

Kiley Watson, 5-9 junior middle blocker/right-side hitter

Key reserves

Kennedi Moore, 5-5 senior defensive specialist

Peyton Ellington, 5-8 junior middle blocker

Cierra Dillard, 5-8 junior defensive specialist

Bailey Moore, 5-9 sophomore setter

Key departures

Parker Couch, outside hitter

Lyriq Miller, outside hitter

A’Miyah Lambert, middle blocker

Maddie Back is in her second year as the coach at North Little Rock and guided the Charging Wildcats to the state tournament. She said her team, with a new lineup, will have athleticism, but is inexperienced. She said the key is buying into a team first mentality and willingness to try new and different positions.

COACH SAID: "We spent a lot of offseason building skill and teamwork, but we still have a lot of refinement to be done as we continue to rebuild our culture. This is a tough task as 6A is such a competitive division and we are not ever given a night off. But we look forward to the challenge and are excited to see growth through the upcoming season.” — North Little Rock head coach Maddie Back.

6A WEST

ROGERS

Head coach: Lindsey Whipp, first season

2025 record/conference record: 15-15-2/7-9 6A-West

Postseason results: lost 3-0 to Little Rock Central in 6A first round

Projected starting lineup; key statistics

Hannah Msall, 5-7 junior setter; 426 assists

Teagan Henderson, 5-6 junior libero, 279 digs

Brynn Denney, 6-3 sophomore middle blocker, 97 kills

Kameah Cates, 5-6 senior outside hitter, 62 kills

Sara Weaver, 5-7 sophomore outside hitter; 142 kills

Elie DeCarlo, junior right-side hitter

Key reserves; key statistics

Adalyn Meister, 6-1 senior middle blocker

Key departures, key statistics

Izzi Anderson, libero/defensive specialist; 316 digs

Dyllan Chandler, 6-0 senior middle blocker/right-side hitter; 158 kills

A year ago, the Rogers Mounties upset Fort Smith Southside 3-2 in the final week of the regular season and added a 3-1 victory over Springdale two nights later to earn the final spot from the West in the Class 6A state tournament. This year, the Mounties have a new coach in LIndsey Whipp, who moves up after being an assistant to Christina Lawrence. Rogers returns four starters. Whipp said her team prides itself on being disciplined and staying in system. She likes her team’s IQ, the ability to read opponent’s tendencies and make adjustments and have a quick closing block and high-tempo offensively. However, she said her team must do a better job of picking up the pace. Whipp said the key to success is disciplined passing, intelligence and relentless transition and preventing the opposition’s defense from setting up.

COACH SAID “Our program is evolving into a faster, more tactical version of itself. We’ve leaned into our strengths: Specifically our serve receive and net quickness, to create a system that forces opponents out of their comfort zone. In a competitive classification where athleticism is high, we believe our mental toughness and ability to play 'in-system' volleyball will be our greatest competitive advantages.” — Rogers head coach Lindsey Whipp.

ROGERS HERITAGE

Head coach: Sharon Felker, two seasons (5-25)

2025 record/conference record: 5-20-2/0-16 6A-West

Postseason results: Did not qualify

Projected starting lineup: key statistics

Miranda Cunningham, 5-5 senior outside hitter/opposite hitter; 127 kills, 20 aces, 17 blocks, 188 digs, 22 assists

Leah Phinney, 5-8 senior middle blocker; 108 kills, 23 blocks, 26 digs

Riley Ruble, 5-9 sophomore outside hitter; 160 kills, 26 aces, 8 blocks, 134 digs, 16 assists

Jessica Willowby, 5-7 junior middle blocker; 45 kills, 4 aces, 12 blocks, 24 digs, 5 assists

Addy Olsen, 5-6 junior setter; 97 assists, 171 digs, 23 aces, 23 kills

Olivia Bos, 5-5 freshman defensive specialist/libero

Key reserves; key statistics

Lily Buck, 5-6 sophomore opposite hitter

Nataly Villatoro, 5-4 senior defensive specialist; 16 digs

Keyli Salinas, 5-6 senior middle blocker/opposite hitter; 43 kills, 24 blocks, 8 aces, 28 digs

Bri Hernandez, 5-4 senior setter/defensive specialist; 21 digs

Rogers Heritage had a rough season under Sharon Felker, who was in her first year at the school. The War Eagles are hoping for improvement in the tough 6A-West. Felker likes her team’s grit and tenacity and the fact that it's defense is relentless. She said her team is young with one freshman and one sophomore in the starting lineup and one sophomore coming off the bench. She said the keys to success are winning the serve-and-pass game, playing behind our defense a,nd letting them carry the team.

SPRINGDALE

Head coach: Joellen Wright, 1 season (7-18-2)

2025 record: 7-18-2/2-14 6A-West

Postseason results: Did not qualify

Projected starting lineup; key statistics

Aubrie Phillips, 5-8 junior outside hitter; Led team in kills and hitting efficiency during the season as a sophomore;

Amiya Ray, 6-1 junior right-side hitter; New to volleyball as a ninth grader- she emerged from JV during the 2025 season as a solid blocker, earning most improved and a varsity starting position half way through the season.

Rozancio Katjang, 5-1 senior libero/defensive specialist; Averaged 11 digs a match, top rated server, and passer. Will be a 3-year starter, brings valuable experience.

Mara Keju, 5-7 junior defensive specialist/outside hitter;  An all-around athlete with solid passing, and smart hitting. Playing for the Marshall Islands National Team this summer.

Jada Bledsaw, 5-9 senior middle blocker; Led the team in blocks, averaging 2.4 blocks per match; great athlete.

Nevaeh Batulanon, 5-5 junior setter; Saw varsity time half way through the season.

Key reserves; key statistics

Hadley Whittle, 5-8 junior outside hitter; Varsity reserve last year- much improved and will be a powerful hitter for us

Kaiya Ashmore, 5-7 junior setter; JV setter in 2025

Sam Reed, 5-8 senior middle blocker; 3-year starter, versatile at the net

Rylie Ebey, 5-9 senior right-side hitter; much-improved, sets the tone in work ethic

Key departures, key statistics

Wayna Lokeijak, setter; led team in assists and digs

The Lady Bulldogs, with Joellen Wright in her first year as head coach, suffered through a 7-18-2 season, including a 2-14 record in the 6A-West. In 2026, Wright brings a team with four juniors and two seniors in the lineup, hoping last year’s experience pays off. Wright said her team should be better when it comes to blocking because she said her team is more athletic and longer than it has been previously. She said her team should sustain long rallies because of its defensive ability. On the other hand, she said the team has inexperienced setters, who need to learn how to run the offense. She said the keys to success are ball control and offensive efficiency.

COACH SAID: “The 6A West is expanding to 10 teams with the addition of Shiloh (Christian) … Still the toughest conference in Arkansas …no easy matches.” — Springdale head coach Joellen Wright.