WATCH LIST - LIBEROS

 Key statistics: 284 digs, 234 kills, 23 total blocks, 27 aces, All Conference. Note: Played 2025 as a 6-rotation outside hitter. Moving to libero this year.

Comment: “Kennedy is entering her third season on the varsity squad and was all-conference last season. Last year, she was a six-rotation outside hitter for us, but this season we are transitioning her to libero. She has already played a season of club volleyball at libero and has really settled into the position. Defense is one of Kennedy’s biggest strengths. She has a very quick first step and is fearless in the back row. She has a relentless pursuit of the ball and gets to balls that you think are long gone. She is exciting to watch and brings a lot of energy to our defense. Kennedy has also developed a really clean out-of-system second ball, which I’m excited to work into our system this season. I’m excited to see her take on this new role and continue to grow as a leader for us.” — Bentonville head coach Hannah Berry

 Key statistics: 627 digs, 43 aces, 63 assists, all-star tournament, AVCA Phenom

Comment: “Bristol is such a joy to coach. She is a kid that wants her teammates to succeed more than herself — she is the definition of team first mentality. Her grittiness on defense paired with her discipline sets her apart.” — Shiloh Christian head coach Cassie Loyd

 Key statistics: 532 digs, 545 receptions

Comment: “Eden Fields completed her first club season last spring, and her team qualified for the national tournament. She has amazing speed and athleticism, helping her win out the position of libero for the upcoming season. Her ability to read the other team's hitters and put our offense in a position to score is really starting to shine. She is one of our senior leaders and she is looking to have a big season.” — Fort Smith Northside head coach Matthew Waack

 Key statistics: 367 digs, 93 assists, 47 aces

Comment: “Alyssa was a libero for us last year leading the team in serve-receive receptions and digs. She is a very valuable utility player and will be an effective part of the team this year at whatever role we need her to do!” — Central Arkansas Christian head coach Lynn Brown

 Key statistics: 430 digs, 58 aces, 2.13 pass rating

Comment: “Emma Grace is our ‘Hype girl’. She’s everyone’s biggest fan, and keeps the team energy high throughout our matches. She reads the other hitters well and communicates with her teammates to keep our back row functioning as a team.” — Pulaski Academy head coach Jason Lambert 

 Key statistics: 361 digs, 66 assists, 20 kills, 16 aces, 2.05 serve-receive rating

Comment: “Avery was our libero for the majority of our 2025 season. She will continue to be a presence in our defense and serve-receive. Avery has been working extremely hard this summer to improve her serve receive and has made great improvements on her defensive coverage and vision of the court. She is a fun bubbly girl who just loves to play and compete!  Avery will also be competing and representing our JHS Tennis team this season as well.” — Jonesboro head coach Jessica Walton

 Key statistics: 241 digs, 278 receptions

Comment:  "Eva McPike is back for her senior season and ready to make one last run as a Purple Dog. She leads by example with her experience, toughness and work ethic. We're excited to see her compete one more year.” — Fayetteville head coach Kele Luigs

Key statistics; 370 digs, 96 pct., serve rating, 2.0 serve-receive rating, all-conference

Comment: “She had a great freshman season on the varsity team. She is a hard worker, a great team player and expected to be a key part of the team's defense this season.” — Morrilton head coach Candice Lawless

Key statistics: 308 digs, 35 aces, 61 assists

Comment: “Braylin Merritt is really strong in the back row and has been a great leader for us in practices and the weight room this season. She is stepping up in her senior role and really leading the way with her defense. She is really smart on the court and has a knack for reading hitters and is in the right spot at the right time.” — Conway head coach Laura Crow

 Key statistics: 355 Digs, 47 Aces

Comment: “Gabby Metheny is a two-year starter at libero and has been such a steady presence for us the past two season and we expect more of that this year. She is a very vocal leader and is the engine of our team. Her presence both in defense and in serve receive make us successful. She has made many big plays over the years to help ignite our offense and will do the same again.” — Harding Academy head coach Matthew Francis

 Key statistics: 356 Digs, 37 Aces

Comment: "Bailey is the defensive backbone of our team. She moves well and has strong court awareness. She's also a good communicator with her teammates and controls all activity on the back row.” — Mansfield head coach Brandi Heydenreich

 Key statistics; 446 digs, 32 aces, 82 assists, 5A-Central co-defensive player of the year, all-conference, AVCA pre-dig watchlist

Comment: “Abby is so quick on the court. She gained so much consistency in serve-receive because she is so willing to put in the work. She has great hands for out of system balls and gives her hitters great communication.” — Little Rock Christian head coach Lacey Rowan

Key statistics: 27 aces, 32 assists, 296 digs

Comment: Whitney is entering her second year as libero for our varsity.  She is one of the many reasons our defense is so hard to play against.  She is aggressive and fearless, setting the tone for our back row.  She has really good instincts, reading hitters and blockers well.” — Cabot head coach Anna Robertson

 Key statistics: 375 digs, 3.7 digs per set

Comment: “Joely Tankersley returns as our veteran libero and the anchor of our defense. Her ability to read hitters, anticipate plays, and communicate with her teammates elevates everyone around her. Joely is relentless in her pursuit of every ball and will do whatever it takes to put our team in the best position to succeed.” — Springdale Har-Ber head coach Sophie Simmons

 Key statistics: 359 digs, 25 assists, 2 kills, 31 aces

Comment: “Lynnli Jo Thomas will be in a leadership role as one of our defensive players who has seen valuable time over the past two seasons on the court. She is a multi-sport athlete who is quick, agile and reads the hitters well to make fantastic plays on defense. As a senior she will be relied on to bring the calmness to our serve receive and defense to be able to help set the tone for our offense.” — Valley View head coach Margie McGee