Class of 2026: Arkansas’ Top 5 Outside Hitters

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Class of 2026 is shaping up to be an exciting one for high school and club volleyball. As athletes continue to develop their skills, outside hitters within Arkansas are emerging as powerful forces on the court. From standout hitting efficiency to impressive defensive efforts, the top outside hitters of this class are setting themselves apart and pushing the boundaries for what's possible in the sport.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["743652"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-678ee52ada5f9"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='743652' first='Michaelyn' last='Freeman'] hosted one of the most powerful offensive performances Arkansas has seen in recent years. During her 2024 school season, she tallied 455 kills, a .440 hitting percentage, 213 digs, and 71 service aces. Her dominant play led her team to a 2A State Championship and earned her the MVP award. Michaelyn's outstanding junior season was capped off with the Arkansas Gatorade Player of the Year honor. Standing at 6'0, her height and athleticism make her a reliable offensive and defensive force. She has an explosive backswing and approach, paired with exceptional speed and dynamic footwork. Her high vertical and volleyball IQ allow her to make smart, impactful plays. Michelin stands out on the court above all of her competitors. She has committed to Tulsa to continue her education and volleyball careers after she graduates in 2026.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["743704"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-678ee52ada659"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='743704' first='Chloe' last='Blessing'], a 5'10 outside hitter from Shiloh Christian, is a key player for her team. This 2024 school season, she led her team to a 5A State Championship. Chloe has a high IQ on the court. She has the ability to be a versatile hitter as she swings from the back row and both pins. With a powerful, fast, and high arm swing, Chloe adds a heavy approach to her game. Over the season, she amassed 410 kills, averaging 3.9 kills per set, with a .256 hitting percentage. Her all-around skills also shine with 49 aces, 33 blocks, and 378 digs. Chloe is a two-time 5A All-State selection.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["743705"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-678eff5da5240"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='743705' first='Wren' last='Jones'], a 5'11 outside hitter from Conway High School, played a pivotal role in her team's 6A State Championship win. She earned recognition as MaxPreps Arkansas Player of the Year. With a powerful arm swing and quick approach, Wren consistently positions her feet to the ball to allow for smooth, controlled attacks. Her ability to place the ball and execute a flawless cut shot adds depth to her offensive game. Wren put down 434 kills this season with 4.0 kills per set and a .277 hitting percentage. She was also effective on the defensive side of her game with 43 blocks and 92 digs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"[player_tooltip player_id='749415' first='Lydia' last='Matthews']","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2026","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"5'11u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"32564","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Mayflower High School","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-678eff5da52ea"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='749415' first='Lydia' last='Matthews'], a 5'11 outside hitter, stands out with her impressive cut shot. Her arm swing is fast and aggressive. Lydia has an ability to adjust to various situations on the court making her a flexible, impactful player. Whether in the back row or on the pins, Lydia consistently demonstrates her all-around skill and athleticism. She delivered a total of 428 kills, 4.1 kills per set, and 32 service aces. Defensively, Lydia helped her team by adding 274 digs. She was a 2024 3A All-State Selection.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Jaxon Jersey","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2026","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"5'5u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"32564","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Little Rock Central High School","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"[program_tooltip program_id='581540' first='501' last='Volley'] 17-1","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-678eff5da5378"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Jaxon Jersey may be undersized at 5'5", but she plays with explosive energy and a strong presence on the court. Despite her size, Jaxon has a dynamic approach that allows her to make significant contributions in both offense and defense. She recorded 293 kills and 3.3 kills per set with a .232 hitting percentage this past school season. Jaxon contributed greatly on defense as well with 242 digs. She also delivered 43 aces to her opponents. Her quick movements and determination to outplay bigger opponents set her apart. Jaxon is committed to furthering her education and volleyball career at Henderson State University after she graduates in 2026.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading {"textAlign":"center"} --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-center">Class of 2026: Outside Hitters to Watch</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='749417' first='Laney' last='Marsh'] | 5'10 | Episcopal High School | Standout Stats: 279 kills, 3.3 kills per set, 264 digs </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='749573' first='Jules' last='Johnson'] | 5'8 | Episcopal High School | Standout Stats: 216 kills, 2.7 kills per set, 241 digs</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='749597' first='Calleigh' last='Atcherson'] | 5'6 | Central Arkansas Christian High School | Standout Stats: 215 kills, 2.2 kills per set, 251 digs</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='749592' first='Kaitlyn' last='Austin'] | 5'8 | Marion High School | Standout Stats: 199 kills, 2.0 kills per set, 392 digs, 23 aces</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='749581' first='Graci' last='Lewis'] | 5'8 | Bryant High School | Standout Stats: 172 kills, 1.7 kills per set, 141 digs, 32 total blocks</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->