Spotlight Series: Fort Smith Juniors 16's

Volleyball is rapidly gaining popularity across Arkansas. It is becoming a vital part of many young girls' lives, particularly in the River Valley. During this club season, one standout age group is the 16's teams at Fort Smith Juniors Volleyball Club. These athletes showcase remarkable talent and skill. Not only do they excel at their club, they are excelling at their respective high schools. Combining their State Championship experiences and their ability to work as a team, each player in the 16's age group at FSJ is a force to be reckoned with.    [player_tooltip player_id='744272' first='Catelyn' last='Edwards'] from Hackett High School is a standout player on the FSJ 16 Elite team, playing as both a setter and hitter. Her energy and personality lights up the court. She has a high volleyball IQ that contributes to her quick thinking and impressive play. Catelyn combines a powerful arm swing with a reliable and steady set, showing her versatility and skill. She's a key player with a strong presence that makes a significant impact in every match. Catelyn was a 2A All-State selection in 2024, along with leading her team to a 2A State Championship win.     All eyes have been on [player_tooltip player_id='749864' first='Rachel' last='Settle'] for years, eagerly watching as she grew and developed into the player she is today. From the very beginning, her potential was undeniable, and now, she has transformed into one of the most explosive and dynamic middles in the area. Rachel's relentless pursuit of the ball has fueled her incredible growth, pushing her gameplay to levels beyond expectations. Her arm swing is incredibly quick, and her footwork is not only fast but precise, making her a constant threat. Her press on her block makes it hard for opponents to swing through. What truly sets Rachel apart, though, is her infectious positive energy, which drives her teammates and makes every match feel electric.     Josie Wellborn may only be a freshman, but it's clear that she's already a serious competitor on the court. From the moment you watch her play, you can tell that she's going to give her opponents a run for their money. What stands out most is her power and height at the net. Whether she's blocking opponents or hitting, Josie is an undeniable force offensively and defensively. Her performance is even more impressive considering she competes against athletes a year older than her. Josie's high vertical allows her to dominate the net, making it difficult for others to match her athleticism. Her approach touch is already measuring in at 10 feet as a freshman. Her confidence, skills, and physical presence make her a player to watch as she continues to grow and improve. Josie is a player that coaches and fans need to keep an eye on.     Harper Hogue is a defensive player for the FSJ 16 Elite team. Her strong ball control and excellent defensive reads set her apart from her competitors. Each time she plays, her reading capabilities are on full display as she dives and executes flawless plays all over the court. She is consistently reliable in serve receive and serving. Coming from a volleyball family, her older sister, Hannah, played as a setter for the Arkansas Razorbacks. With a deep volleyball legacy and immense potential, Harper has a bright future ahead.     Emberly Kimes is a rising volleyball talent with great potential. Having played for a small club last year during her first season of club volleyball, she has already showcased flexibility, playing both middle and pin positions. Emberly's development is one to watch, as she continues to grow as an athlete. With a strong foundation and a natural ability, she's destined for significant progress and success in the sport. Her skills and potential make her an exciting player to keep an eye on in the future.     [player_tooltip player_id='749847' first='Ryleigh' last='Decker'] is a dynamic volleyball player from Hackett High School who excels as a 6-rotation opposite. Despite being a smaller pin hitter, Ryleigh stands out with her impressive jumping ability, powerful arm swing, and energy on the court. Her aggressive serve has been a key component of her team's success, even helping her high school team clinch the 2A State Championship title. Ryleigh's quickness and agility make her a constant threat, both offensively and defensively. She leads her club team consistently in serve receive average, showcasing her outstanding skills in passing and serve receiving. Ryleigh's volleyball IQ and competitive spirit make her an important player to have on the court.     Matilyn Dunn is a skilled setter who brings precision and strategy to her game. Although a smaller presence on the court, her great set location allows her to consistently place the ball where her teammates need it, setting up successful plays. Over the years, Matilyn has honed a deceptive setting style that keeps opposing teams guessing and elevates her offense. As a sophomore, she ran a 5-1 offense, showcasing her leadership and confidence in directing her team's play. She is known for her sharp communication. Matilyn excels at motivating and organizing her teammates, ensuring that each point is executed efficiently and with purpose.     Bailee Oliver is a dynamic Libero known for her strong ball control and ability to make game-changing plays. Whether she's diving for the ball on the floor or hyping up her teammates from the bench, Bailee's energy is contagious. Bailee is a great teammate. She brings excitement and skill to every match.     Isabella Peters is a defensive specialist and libero with a strong background as a 6-rotation outside hitter. Her transition to the DS role has showcased her elite serve receive and ball control skills, while her outside hitter experience adds a dynamic back-row attack option. Isabella's ability to read the game and contribute both defensively and offensively makes her a standout player.     Presley Noel is a talented setter known for her gorgeous hands and consistent set location. With an ability to react quickly to the ball, she places her hitters in ideal positions to execute plays. Presley's strength on the court extends to her serving, which complements her setting skills. Whether setting up a powerful kill or delivering a strong serve, Presley's skill set makes her an invaluable asset to her team.     Emily Butler is a dynamic volleyball player with a long and lean frame, making her a force at the net. She has an excellent vertical. Emily excels in both middle hitter and outside hitter roles. While she has spent most of her career in the middle, her adaptability make her a key player on the court, whether she's attacking, blocking, or contributing to defensive plays.     These athletes showcase immense potential and dedication on the court. With a strong skill set and work ethic, they continue to evolve as important players, demonstrating leadership, teamwork, and passion for the game. Their commitment to the sport will pave the way for a successful future in their respective volleyball careers.

Volleyball is rapidly gaining popularity across Arkansas. It is becoming a vital part of many young girls' lives, particularly in the River Valley. During this club season, one standout age group is the 16's teams at Fort Smith Juniors Volleyball Club. These athletes showcase remarkable talent and skill. Not only do they excel at their club, they are excelling at their respective high schools. Combining their State Championship experiences and their ability to work as a team, each player in the 16's age group at FSJ is a force to be reckoned with.