Recap: How Will Arkansas' 2024 State Champions Stack Up in 2025?

As the 2025 Arkansas high school volleyball season approaches, the spotlight turns to the reigning 2024 state champions, each aiming to defend their titles amidst evolving competition and heightened expectations. From the dominant Class 2A Hackett Lady Hornets to the resilient Class 6A Conway Lady Wampus Cats, these teams have set high standards. This analysis delves into how these champions are shaped to perform in 2025, examining the factors that will influence their journeys to maintain at the top in Arkansas high school volleyball.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">2A State Champion: Hackett High School</h2>   In 2024, the Hackett Lady Hornets put together a historic volleyball season, finishing a perfect 36-0 and claiming the Class 2A state championship in dominant fashion. They didn't drop a single set in the state tournament, showcasing just how far ahead they were of the competition. This title marked the third since 2019 under longtime head coach Bridget Freeman, solidifying Hackett's place as one of the most consistent small-school powerhouses in Arkansas volleyball. With a strong culture, a tradition of excellence, and several key players expected to return, the Lady Hornets are entering 2025 with a target on their backs and all the tools to make another deep run.   So the question is: can anyone catch Hackett this year, or are we looking at another undefeated ride to the top?   Key Returning Players   [player_tooltip player_id='743652' first='Michaelyn' last='Freeman'], an outside hitter, is looking to make a dominant return after earning Arkansas Gatorade Player of the Year and the State MVP for the 2A Classification. In 2024, she landed 449 kills and a .434 hitting percentage, allowing her to lead the state in many statistical categories. [player_tooltip player_id='749847' first='Ryleigh' last='Decker'] will be making a return as a junior who landed 73 kills in 2024 with 128 digs and 60 aces. [player_tooltip player_id='744272' first='Catelyn' last='Edwards'] is being eyed as a contender to have a breakout season for the Hornets. Edwards, a 5'10 setter and hitter, delivered 804 assists and 114 aces as a sophomore. With growing stronger and more confident, Catelyn is one to watch this upcoming school season. The Hornets will return several others players such as [player_tooltip player_id='749871' first='Kali' last='Reather'], Harleigh Irwin, Abby White, and [player_tooltip player_id='749577' first='Kinley' last='James'].   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">3A State Champion: Paris High School</h2>   In 2024, the Paris Lady Eagles made a statement, bringing home their sixth state championship in program history. After a few years of falling just short, Paris returned to the top of Class 3A with a 3-1 win in the state finals, backed by a 33-win season and a perfect conference run. Led by a new coaching staff and a core of gritty, experienced players, the Lady Eagles played with a renewed energy and focus. Their mix of strong serving, steady defense, and balanced offense made them one of the toughest teams to match up against all year.   Now, with momentum on their side and the standard set high, the big question heading into 2025 is whether Paris can reload and repeat or if a new contender will rise to challenge the reigning champs.   Key Returning Players   Ashton Ihle, a senior outside hitter, and Rowan Patterson, a senior middle hitter/outside hitter, will return this upcoming season as two prominent hitters for the Paris Lady Eagles. In 2024, they gained valuable experience in the State Championship match. Ashton landed 8 kills, 4 service aces, and 10 receptions. Rowan dominated at the net with 5 total blocks, 3 kills, and a .429 hitting percentage.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">4A State Champion: Brookland High School</h2>   Brookland High School's volleyball program is entering a new chapter in 2025 following the departure of longtime head coach Nancy Rodriguez. After 23 successful seasons, six state championships, and building one of the most dominant programs in Arkansas, Rodriguez stepped down to spend more time with her family. Her impact on the program is undeniable, leaving behind a legacy of excellence, discipline, and championship culture.   The 2024 season capped off her career in fitting fashion, as the Lady Bearcats claimed their third consecutive Class 4A state title, finishing with a dominant 40-5 record and an undefeated conference run. But as the team celebrates its past success, the focus now shifts to the future, one that will bring new leadership and new challenges.   Key Returning Players    [player_tooltip player_id='749580' first='Macie' last='Murray'] and [player_tooltip player_id='749517' first='Emery' last='Booker'] are set to return after playing pivotal roles in the 2024 state championship match. Macie contributed 7 digs and 5 receptions in the title game, showing confidence and consistency in big moments. Emery added 6 kills and 2 digs, proving to be a reliable offensive threat under pressure.   Brookland is expected to remain a top contender in Class 4A. The upcoming season will test the team's resilience as they adjust to a new coach and system, but the foundation is strong. Brookland may be turning the page, but the story is far from over.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">5A State Champion: Shiloh Christian School</h2>   Shiloh Christian School enters the 2025 volleyball season with confidence and a target on its back after capturing the Class 5A state title in 2024. The Lady Saints swept Greenbrier in the championship match, capping off an impressive 34-4-1 season and securing their third state championship in program history. After finishing as runner-up in previous years, this title was especially meaningful, showcasing the team's growth, grit, and focus.   As the new season approaches, Shiloh will have to adjust to the loss of several key seniors who played critical roles in last year's success. [player_tooltip player_id='201036' first='Bella' last='Bonanno'], the team's standout libero, was the backbone of their defense and a vocal leader on the court. She is headed to Ole Miss, and graduated early this spring semester. Reese Jones will be missed after contributing both as a setter and outside hitter. [player_tooltip player_id='749634' first='Laila' last='Creighton'], a senior setter, ran the offense with precision, while [player_tooltip player_id='744966' first='Audrey' last='Pender'] made her mark as a dominant middle hitter, controlling the net on both offense and defense. [player_tooltip player_id='749625' first='Caroline' last='Red'], a middle hitter, added 269 kills her senior year.   Key Returning Players   Even with these departures, the Lady Saints are not starting from scratch. They return a strong core of players who gained valuable experience during the championship run. [player_tooltip player_id='743704' first='Chloe' last='Blessing'], now a senior outside hitter, is expected to take on a larger leadership role. Her power and court awareness will be key as Shiloh looks to build off last season's momentum. Mary Reece, a right side and outside hitter, returns after gaining experience this past season. Some players showing up on PrepDig Arkansas' radar from Shiloh Christian that could be key players next season are [player_tooltip player_id='750224' first='Caroline' last='Stallbaumer'], Faith Fuller, and several others.   With a deep program, a championship culture, and returning talent ready to step up, Shiloh Christian is well-positioned to make another deep playoff run in 2025.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">6A State Champion: Conway High School</h2>   Conway High School's volleyball team made a powerful statement in 2024, securing the Class 6A state championship with a dominant postseason performance. After dropping the opening set to Bentonville in the title match, the Lady Cats stormed back with three straight set wins, sealing a 3-1 victory and claiming the program's third state title. It was a season marked by depth and composure, as Conway navigated a tough playoff path that included wins over Har-Ber and Fayetteville before toppling Bentonville in the finals.   As the 2025 season approaches, the Lady Cats will have big shoes to fill with the departure of several key seniors who helped lead them to a title. But the foundation is far from shaky. A strong group of returners gives Conway every reason to believe they'll be right back in the hunt.   Key Returning Players   Leading the charge is [player_tooltip player_id='743705' first='Wren' last='Jones'], who was named Arkansas MaxPreps Player of the Year following an incredible season. Her court presence and leadership will be crucial as the team transitions into a new chapter. She's joined by [player_tooltip player_id='749518' first='Sylvia' last='King'], [player_tooltip player_id='749587' first='Anna' last='Smith'], [player_tooltip player_id='769389' first='London' last='Cabantac'], all of whom gained valuable experience during the championship run. Their chemistry, competitiveness, and familiarity with high-pressure situations position them as one of the most dangerous returning cores in the state.   With a title under their belts and plenty of returning firepower, Conway enters 2025 not just as defending champions, but as the team to beat in Class 6A.   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   My coverage of Arkansas high school volleyball will be extensive throughout the 2025-26 school year. From polls and rankings to articles and in-depth content, the high school volleyball scene in Arkansas will be spotlighted like never before — and this is just the beginning. - Hannah Watkins, PrepDig Arkansas Lead Scout (@prepdighannah on Instagram/X)

As the 2025 Arkansas high school volleyball season approaches, the spotlight turns to the reigning 2024 state champions, each aiming to defend their titles amidst evolving competition and heightened expectations. From the dominant Class 2A Hackett Lady Hornets to the resilient Class 6A Conway Lady Wampus Cats, these teams have set high standards. This analysis delves into how these champions are shaped to perform in 2025, examining the factors that will influence their journeys to maintain at the top in Arkansas high school volleyball.