High School: Meet Arkansas' 1,000 Dig Club

<p>In the world of high school volleyball, offensive firepower often steals the spotlight but behind every championship run is a solid, relentless back row. In Arkansas, several players are closing in on or have already surpassed a milestone that solidifies them among the best: 1,000 career digs.</p>   <p>Meet the top liberos and defensive specialists across the state who have turned passing and digging into an art form.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='744606' first='Miranda' last='Leslie'] – Senior – Mayflower – 1,188 Digs</h2>   <p>As the top libero in Arkansas heading into the 2025 season, Leslie is a machine in the back row. After posting an eye-popping 627 digs as a junior, she sits at 1,188 digs in her career already deep into the 1K club before her final season even begins. Vocal, fearless, and technically sound, Miranda is recruit that all universities, who need a 2026 libero, have to have on their list.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='809375' first='Ella' last='Shelby'] – Senior – Southside – 970 Digs</h2>   <p>Shelby has been a rock for Southside's defense, recording 585 digs during a breakout junior season. With just 30 more digs to hit the 1,000 mark, she'll be joining the club early this year. Her court awareness and reaction time make her one of the most dependable back-row players in 6A.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='800301' first='Avery' last='Sample'] – Senior – Nettleton – 518 Digs </h2>   <p>Sample may not be flirting with the 1K milestone just yet, but her leadership and consistency for Nettleton have made her a name to know in the libero conversation. With 518 career digs and one more season to go, Sample could easily join elite company while anchoring the back line. </p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='809343' first='Adalynn' last='Bollinger'] – Senior – Bentonville – 690 Digs</h2>   <p>Bollinger enters her senior campaign just over 300 digs away from hitting 1,000. Her junior year total of 465 digs proves she's capable of hitting that mark, and then some, especially with Bentonville expected to make a deep postseason run. She brings a calm, composed presence to a high-powered team.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='746453' first='Breanna' last='Williamson'] – Senior – Bryant – 632 Digs</h2>   <p>With 458 digs coming during her junior year alone, Williamson is trending upward fast. Her speed, defense and confidence allow her to control Bryant's backrow. Don't be surprised if she crosses the 1K threshold by midseason.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='749766' first='Abbigale' last='Simmons'] – Senior – Marion – 841 Digs</h2>   <p>Simmons has flown slightly under the radar despite being a stat sheet staple for Marion. After putting up 436 digs last season, she needs just over 150 to enter the 1,000 club, a number well within reach given her role and instincts.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='809395' first='Joely' last='Tankersley'] – Junior – Har-Ber – 499 Digs</h2>   <p>Tankersley is the only non-senior on this list, but don't let that fool you. She's already halfway to the milestone after just two seasons. With Har-Ber always in the mix for big wins and postseason success, Tankersley is set up for a monster junior year that could launch her into 1k territory well before graduation.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Why It Matters</h2>   <p>The dig category isn't always flashy, but it's the foundation of high level volleyball. These athletes make everyone else's job easier by keeping rallies alive, covering the court with precision, and leading with their voices and effort. Whether they've already hit the 1K mark or are closing in, these players are the heartbeat of their squads and their presence will shape Arkansas volleyball this fall.</p>   <p>Stay tuned because defense <strong>does </strong>win championships.</p>   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   <p>- Hannah Watkins, Prep Dig Arkansas Lead Scout, @prepdighannah on IG/X.</p>

In the world of high school volleyball, offensive firepower often steals the spotlight but behind every championship run is a solid, relentless back row. In Arkansas, several players are closing in on or have already surpassed a milestone that solidifies them among the best: 1,000 career digs.