September: Top 10 AZ Volleyball Teams

We are about half way through the season and things are heating up! We're tracking the top teams across the state in our updated weekly rankings. This list is a living and breathing reflection of the current landscape—teams rise and fall based on performance, strength of schedule, and momentum. With talent spread across all divisions 1A-6A, every match matters, and surprises are always around the corner. Which is why we've complied a super list of team talent across the valley spanning from 4A-6A.   Whether you're a fan, coach, or player, keep checking back to see how the top 10 evolve throughout the season.   Here's where the current rankings fall on our top 10 super list.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">#10 Mica Mountain </h2>   As one of the smallest schools on this list, Mica Mountain continues to prove that size doesn't define success. The Thunderbolts have been playing big all season—undefeated in regular-season play and notching strong finishes at multiple tournaments. They kicked off the year with a thrilling five-set win over ALA Gilbert North in a high-intensity match that set the tone for what's shaping up to be a statement season. With strong leadership, resilience, and rising talent, this team has definitely caught our attention—and we're eager to see how far they can go as postseason play approaches.   Team Standout   [player_tooltip player_id='877240' first='Aubrey' last='Necas'] (OH) – In her senior season, Aubrey has become the heartbeat of the Thunderbolts. The 5'10” outside hitter has been a dominant force both in the front and back row, leading her region in kills and ranking among the top five in 4A. She opened the season with a massive performance against ALA GN, hitting an incredible .500 in that five-set thriller. Her consistency, leadership, and all-around play make her a critical piece of Mica Mountain's success—and she's not done yet.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">#9 Sunnyslope </h2>   Sunnyslope turned heads to start the season with a thrilling five-set victory over 5A powerhouse Horizon, putting the spotlight squarely on the Vikings. Competing in the always-competitive 6A Central Region, they've got some tough matchups ahead—but with the way they've been performing, it's clear they're more than ready. Currently holding a strong record, their only loss so far came at the hands of 3A powerhouse Valley Christian during the Tournament of Champions earlier this month and most recently they fell to strong 6A contender Hamilton. With momentum building and region play on in sight, the best still feels ahead for this talented Sunnyslope squad.   Team Standouts   [player_tooltip player_id='805712' first='Hayes' last='Haan'] (OH) – Ranked #10 in Arizona, Hayes is having a breakout junior season. With 132 kills and 76 digs already under her belt, she's proving to be a true six-rotation threat—delivering consistent firepower on offense while anchoring the back row. Her leadership and presence on the court continue to drive the Vikings' success.   [player_tooltip player_id='807547' first='Vega' last='Tunnell'] (OH) – Vega has been a steady force on the outside, tallying 102 kills and 77 digs so far this season. Her versatility and reliability have made her a cornerstone for Sunnyslope on both ends of the court, and she continues to step up in big moments.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">#8 Horizon </h2>   Horizon has continued to uphold its reputation as one of the top programs in 5A, even in the wake of losing the nation's No. 1 recruit, Teraya Sigler, from the Class of 2025. Despite a couple of early-season five-set battles that didn't fall in their favor—against strong opponents like Sunnyslope and Pinnacle—the Huskies have shown impressive resilience. They bounced back with three consecutive wins, including back-to-back victories over Arizona College Prep, a solid showing against Campo Verde, and an exciting five-set triumph over Sunrise Mountain. With a big matchup against Chaparral on the horizon (Sept. 25), Horizon looks like a team regaining its rhythm at just the right time.   Team Standouts   [player_tooltip player_id='806892' first='Nia' last='Tinsley'] (RS/OH) – Just a sophomore, Nia has quickly established herself as a cornerstone of Horizon's offense. With a .237 hitting percentage and 74 digs so far, she's already a well-rounded, high-IQ player who knows how to challenge defenses. Her standout moment came with a 20-kill performance in a win over Millennium, and it's clear she's just getting started.   [player_tooltip player_id='877505' first='Sophia' last='Gilbert'] (MB) – Leading the Huskies in total kills and hitting at an efficient .311, Sophia is a dynamic presence in the middle. Her quick arm, smart shot selection, and ability to read opposing hitters have also earned her 17 blocks so far this season, making her a two-way threat that's tough to contain.   [player_tooltip player_id='807325' first='Sienna' last='Markovich'] (OH) – A true senior leader, Sienna is making her final season count. With 123 digs and 103 kills to date, she's been a consistent force on both sides of the ball. Her all-around contributions and competitive edge make her an invaluable asset as Horizon eyes another deep postseason run.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">#7 Sunrise Mountain </h2>   We've loved watching the Sunrise Mountain Mustangs push their limits this season. They kicked things off with a strong statement by traveling to Hawaii for early-season competition, stepping outside the desert to challenge themselves against unfamiliar opponents. From the start, we've been impressed—especially with the senior leadership coming from the outside hitter position. Earlier this month, the Mustangs took Horizon to five sets in a hard-fought match, and while they came up short, they bounced back in a big way with key wins over Liberty, Canyon View, and Notre Dame. With the Nike Tournament of Champions on deck this weekend, we're eager to see how far this team can climb.   [player_tooltip player_id='808124' first='Addison' last='Wiemann'] (OH) – A dominant presence on the outside, Addison has racked up 153 kills so far this season while maintaining a stellar .331 hitting percentage. Her all-around game stands out, especially in the back row, where she's added 82 digs to her stat line.   [player_tooltip player_id='536786' first='Brooklyn' last='Jenkins'] (OH) – In her final season, Brookelyn continues to deliver. She's currently swinging at a .316 clip with 113 digs to her name. Her consistency and leadership have been critical for the Mustangs, and we know she's just getting started.   [player_tooltip player_id='536784' first='Lily' last='Rolfes'] (S) – Lily is the engine behind Sunrise Mountain's offense, tallying 255 assists this season. But her impact doesn't stop there—she's contributed 86 digs defensively and even holds a .279 hitting percentage herself, proving her versatility on the court.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">#6 Chaparral </h2>   The Chaparral Firebirds have caught our attention this season with their grit, consistency, and competitive edge. They've been rock-solid throughout regular season play, only dropping sets to strong teams like Campo Verde and Canyon View. In tournament action, they've consistently earned spots in the gold bracket—falling just short to powerhouse Perry in the Westwood Tournament of Champions, but bouncing back with a statement performance as Diamond Bracket champions at the AZ Epic Tournament. With some tough matchups ahead to close out the season, the Firebirds are riding a strong wave of momentum and look ready for the challenge.   Team Standouts   [player_tooltip player_id='874735' first='Drew' last='Flanagan'] (S) – With a lineup full of offensive weapons, Drew's steady hand at setter has been crucial. She thrives under pressure and shows excellent court awareness, consistently making smart choices to set up her hitters in key moments.   [player_tooltip player_id='874782' first='Claire' last='McNeal'] (OH) – A commanding presence on both sides of the court, Claire has been a go-to player all season. Her versatility as a front and back row threat was on full display when she tallied 13 kills in a standout performance against Horizon.   [player_tooltip player_id='883367' first='Sarah' last='Hodgson'] (S/OH) – Only a freshman, Sarah is already making a big impact in her debut season. Splitting time as a backrow setter and front row outside hitter, she's proven to be a dynamic, dual-threat player with a bright future at Chaparral.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">#5 Hamilton</h2>   We've been thoroughly impressed with the talent stepping up for Hamilton this season. Despite being a relatively youthful squad, the Huskies are proving they're anything but inexperienced. Competing in one of the most demanding regions in the state—and stacking their schedule with high-level opponents—they continue to rise to the occasion. Their five-set battle with powerhouse Corona del Sol showed just how much grit and potential this group has, and being one of the only teams this season to take a set off Xavier speaks volumes about their competitiveness.   Team Standouts   [player_tooltip player_id='881061' first='Kira' last='Strawberry'] (L) - Kira contributes in a massive way. With 167 digs, 23 assists, and 17 aces within the first month, Kira is a defensive powerhouse for the Huskies.   [player_tooltip player_id='806890' first='Nia' last='Curry'] (OH) - Nia isn't messing around in her final season at Hamilton. She's started off quite strong with 121 kills for the season and an impressive .230 hitting average. Back row she's at 70 digs for the season, and we know she's no where close to done.   [player_tooltip player_id='806786' first='Mikayla' last='Haner'] (OH) - A 4 year solid presence for Hamilton, Mikayla is just killing it offensively and defensively. With 115 kills and a positive .222 hitting percentage and a wildly impressive 90 digs, we can't wait to see how she closes out her final season.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">#4 Casteel </h2>   Casteel has faced its fair share of challenges this season—but you wouldn't know it by the way they're competing. With a new head coach, some unexpected injuries, and the wait for a major transfer to become eligible, the Colts have had to adjust on the fly. And yet, they've continued to prove themselves as one of Arizona's most resilient and talented squads.   Some of their standout performances came on the national stage at the Durango Fall Classic in Las Vegas, where they went 6-1 and finished an impressive 17th out of 64 elite teams. That run turned heads across the region and showed that Casteel can go toe-to-toe with the best in the country. At home, their only regular-season loss so far has come against O'Connor in a tight four-set battle. With the second half of the season underway, the Colts are gaining momentum—and if the pieces continue to fall into place, they'll be a serious threat come playoff time.   Team Standouts   [player_tooltip player_id='822870' first='Brooke' last='Harwood'] (MB) – A dominant force at the net, Brooke is currently ranked 2nd in 6A for total kills and 3rd in hitting percentage with a sharp .341 efficiency. She's also totaled 62 blocks so far, making her one of the most balanced and impactful middles in the state.   [player_tooltip player_id='520375' first='Fara' last='Bronson'] (S) – Fara is having a breakout junior year, sitting at the top of the 6A leaderboard with 663 assists already under her belt. Her ability to distribute the ball and run a dynamic offense is evident—and she's contributing defensively too, with 111 digs so far. She's on pace to surpass 2,000 career assists before her senior year even begins.   [player_tooltip player_id='886814' first='Saydie' last='Vega'] (OH) – Just a sophomore, [player_tooltip player_id='886814' first='Saydie' last='Vega'] has stepped into a major role for the Colts—and she's thriving under pressure. With 194 kills, 71 digs, and a solid .247 hitting percentage, she's proving that age is just a number in 6A.   [player_tooltip player_id='509700' first='Izzie' last='Penrose'] (L) – Holding down the back row with confidence, Izzy is ranked 2nd in 6A with 248 digs this season. She's not just a defensive anchor—her ability to handle out-of-system play is a major asset, as shown by her 20 assists from the libero spot.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">#3 Sandra Day O'Connor</h2>   A perennial powerhouse in Arizona volleyball, Sandra Day O'Connor has faced some early-season battles with a young and developing roster. After graduating several key seniors from the Class of 2024, the Eagles have had to make adjustments on the fly—and so far, they're proving they're still a team to be reckoned with in 6A. Despite the youth, they've shown serious grit and potential, standing out as one of the only teams to take a set off Xavier and going toe-to-toe in competitive four-set matches against both Millennium and Casteel.   With plenty of regular season action still ahead, and a highly anticipated appearance at the Millennium Tournament in October, this team has every opportunity to continue growing and peaking at the right time. Don't count them out—O'Connor is laying the groundwork for a strong postseason run.   Team Standouts   [player_tooltip player_id='888556' first='Alayah' last='Krein'] (OH) – Just a sophomore, Alayah is already emerging as a key offensive weapon. She leads the team with 107 kills and adds 86 digs from the back row, showcasing her all-around game. With her athleticism and determination, Alayah is well on her way to becoming one of the top outsides in 6A.   [player_tooltip player_id='882564' first='Annabelle' last='Cummings'] (L) – The anchor of the Eagles' defense, Annabell leads the team with 116 digs and has also contributed 50 assists in out-of-system situations. Her court awareness and consistency make her a vital piece of this young squad's success.     <h2 class="wp-block-heading">#2 Corona Del Sol </h2>   We've thoroughly enjoyed watching this team take the court this season—there's no doubt they're one of the most exciting and well-rounded squads in Arizona right now. Their starting lineup is packed with powerhouse names from all grade levels, and they've found a rhythm that's been nearly impossible to disrupt. With an undefeated run in conference play so far—including a thrilling reverse sweep over Hamilton—they've shown they can battle back under pressure and close out big matches.   Their national presence is just as impressive. At the prestigious Durango Fall Classic in Las Vegas, they held their own against some of the best programs in the country, finishing 13th out of 64 elite teams. It was a performance that solidified their reputation not only in Arizona but on a national scale. With a tough schedule still ahead, we're eager to see how far this group can go—they're gaining steam at exactly the right time.   Team Standouts   [player_tooltip player_id='502333' first='Hayden' last='Conner'] (MB) – Hayden is having a senior season to remember. She currently leads the entire state in both total kills and hitting percentage—an incredible accomplishment that reflects just how dominant she's been. With 227 kills, a jaw-dropping .495 hitting average, and 55 blocks to her name, Hayden is making a statement every time she steps on the court. Her leadership and legacy are undeniable.   [player_tooltip player_id='448314' first='Erin' last='Clark'] (L) – In her final season, Erin is the steady presence anchoring the back row. With 225 digs so far, she leads the team's defense with confidence and precision. She's also a weapon at the service line, racking up 33 aces and consistently putting opponents out of system. Her impact goes well beyond the stat sheet—she brings energy and leadership that elevates the entire team.   [player_tooltip player_id='888558' first='Adelyn' last='Chang'] (S) – Adelyn has embraced her role as the floor general, and her growth this season has been impressive. The junior setter has tallied 479 assists and 86 digs, running a fast, intelligent offense that allows all of her hitters to thrive. Her calm presence and court vision make her a critical piece of this team's success.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">#1 Xavier</h2>   Finishing 4th out of 64 elite teams at the prestigious Durango Fall Classic, Xavier Prep continues to solidify its status as the gold standard in Arizona volleyball. Competing against some of the top programs in the nation, their performance in Las Vegas was nothing short of exceptional—and it's just the latest example of why they remain in a league of their own within the state.   So far this season, Xavier has dropped very few sets, and only to other Arizona powerhouse programs. Their consistency, discipline, and execution are unmatched. What makes this team especially impressive is their depth—every player, from standout freshmen to senior college commits, contributes to the high-level, composed style of play that has become Xavier's trademark.   As we move into the second half of the season, one question lingers: will anyone be able to challenge the Gators on their path to another state title? With the level they're playing at right now, it's going to take something special.   Team Standouts   [player_tooltip player_id='534541' first='Mattea' last='Saunders'] (L) – Mattea has been nothing short of exceptional this season. She currently leads the entire state of Arizona in digs—and by nearly 100. Her ability to read hitters, stay composed under pressure, and command the back row makes her one of the most reliable liberos in the game. With 58 assists as well, Mattea is a major asset in out-of-system situations, keeping her team's offense organized and effective. Her defensive leadership sets the tone for the entire squad.   [player_tooltip player_id='774402' first='Tessa' last='Larkin'] (OH) - Tessa continues to prove why she's one of the top recruits in her class. With 203 kills and an outstanding .347 hitting percentage, she's been an offensive powerhouse all season long. But her impact doesn't stop at the net—she's also surpassed 100 digs, showcasing her versatility and work ethic in the back row. Still just a junior, Tessa plays with the poise, maturity, and intensity of a seasoned veteran. She's a true leader on and off the court. She's secured standout accolades making tournament MVP at the Westwood Tournament of Champions and the All Tournament Team in the Durango Fall Classic.   [player_tooltip player_id='874765' first='Selah' last='O'Connor'] (S) – Selah has stepped up in a big way this season as the team's primary setter, already logging 277 assists and 86 digs. She runs the offense with precision and creativity, consistently finding ways to keep defenses off balance. Her ability to control the tempo and adjust in real time has been key to the team's offensive success. Selah is just getting started, and we're excited to see how she continues to elevate her game.   [player_tooltip player_id='888469' first='Amari' last='Frazier'] (MB) – One of the most exciting sophomores in the state, Amari has established herself as both an offensive and defensive force. Ranked #5 in Arizona for total kills, she's hitting an incredible .476—showcasing not only power but efficiency. Her presence at the net is undeniable, and she continues to grow into a well-rounded middle who impacts every facet of the game. The Gators have a special talent in Amari, and her best volleyball is still ahead of her.   [player_tooltip player_id='544566' first='Vivian' last='Hickman'] (S) - Vivian is making the most of her final season, turning in a truly remarkable performance on the court. Her leadership and consistency have been key assets for her team, and her individual stats speak volumes about her impact. Most recently, she was honored with a spot on the All-Tournament Team at the Durango Fall Classic. She's delivering offensively with an impressive kill average of .358. On the defensive end, she's been just as effective, racking up a total of 155 digs this season. She's also time and time again proven to be a strong playmaker, contributing 243 assists and helping drive her team's offensive rhythm.

We are about half way through the season and things are heating up! We're tracking the top teams across the state in our updated weekly rankings. This list is a living and breathing reflection of the current landscape—teams rise and fall based on performance, strength of schedule, and momentum. With talent spread across all divisions 1A-6A, every match matters, and surprises are always around the corner. Which is why we've complied a super list of team talent across the valley spanning from 4A-6A.