Arkansas’ State Championships: Winners and Standouts

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Arkansas state championships wrapped up with several teams claiming titles and standout athletes leaving their mark. Each championship match showcased both team effort and individual contributions that were critical to success. Some matches included thrilling five setters, while others were clean sweeps.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Conway Wins Over Fayetteville<br></strong>Conway defeated Fayetteville 3-1 to claim the state championship. [player_tooltip player_id='743705' first='Wren' last='Jones'] was a central figure for Conway, contributing consistently on both offense and defense throughout the season. In the championship match, Jones helped the team secure key points and stabilize play during critical moments. Conway has now taken home the State Championship trophy two years in a row, a 2024 and 2025 finish.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Marion Takes a Close Match<br></strong>Marion earned the state title with a 3-2 victory over Farmington. [player_tooltip player_id='809961' first='Kendall' last='Brown'] played a major role in Marion's win. In a tightly contested match that went the full five sets, Brown's performance helped Marion maintain control and ultimately secure the win. Kendall's arm was heavy, demanding, and powerful throughout the entire game. Her consistent play throughout the season has been important for Marion's success. Marion posted up a 28-2 record, losing to only out of state opponents.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Pulaski Academy's Season Standout<br></strong>Pulaski Academy defeated Westside 3-2. While the team's win was important, Sophie Greenwood has been the standout player all season. Greenwood has put up strong numbers, contributing in multiple aspects of the game, including scoring and continuing plays for her teammates. Even in close matches, her ability to perform consistently has been a key factor in Pulaski Academy's season. Pulaski Academy pieced together a 19-6 overall record.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Hackett Wins Convincingly<br></strong>Hackett defeated Taylor 3-0 to secure their championship. [player_tooltip player_id='808123' first='Michaelyn' last='Freeman'] played a major role in the team's success. Freeman's performance helped Hackett control the flow of the match from start to finish. Her leadership throughout the season made her the team's most reliable player and a key factor in winning the title. This is Freeman's fourth and final trip to the State Finals, and she has come home with another State Championship. Hackett has an impressive resume of 28-5-2 this year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Mansfield Secures the Title<br></strong>Mansfield beat Harding Academy 3-1. Kaylee Ward stood out as a dominant presence at the net. On offense, she converted scoring opportunities, and on defense, she disrupted opposing plays and helped control the match. Ward's presence on the court was central to Mansfield's strategy and contributed directly to their championship win. Mansfield finishes off their season with a dominant 32-7 record.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Arkansas state championships highlighted the importance of both team effort and individual contributions. Each team that won had key players whose performance made a measurable impact, and several athletes, including [player_tooltip player_id='743705' first='Wren' last='Jones'], [player_tooltip player_id='809961' first='Kendall' last='Brown'], Sophie Greenwood, [player_tooltip player_id='808123' first='Michaelyn' last='Freeman'], and Kaylee Ward, demonstrated why they are among the state's top performers. Arkansas high school volleyball is turning heads across the region and gaining attention from several college coaches. Now onto club season…</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Hannah Watkins, Prep Dig Arkansas Lead Scout, @prepdighannah on IG/X.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->