From Arkansas to the Next Level: Seven Recent Commits

The recruiting board is beginning to clear for some of Arkansas' top volleyball talent. Over the past two months, seven standouts from the class of 2027 and 2028 have announced their commitments, including a pair of 2028 teammates from [program_tooltip program_id='581540' first='501' last='Volley'] 16.1 National headed to Power Four programs. Arkansas athletes are proving they are among the elite in the country. Commits will continue to roll in and we will keep you updated on who is going where. With Nationals fast approaching and the recruiting cycle heating up, these seven players have already secured their spots for the future.    Arizona has landed one of the most unique players in the class of 2028. At 6 feet, Ambeau possess the size that high-major programs covet at the setter position while also providing legitimate offensive production. Few players can produce 310 kills, hit .258, and have 409 assists as a sophomore helping lead the 6A Central Champion Cabot Panthers.   For her [program_tooltip program_id='581540' first='501' last='Volley'] 16 National team, Olivia is a fierce competitor on one of the state's premier teams. Her ability to facilitate, attack, block and defend makes her one of the most versatile prospects across the region. Modern offenses increasingly value setters who can score, and Ambeau projects as player affecting matches in multiple ways at the Power 4 Level. She has a high setter IQ with the ability to put her hitters in the right position even when out of system. As a hitter she has a power arm that can terminate from the right side.   Besides being a great fit athletically, Arizona provided the perfect academic fit for Ambeau. Olivia said that "God opens doors and closes other and I truly feel he opened one at Arizona." Ambeau had a strong relationship with Arizona assistant coach, Jhenna Gabriel from her time at Mizzou. She said having that relationship built from camps really help make it an easy choice. Olivia has the ability and opportunity to come in and play right away with only one other setter currently on the roster. According to her mom, Trisha Ambeau,"They have such a great animal science and vet school, this was a dream come true!"   Olivia also competes as an accomplished barrel racer, poles bending and keyhole racer with her horse Thunder.     When evaluating SEC-caliber middles, physical tools are often the first thing coaches look for.   Davis checks those boxes immediately. At 6'2", she possesses the length, athleticism and explosiveness necessary to compete at the highest levels of college volleyball. Her ability to impact both sides of the new separates her from most middles in her class. Davis is already advanced at running slides and powering through the block. On the defensive side, she casts an intimidating shadow.   Makylah closes blocks effectively, attacks at a high point of contact, and continues to show growth as a complete middle blocker. She also has the ability to shift over and play the right side at the college level. Alabama secured one of Arkansas' most talented young front row players and a prospect whose ceiling remains exremely high.     Henderson State is getting a standout backrow player in [player_tooltip player_id='538288' first='Abby' last='Robinson']. The DS/Libero is one of the best in the class of 2027 in covering the back row. She is the type of libero that coaches trust to be a leader on the floor.   Robinson consistently puts herself in the correct defensive position, communicates effectively, and stabilizes serve receive. Her ranking among the top defensive specialist reflects her years of dependable back-row play.   Libero recruiting often centers on consistency, and Robinson has built her reputation by making difficult plays look routine. I have been able to watch her for the past two years and Henderson State is getting a player capable of anchoring a collegiate defense.     As a 2025 AAU Select All American, Lease has consistently proven she can perform against elite competition. Last year she led her EVA 16 Elite team to a second-place finish at AAU Nationals and this year's version is ready to step up into the Liberty Division at USAV Nationals. For Bryant High School last season Lease played in 131 sets, had 255 kills, 83 blocks and 47 aces.   While not the tallest front-row player in the 2027 class, she compensates with timing, technique and a relentless competitive motor. Her ability to impact the game offensively, defensively and from the service line gives Rhodes College a versatile front-row option. "I was able to work some at the pins this summer and that helped me a lot," said Lease. "Rhodes see me as a riddle, half right side, half middle."   Why Rhodes? "I just felt at home, I have family in the area so that helps. But it just was the right fit for me. I am just happy to get this behind me so that I can enjoy my last of everything my senior year." Bryant is expected to compete heavily for the 6A Central title and the 6A State title. With a talented roster coming back along with the additions of [player_tooltip player_id='768346' first='Brinkley' last='Gigerich'] and setter Brynn Bohannon, this will be a fun group to watch. And for Taylor, "It would be great to go out as champion!"       Morrison may be one of the most impressive multi-sport athletes in Arkansas.   The ability to compete collegiately in both volleyball and basketball speaks volumes about her athleticism, work ethic, and competitive drive. For basketball, the power forward earned All State Tournament Team, All State Honorable Mention, Most blocks in Arkansas for 2025, #9 for most blocks in a season for state of Arkansas.   On the volleyball court, her production is equally impressive. A .317 hitting percentage with 195 kills and 120 total blocks demonstrate her ability to dominate the net offensively and defensively. But what really stands out is she won her team's Leadership Award along with her other accolades. Her Farmington team is the favorite to win the 5A state title with a powerful lineup coming back which will make for a fun year.   "I loved the campus and the coaches for both sports; it was where I wanted to go." There were some challenges to over come to get everything right, but in the end, it all came together. Morrison had multiple to overcome, but in the end, her first offer was where she wanted to be.   Ouachita Baptist is getting a proven winner, a leader and a high-level athlete capable of making an impact in two sports. "I am thrilled to have this behind me so I can enjoy my senior season.     Toughness and versatility define [player_tooltip player_id='846157' first='Sadie' last='Costello']. At 5'8" she is undersized as a right-side, but this lefty has a powerful swing and is quick off the floor to beat larger blockers. Few players can transition between front-row and back-row as seamlessly as Costello. Whether contributing as a right side attacker, defensive specialist, or libero, she consistently finds ways to impact matches.   Her overall volleyball IQ and understanding of the role of each position on the floor stands out when watching her on the court. Most likely she will transition to a DS with the ability to hit from the back-row. "I see my role as wherever I am needed," states Costello. "I picked Henderson State because it felt like home and I felt it was a safe place to grow with coach Sydney."   Not only is Henderson State getting a high IQ player, but a hardnosed, versatile player that can fill multiple holes on any given day.       Another big piece of the Farmington Cardinals team is middle [player_tooltip player_id='765621' first='Laney' last='Brisiel']. Brisiel's game projects extremely well to the next level. and when you talk her, you will quickly understand why. Competitiveness. "I am extremely competitive and I want to be in a competitive environment," said Brisiel. Winning the east division of the Carolina's Conference, Francis Marion provides that environment.   Her combination of size, offensive production, and blocking ability creates a balanced front-row profile that college coaches value. The .313 hitting percentage Shows efficiency, while 77 blocks show her ability to impact matches defensively. Teaming up [player_tooltip player_id='818366' first='Sadie' last='Morrison'], they were a force in the middle with 197 total blocks.   Francis Marion is adding a player with proven production and the versatility to contribute at multiple front-row positions. "I had several different options and went on a lot of visits and none of them felt right. Then I had an online meeting with the players and coaches, and I was sold on taking a visit. When I got there, I was allowed to work out with them, and I learned more in that session that I have my whole career. They also have a top nursing school which fits me."

The recruiting board is beginning to clear for some of Arkansas' top volleyball talent. Over the past two months, seven standouts from the class of 2027 and 2028 have announced their commitments, including a pair of 2028 teammates from 501 Volley 16.1 National headed to Power Four programs. Arkansas athletes are proving they are among the elite in the country. Commits will continue to roll in and we will keep you updated on who is going where. With Nationals fast approaching and the recruiting cycle heating up, these seven players have already secured their spots for the future.