Setting the table:Who’s stepping up in 2026-2027

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With another recruiting cycle complete, Arkansas High School Volleyball turns the page. Moving on are standout setters like Mattyx Cureton, London Cabantac, Haley Thomas, Macie Murray, and Mecate Marsh.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Their departures leave behind more than empty ranking spots-they create opportunities. A new wave of athletes is ready to move into the spotlight, and after months of evaluating film, attending tournaments, and collecting feedback from coaches across the state, many new faces are going to show up in our rankings. With so much production moving on, who will step up and fill the gaps? Some players may switch positions or take over from departing seniors, but this is based on returners from last season. Let us look at who is coming back from the top of the stat leaderboards from 2025.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Let start off with the ones that run the offense, the setters. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":1007360,"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a5d3b6d440a7"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Whittington is the top returning setter in terms of assists from 2025. The rising senior had a staggering 1003 assists last season, averaging 8.4 assists per set for the Eagles. Her connection with [player_tooltip player_id='1007418' first='Jordan' last='Fusilier'] and [player_tooltip player_id='815028' first='Kayla' last='Alexander'] will be key going into this season as Mayflower will have to replace a lot of firepower that graduated with Lydia Matthews and Tori Malone.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Chloe does not just dish assists on the volleyball court, she can dish them out for Mayflower's basketball team as well.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["883787"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a5d3b6d440e3"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Beach will have no shortage of weapons to feed. With [player_tooltip player_id='569597' first='Emmerson' last='Rehkopf'], [player_tooltip player_id='765621' first='Laney' last='Brisiel'], [player_tooltip player_id='763660' first='Avery' last='Ball'] and [player_tooltip player_id='818366' first='Sadie' last='Morrison'] to feed the ball to, look for Kolie to have a good shot at leading the state in assists this season. She racked up 911 assists last season and I would expect that to increase this season as Farmington will put up plenty of points. Kolie directs an offense as well as anyone in the state.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["749906"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a5d3b6d44105"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Recent Duke commit [player_tooltip player_id='749906' first='Molly' last='Miller'] already has 1214 career assists. She has racked up 198 sets played and is just stepping into her junior season. Even though Fayetteville lost graduating senior Piper Batie's team leading 353 kills, Fayetteville still has [player_tooltip player_id='749917' first='Kenzy' last='Hogue'], Ivy Kirkconnell and Rogers transfer and top right-side in the state [player_tooltip player_id='749911' first='Avah' last='Brown'] to feed. Molly is an excellent leader and one of the most complete players in the state.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["774294"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a5d3b6d44123"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='774294' first='Lily' last='Parker'] is an outstanding setter for Greenbrier. The 2025 5A Setter of the Year, racked up 652 assists in 94 sets last year. With an extremely young team last year, Greenbrier will have most of their offensive production back for 2026 including kills leader Tristyn Moseley. Parker also tossed in 39 aces and 152 kills. Look for the Panthers to take a big step forward this season. Parker's IQ and work ethic set her apart from most setters in the state. She delivers a crisp ball to put her attackers in great position to put the ball down.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["744272"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a5d4879a4d97"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The Hackett Hornets have been on quite a run. Now that both Freeman's have graduated and we will see how the offense progresses with a bit of a new cast. I would expect to see Edward's to be a little more offensive with her ability to hit from the right-side. With 855 assists last season, she proved she can run the show. Outside of Michaelyn Freeman, Edwards did a great job of spreading the ball around. Catelyn is a great athlete overall excelling as a basketball player for Hackett. She has great footwork and ball placement. I look forward to seeing more of her on the court.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["547495"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a5d4879a4dc2"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">As one of the best setters and the best overall players in the state, this Arizona commit has a little bit of a challenge heading into her junior year. Her sophomore year she was second in assists to, now Henderson St freshman Mecate Marsh. But Ambeau also led the Panthers with 310 kills. Good problem for Cabot to have, but Ambeau can't set herself. Look for seniors Izzy Duncan, [player_tooltip player_id='749851' first='Alexa' last='Robertson'] and [player_tooltip player_id='749857' first='Brylee' last='Passmore'] to pick up the slack from departing seniors Marsh, Madilyn Lenox, and Cadela Saz Price. Replacing 442 kills is tough, but Cabot has the squad that can do it.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["749856"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a5d4879a4de1"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Davis has a good combination of size and athleticism that make her a dangerous setter. Totaling 692 assist last season for the Wildcats, Reese looks to grow those numbers with some high flying help from returning attackers [player_tooltip player_id='771153' first='Beaux' last='Cameron'] (288 kills), [player_tooltip player_id='749844' first='Leighton' last='Keyes'] (278 kills) and Blakely Pryor (228 kills). Losing Wendy Chinglong and Madi Bryant will be tough for Har-Ber, but they will continue to be a high powered offense with the majority of points returning, if Jenna Pangburn can step into the middle role, watch out. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["749849"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a5d4879a4e01"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='749849' first='Ella' last='Reed'] is returning for her senior year after totaling 708 assists (seventh in the state) for the Wynne Yellowjackets. The good news is 4 of her top 5 offensive weapons are returning with her! Reed impacts every part of the game for Wynne. Last season she had 69 kills, 69 aces, 15 blocks, 500 digs to go along with her 708 assists. She is experienced with 211 sets under her belt and with all the offense she had returning, look for Reed to reach the top of the leaderboard this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This article is based off stats uploaded into MaxPreps. I realize there are some teams that didn't upload stats last season, please encourage coaches to do so. It's your play that matters, but stats do help paint a picture. We will continue to grow our database and be inclusive of players from all around the state. If you know a player that deserved to be highlighted, I'd love to hear about them. Reach out to me at <a href="mailto:bdsrecruiting10@gmail.com"><strong>bdsrecruiting10@gmail.com</strong></a> or connect with me on <strong>X</strong> (predigRob) and <strong>Instagram</strong>(@prepdigarrob). Let's continue showcasing the incredible talent Arkansas volleyball has to offer.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->