Camp Digest: Conway

Teams: Conway | Fort Smith Northside | Pulaski Academy | Marion | Conway Christian   The Conway Lady Cats hosted a one-day team camp on their home floor, bringing together Conway, Marion, Pulaski Academy, Northside, and Conway Christian. Prep Dig Arkansas was there to take in the action and get an early look at several teams preparing for the 2026 season. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to catch Conway Christian, and for that I apologize. Conway, Marion and Pulaski Academy all enter the season replacing a talented 2026 senior class. While each team has to replace key pieces, all three also return a lot of talent to remain in the championship conversation. Northside, meanwhile, brings back the majority of its core from a young team that took some lumps last season, but look poised to compete this year in the demanding 6A West.    Addy is a very intelligent six-rotation outside hitter. Coach Laura Crow will be counting on the senior to take on an even bigger leadership role for the Lady Cats this season.   Swindle has all the tools to handle that responsibility. She has outstanding quickness, a diverse offensive game, and the ability to score in a variety of ways. She continues the tradition of quality outside hitters developed under Coach Crow. What stands out most is her ability to read the defense and make the right attacking decision, whether that's finding an open seam, changing angles, or using touch to keep defenders guessing. Defensively, she is equally valuable. Addy is an outstanding passer and back-row defender whose consistency helps keep Conway in system. With so many new faces around her, she will provide the stability and experience the Lady Cats will rely on throughout the season.     Kate has been one of the standout performers all summer for the Lady Cats. Her versatility gives Conway plenty of options as the Lady Cats continue to sort out roles heading into the season. One thing that isn't up for debate is that Tallent is going to be on the court.   While she is capable of playing all three front-row positions, look for Kate to spend most of her time in the middle or on the right side. Her versatility gives Coach Crow the flexibility to create favorable matchups throughout a match. Tallent is quick laterally, reads hitters well, and consistently closes the seam at the net. Offensively, she is more than capable of getting the kill when her number is called. Conway will need Kate to take on an expanded role this fall if the Lady Cats hope to reclaim the 6A Central title and make a fourth consecutive trip to the state finals.     Porter is one of the more intriguing players on Conway's roster. She has the size and power that remind you of past Conway standouts like Wren Jones and Megan Smith. The next step is putting all of those tools together on a consistent basis. Paisley is coming off a tremendous club season with Conway Juniors and capped her summer with a National Championship while playing with Arkansas Select. Now the challenge is carrying that same confidence into the high school season as she competes with talented freshman [player_tooltip player_id='1006380' first='Emma' last='Booy'] and others for the second outside hitter spot alongside Swindle.   When Paisley plays free and trusts her game, she has the ability to take over stretches of a match. She generates tremendous power that can overwhelm blockers, but what stood out this summer was the growth in her shot selection. She has become much more than just a power hitter. As she continues to trust her arm and make the right reads, the offense will come naturally. Porter, Addi Connell, and [player_tooltip player_id='1013745' first='Kate' last='Tallent'] return as Conway's most experienced front row players, and all three will be counted on to elevate their play as the Lady Cats chase another 6A Central title and a fourth straight trip to the state finals.     Jalliyah is one of Coach Matthew Waack's most versatile players. Northside returns plenty of offensive firepower this season, bringing back three of its top four kill leaders from 2025. With only Caroline McKinney graduating from that group, the Lady Bears have the pieces in place for another productive offense.   Freeman-Rhone brings much more than production from the right side. The left-hander is equally comfortable turning and setting the ball, giving Northside another option whenever a play breaks down. When I say she's versatile, the numbers back it up. She finished third on the team in kills, second in hitting percentage, first in blocks, second in digs, second in assists, and first in aces. That's about as complete a stat line as you'll find.   Jalliyah combines a powerful arm with soft hands and a high volleyball IQ. She influences every phase of the match and gives her coaching staff tremendous flexibility because she can excel in so many different roles. As she continues to develop, don't be surprised to see her climb even higher in the Prep Dig Arkansas rankings.     Most teams look to their seniors for leadership, and Northside will be counting on veteran libero [player_tooltip player_id='793405' first='Eden' last='Fields'] to fill that role. She is the steady hand that keeps the Lady Bears organized defensively and allows the offense to operate efficiently. Fields led Northside with 532 digs and 545 serve receptions in 2025, and her role will become even more important this fall as the Lady Bears look to return to the playoffs. Coach Matthew Waack guided one of the state's youngest teams a year ago. Now, that young core returns with valuable experience in what is arguably Arkansas' toughest conference, the 6A West.   Fields brings an energy to the court that is hard to miss. A former pin hitter, she embraced the libero position and has flourished ever since. Her quickness allows her to cover an incredible amount of floor, while her experience as an attacker gives her a unique ability to read hitters and anticipate where the ball is headed. She rarely gives up on a play and consistently delivers quality first-ball contact, allowing Northside's setters to keep the offense in system. Every successful defense starts with a reliable libero, and Fields gives the Lady Bears exactly that.     Not only is [player_tooltip player_id='769040' first='Paisley' last='Hogan'] one of the most exciting young volleyball players in Arkansas, she's also the No. 1-ranked girls basketball player in the state's 2029 class according to Prep Girls Hoops. That combination of athleticism is evident the moment she steps onto the volleyball court.   As a freshman, Hogan made an immediate impact for the Lady Bears, leading the team in kills (289), kills per set (2.9), and hitting percentage (.324) while finishing third in blocks with 50. What's even more impressive is that she's still relatively new to volleyball, spending much of her summers on the basketball circuit.   Hogan is an imposing presence on the outside with the ability to touch 10'6". When she gets behind the ball, there aren't many blockers who can contain her. What stood out to me, though, wasn't just the power. She is constantly communicating with coaches and teammates, asking questions and working to better understand her role on the court. That willingness to learn, combined with her athletic ability, gives her an exceptionally high ceiling. As she gains more experience and confidence, don't be surprised if Hogan puts together one of the biggest sophomore seasons in the state.     The Pulaski Academy Bruins move up to Class 5A this season after capturing the 4A state championship a year ago. Like Conway, they'll have to replace a significant amount of talent and experience from that championship squad. One player who appears ready to take on a larger role is [player_tooltip player_id='761815' first='Elizabeth' last='Castillo'].   One of the things that stood out to me at the Conway Team Camp was Castillo's versatility. She is comfortable playing either pin and is equally effective in the back row, giving the Bruins plenty of flexibility with their lineup. Offensively, Elizabeth displayed an excellent shot selection against a very tough Marion defense. She was able to score with sharp cross-court attacks, drive the line, and make smart decisions based on what the defense gave her. Defensively, she competed well at the net and was dependable in the back row, consistently helping Pulaski Academy stay in system. As the Bruins adjust to Class 5A, Castillo looks poised to become one of the key pieces of their offense.     Much like Castillo, [player_tooltip player_id='750226' first='Rachel' last='Ardoin'] will be counted on to take on a larger role this season for Coach Jason Lambert and the Bruins. Both players give Pulaski Academy six-rotation options on the pin, allowing the Bruins to keep offensive threats on the court while maintaining strong ball control in the back row. Rachel had a big game in the state finals with 15 kills to end last season.   Ardoin possesses a fundamentally sound passing platform, making her a natural fit as a six-rotation outside hitter. Offensively, she has a strong arm and the ability to attack every area of the court. She knows when to swing aggressively and when a well-placed roll shot is the better option. Rachel is equally effective attacking from the back row, giving the Bruins another scoring option in transition. Her passing remains one of her greatest strengths, consistently allowing the offense to stay in system. Pulaski Academy has the versatility to create a variety of lineup combinations this season, and Ardoin figures to be a key part of whatever Coach Lambert puts on the floor.     Greenwood will be counted on heavily for leadership this season for PA. Sophie was named the Class 4A MVP of the state tournament in 2025 after putting up 18 kills and 6 blocks in the finals. You won't have a hard time finding the fiery Greenwood on the court, she always seems to be in the middle of the action.   Sophie is one of the more versatile front-row players in the state. While she projects primarily as a middle, she has the ability to play all three front-row positions, giving Coach Jason Lambert plenty of flexibility when creating matchups. Greenwood is a dynamic offensive threat who attacks with confidence and competes with an edge that energizes the entire team. Her experience, leadership, and ability to impact both sides of the ball will be critical as the Bruins make the jump to Class 5A and look to defend their state championship.     Kendall is one of the most physically gifted players in Arkansas and engine that makes the Marion offense go. She consistently finds ways to score whether she is attacking from the pins or blistering a backrow attack. Brown has the ability to elevate above blockers with her explosive athleticism. Last season led the 5A state champions in kills with 347 and in the top three in several other categories for the Patriots. She is currently committed to Alabama A&M and is one of two team captains.   What separates Kendall is that she isn't simply a power hitter. She has developed into a smart attacker who recognizes defensive positioning and adjusts her shot selection throughout a match. Defensively, she brings length and physicality to the block while remaining active in transition. Brown is also the type of player whose intensity raises the level of everyone around her. She competes with confidence, embraces the big moments, and rarely looks overwhelmed regardless of the opponent. As Marion enters another season with championship aspirations, expect Kendall to once again be one of the state's most productive and influential front-row players.     Another key piece returning from Marion's state championship team is middle/right-side hitter [player_tooltip player_id='1008008' first='Jaida' last='Sturdivant']. As a junior, she contributed 120 kills while hitting .324—second on the team in hitting percentage—and added 66 total blocks, also ranking second on the squad. With another year of experience, Sturdivant will be counted on to anchor the middle and provide a consistent front-row presence for the Patriots.   At camp, Jaida looked ready to embrace that expanded role. She played with confidence, moved well laterally, and consistently closed seams at the net. Alongside [player_tooltip player_id='809961' first='Kendall' last='Brown'], she gives Marion one of the better front-row combinations in the state. Her continued development as an offensive option will be just as important as her blocking. If she can build on last season's production, Sturdivant will play a major role in Marion's pursuit of another trip to Hot Springs and another state championship.     Brinkley has put together an outstanding career so far for the Marion Patriots. Over two seasons, she has appeared in 174 sets, recording 764 assists (4.4 assists per set) and 330 digs, solidifying her role as one of the team's captains alongside [player_tooltip player_id='809961' first='Kendall' last='Brown']. Her experience and leadership will be critical as Marion works to defend its state championship.   Claire showed a strong command of Marion's revamped offense throughout camp. She distributed the ball well, kept hitters involved, and consistently put them in positions to score. What impressed me most was her decision-making. She recognized favorable matchups and didn't lock onto one hitter when the defense began to key on them. Defensively, she was active behind the block and showed a willingness to pursue second-ball contacts, keeping rallies alive. After finishing second on the team in assists last season, Brinkley looks ready to take over the offense and guide one of the state's most talented front rows in 2026.    Don't forget we are taking nominations for the 2026 Player of the Year Watch List! 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">bdsrecruiting10@gmail.com</a> or connect with me on X (predigRob) and Instagram(@prepdigarrob). Let's continue showcasing the incredible talent Arkansas volleyball has to offer.

Teams: Conway | Fort Smith Northside | Pulaski Academy | Marion | Conway Christian