Prep Dig Arkansas | 2026 Season   Well, here we are. Another high school volleyball season is in the books, the road to Hot Springs has come to an end, and it's time to take one final look at the Arkansas Player of the Year race. We started with 25 players, then we added three more due to injuries. So here we are! Listed below are the final 10. Winner and Runner up are listed and the remainder are in no particular order.   What I judged on: Individual Performance | Impact on Team Success | Level of Competition | Leadership and Intangibles   <h1 class="wp-block-heading">Your 2026 Player of the Year is:</h1>    121 Sets | 653 Kills | 5.4 KPS | .379 Hitting | 394 Digs | 56 Aces | 35 Blocks   Farmington: 34-5 | 1st, 5A West   When I started looking at candidates for Player of the Year, I established four criteria: individual performance, impact on team success, level of competition, and leadership and intangibles.   [player_tooltip player_id='569597' first='Emmerson' last='Rehkopf'] checked all four, and she did it from the first match of the season to the last. She was the favorite out of gates this season and she continued to prove it each week. This isn't a personal opinion. I worked with some experts to build a formula to rank the players. But how does she meet the listed four criteria:   Individual Performance: Let's start with 653 kills while hitting .379. That's 5.4 kills per set over an entire season. Those are impressive numbers, especially when you consider how much of Farmington's offense ran through her. But I also saw improvement in other parts of her game, particularly defensively. She finished with 394 digs and became a more complete player as the season progressed. She wasn't just putting up big numbers for a few weeks. She was doing it all year.   Impact on Team Success: Farmington finished 34-5, and Rehkopf was a big reason why. What impressed me wasn't just her ability to score, but how she made everyone around her better. Opponents had to account for her on every rotation, which opened opportunities for other hitters. And when Farmington needed a point, there wasn't much question where the ball was going. She gave that team someone they could count on, regardless of the situation.   Level of Competition: Farmington played a competitive schedule, and Rehkopf's production wasn't limited to matches against weaker opponents. She continued to produce against quality teams, including in the matches where Farmington needed her the most. That's a big part of this evaluation for me. I want to know what a player does when she's facing someone who can challenge her, not just what she does when her team is comfortably ahead.   Leadership and Intangibles: This is where Rehkopf really separated herself in my eyes. She had the ability to take over a match, particularly when things got tight. She didn't shy away from the big swings or the pressure that came with being Farmington's primary offensive option. Her teammates knew they could count on her. I also liked that she continued working on other areas of her game rather than relying solely on what she already did well.   Let's discuss the improvements in her game:   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">The numbers that matter most</h3>   Attack errors   <h1 class="wp-block-heading">−38.0%</h1>   163 down to 101   Hitting percentage   <h1 class="wp-block-heading">.329 → .379</h1>   50-point improvement   Total blocks   <h1 class="wp-block-heading">+66.7%</h1>   21 up to 35   Kills per set   <h1 class="wp-block-heading">5.23 → 5.40</h1>   Higher production per set   The most impressive number is the reduction in attack errors. Rehkopf took 154 more swings as a senior but committed 62 fewer errors. Her attack error rate dropped from 12.5% to 6.9%. That's a major improvement, particularly for a player carrying so much of her team's offense.   Her defensive improvement is also supported by the numbers. She averaged more digs per set and increased her total blocks from 21 to 35. Her reception workload remained substantial, although her reception error rate increased slightly. So the improvement is clearest in digging and blocking rather than serve receive.   There were several players across Arkansas who had outstanding seasons. Some put up huge numbers, some led their teams on deep postseason runs, and others contributed in just about every statistical category.   But when I went back through my four criteria, I kept coming back to Rehkopf.   She had the production, she helped her team win, she performed against quality competition, and she was at her best when Farmington needed her.   We Emmerson luck as she heads to the University of North Alabama this coming January to get to work on what will no doubt, be a stellar Division I college career.   Congratulations to [player_tooltip player_id='569597' first='Emmerson' last='Rehkopf'] The 2026 Arkansas Player of the Year.     Runner-Up:   280 Kills | 440 Assists | 253 Digs | 50 Aces | 37 Blocks   If there was one player in Arkansas who meant more to her team than anyone else, I think you could make a pretty strong argument for [player_tooltip player_id='769825' first='Asa' last='Perry']. I've talked all season about the four things I look for in a Player of the Year: individual performance, impact on team success, level of competition, and leadership and intangibles. Perry made a strong case in all four, but her value to Bauxite is what really stood out to me.   Individual Performance: Just look at her numbers. Perry finished with 280 kills, 440 assists, 253 digs, 50 aces and 37 blocks. That's a lot of production from one player. She wasn't simply a setter who occasionally attacked or a hitter who could set when needed. She was doing both regularly, along with contributing defensively. There aren't many players in Arkansas who can match that kind of versatility.   Impact on Team Success: This is where I think Perry separated herself from just about everyone else. Bauxite finished 28-7, and I don't think they come close to that record without her. She was involved in nearly every aspect of their offense. When they needed someone to put the ball away, she could do it. When they needed someone to run the offense, she could do that too. Take Perry out of that lineup and you're not just replacing one position. You're trying to replace several.   Level of Competition: Perry didn't face the same week-to-week schedule as some of the players in the 6A West or Central, and I have to consider that, but Bauxite didn't shy away from competition playing 5A and 6A teams. But she also couldn't control who was on the other side of the net. What I wanted to see was whether she could continue producing when the competition improved and the stakes got higher. Her postseason run strengthened her case. That's why I added postseason advancement to the final evaluation.   Leadership and Intangibles: I think there's something to be said for a player who is trusted to handle so many responsibilities. Perry had to be ready to set, attack, defend and make decisions throughout a match. That's a lot to put on one player, especially a junior. She handled those responsibilities while helping Bauxite put together an outstanding season. Her willingness and ability to fill whatever role the team needed says quite a bit about her.   When I went back through my four criteria, Perry had one of the strongest overall cases in Arkansas. She may not have led the state in any single statistical category, but I'm not sure anyone was asked to do more for her team.   We are lucky that we get to see the future Oregon State Beaver another year.     452 Kills | 4.7 KPS | .345 Hitting | 190 Digs | 86 Blocks   Wherry made a strong push up the rankings as the season went along. Her offensive numbers are impressive enough, with 452 kills while hitting .345, but the 86 blocks showed her versatility. That's a lot of production from a pin hitter. She gives Mount St. Mary a legitimate offensive threat while also making an impact at the net defensively. I think she was one of the more underrated players in Arkansas this season, and her final numbers make a pretty strong argument for where she finished.   If anyone doubts her being this high on the list, just go back and watch her MVP performance Saturday in Hot Springs. She will be back to lead the Volley Belle's for her senior season. She has not announced her college decision just yet.     978 Assists | 9.9 APS | 285 Digs | 82 Kills | 38 Aces   I've said throughout this process that setters are difficult to evaluate against hitters, and Miller is a perfect example. She's not going to have 500 kills because that's not what Fayetteville needs her to do this season. What she did was run an offense that helped Fayetteville finish 31-1-1. Nearly 1,000 assists while competing in the 6A West is impressive. She also contributed 285 digs. When you're looking at impact on team success and level of competition, Miller has one of the strongest arguments of anyone on this list. He leadership really standouts when you watch the Bulldogs play.   Molly is another that we get the honor of watching another season, along with most of the Fayetteville roster. The defending champs are going to be really tough again next season. The future Duke Blue Devil will be a favorite for this award next season.     333 Kills | 386 Assists | 325 Digs | 72 Blocks | 20 Aces   If you want to understand Ambeau's value to Cabot, just look at those five numbers. She does a little bit of everything, and she does it against 6A competition. She can attack, set, defend and block. There aren't many players in Arkansas who can match that combination of production. Her versatility makes her difficult to compare with a traditional outside hitter or setter, but it's also what makes her so valuable. I've been impressed with her all season, and I think she's one of the best all-around players in this group.   Another player we are lucky enough to have another year of. After High School Olivia has chosen to play for the university of Arizona. Until then, we are going to watch as much as we can!     458 Kills | 5.1 KPS | .259 Hitting | 313 Digs | 44 Aces   Walker has been one of the most consistent offensive players in the state. She averaged better than five kills per set and finished with 458, but I also like the 313 digs. She's not just contributing in the front row. Harmony Grove depended heavily on her offensive production, and she delivered throughout the season. Her hitting percentage is one area where there's room for improvement, but the volume and consistency of her production are hard to overlook. All you need to do is put on the film from the 4A semi finals match verse Bauxite.   Preslie should be announcing her college decision soon! She is an absolute dog on the court and is going to make any team she is on better.     400 Kills | 4.4 KPS | .250 Hitting | 246 Digs | 50 Aces | 41 Blocks   Cameron is the youngest player in the Top 10. She's here because she put up 400 kills against 6A competition while helping Har-Ber to a 26-4 record. That's an impressive season for anyone, much less a sophomore. She also contributed 246 digs, 50 aces and 41 blocks. I've talked quite a bit about the talent in the Class of 2029, and Cameron has certainly established herself as one of the best.   What she might accomplish over the next two seasons is exciting, but this ranking is about what she did in 2026. The ceiling his high for this youngster. Two more seasons of watching her fly!     100 Sets | 368 Kills | 3.7 KPS | .434 Hitting | 108 Digs | 42 Aces | 41 Blocks   Valley View: 31-3-1 | 5A East   I've talked about Calhoon's efficiency all season, and she finished with one of the best hitting percentages in the state. She hit .434 on 707 attempts. That's not someone getting a handful of easy swings every match. She was a significant part of Valley View's offense and made very few mistakes. Her 368 kills and 41 blocks helped Valley View finish 31-3-1. She put on an amazing performance in the State Championship game against Mount St Mary's. She was 17 of 35 with just 3 errors. That's hitting at a .400 clip. That's what big time players do.   Kate is heading to Arkadelphia to continue her career at OBU! Even though I am a former Tiger, that didn't factor in... :)     689 Assists | 135 Kills | 214 Digs | 113 Aces   I still have to look twice at the 113 aces. That's an incredible number, but Edwards brings quite a bit more to the floor than her serving. She finished with 689 assists, 135 kills and 214 digs while helping Hackett to a 29-3 record. She's another setter who contributes in several different ways. Yes, I consider the level of competition when comparing classifications, but I also recognize when a player is clearly making a difference for her team. Edwards certainly did that.   Catelyn walked away with the 2A finals MVP and is a 3 time State Champion. Not many can say that.     546 Kills | 5.0 KPS | .242 Hitting | 388 Digs | 36 Aces   Harbin has carried a tremendous offensive workload for Morrilton. She finished with 546 kills and nearly 400 digs, which tells you she's doing plenty of work on both sides of the ball. Her hitting percentage wasn't as high as some of the other players in the Top 10, but she's taking a lot of swings and being asked to produce night after night. I've followed her numbers all season, and the consistency has been impressive. She's earned her spot among the best players in Arkansas.   Look for Harbin to announce a decision this spring on where her career will take her. She'e weighing options. Where ever she ends up, she will be successful!

Prep Dig Arkansas | 2026 Season

Well, here we are. Another high school volleyball season is in the books, the road to Hot Springs has come to an end, and it's time to take one final look at the Arkansas Player of the Year race. We started with 25 players, then we added three more due to injuries. So here we are! Listed below are the final 10. Winner and Runner up are listed and the remainder are in no particular order.

What I judged on: Individual Performance | Impact on Team Success | Level of Competition | Leadership and Intangibles

Your 2026 Player of the Year is:

Emmerson Rehkopf

AR #1

OH/RS #1

HEIGHT 5'9"

POS OH/RS

CLASS 2027

View Player

Emmerson Rehkopf

State: Arkansas

School: Farmington

Farmington: 34-5 | 1st, 5A West

When I started looking at candidates for Player of the Year, I established four criteria: individual performance, impact on team success, level of competition, and leadership and intangibles.

Emmerson Rehkopf Emmerson Rehkopf 5'9" | OH/RS Farmington | 2027 State #168 Nation AR checked all four, and she did it from the first match of the season to the last. She was the favorite out of gates this season and she continued to prove it each week. This isn't a personal opinion. I worked with some experts to build a formula to rank the players. But how does she meet the listed four criteria:

Individual Performance: Let's start with 653 kills while hitting .379. That's 5.4 kills per set over an entire season. Those are impressive numbers, especially when you consider how much of Farmington's offense ran through her. But I also saw improvement in other parts of her game, particularly defensively. She finished with 394 digs and became a more complete player as the season progressed. She wasn't just putting up big numbers for a few weeks. She was doing it all year.

Impact on Team Success: Farmington finished 34-5, and Rehkopf was a big reason why. What impressed me wasn't just her ability to score, but how she made everyone around her better. Opponents had to account for her on every rotation, which opened opportunities for other hitters. And when Farmington needed a point, there wasn't much question where the ball was going. She gave that team someone they could count on, regardless of the situation.

Level of Competition: Farmington played a competitive schedule, and Rehkopf's production wasn't limited to matches against weaker opponents. She continued to produce against quality teams, including in the matches where Farmington needed her the most. That's a big part of this evaluation for me. I want to know what a player does when she's facing someone who can challenge her, not just what she does when her team is comfortably ahead.

Leadership and Intangibles: This is where Rehkopf really separated herself in my eyes. She had the ability to take over a match, particularly when things got tight. She didn't shy away from the big swings or the pressure that came with being Farmington's primary offensive option. Her teammates knew they could count on her. I also liked that she continued working on other areas of her game rather than relying solely on what she already did well.

Let's discuss the improvements in her game:

The numbers that matter most

Attack errors

−38.0%

163 down to 101

Hitting percentage

.329 → .379

50-point improvement

Total blocks

+66.7%

21 up to 35

Kills per set

5.23 → 5.40

Higher production per set

The most impressive number is the reduction in attack errors. Rehkopf took 154 more swings as a senior but committed 62 fewer errors. Her attack error rate dropped from 12.5% to 6.9%. That's a major improvement, particularly for a player carrying so much of her team's offense.

Her defensive improvement is also supported by the numbers. She averaged more digs per set and increased her total blocks from 21 to 35. Her reception workload remained substantial, although her reception error rate increased slightly. So the improvement is clearest in digging and blocking rather than serve receive.

There were several players across Arkansas who had outstanding seasons. Some put up huge numbers, some led their teams on deep postseason runs, and others contributed in just about every statistical category.

But when I went back through my four criteria, I kept coming back to Rehkopf.

She had the production, she helped her team win, she performed against quality competition, and she was at her best when Farmington needed her.

We Emmerson luck as she heads to the University of North Alabama this coming January to get to work on what will no doubt, be a stellar Division I college career.

Congratulations to Emmerson Rehkopf Emmerson Rehkopf 5'9" | OH/RS Farmington | 2027 State #168 Nation AR The 2026 Arkansas Player of the Year.

Highlights

Asa Perry

AR #8

S/DS/L #3

HEIGHT 5'8"

POS S/DS/L

CLASS 2028

View Player

Asa Perry

State: Arkansas

School: Bauxite

Club: 501 Volley

Runner-Up:

280 Kills | 440 Assists | 253 Digs | 50 Aces | 37 Blocks

If there was one player in Arkansas who meant more to her team than anyone else, I think you could make a pretty strong argument for Asa Perry Asa Perry 5'8" | S/DS/L Bauxite | 2028 State AR . I've talked all season about the four things I look for in a Player of the Year: individual performance, impact on team success, level of competition, and leadership and intangibles. Perry made a strong case in all four, but her value to Bauxite is what really stood out to me.

Individual Performance: Just look at her numbers. Perry finished with 280 kills, 440 assists, 253 digs, 50 aces and 37 blocks. That's a lot of production from one player. She wasn't simply a setter who occasionally attacked or a hitter who could set when needed. She was doing both regularly, along with contributing defensively. There aren't many players in Arkansas who can match that kind of versatility.

Impact on Team Success: This is where I think Perry separated herself from just about everyone else. Bauxite finished 28-7, and I don't think they come close to that record without her. She was involved in nearly every aspect of their offense. When they needed someone to put the ball away, she could do it. When they needed someone to run the offense, she could do that too. Take Perry out of that lineup and you're not just replacing one position. You're trying to replace several.

Level of Competition: Perry didn't face the same week-to-week schedule as some of the players in the 6A West or Central, and I have to consider that, but Bauxite didn't shy away from competition playing 5A and 6A teams. But she also couldn't control who was on the other side of the net. What I wanted to see was whether she could continue producing when the competition improved and the stakes got higher. Her postseason run strengthened her case. That's why I added postseason advancement to the final evaluation.

Leadership and Intangibles: I think there's something to be said for a player who is trusted to handle so many responsibilities. Perry had to be ready to set, attack, defend and make decisions throughout a match. That's a lot to put on one player, especially a junior. She handled those responsibilities while helping Bauxite put together an outstanding season. Her willingness and ability to fill whatever role the team needed says quite a bit about her.

When I went back through my four criteria, Perry had one of the strongest overall cases in Arkansas. She may not have led the state in any single statistical category, but I'm not sure anyone was asked to do more for her team.

We are lucky that we get to see the future Oregon State Beaver another year.

Highlights

Taylor Wherry

AR #6

OH/DS/L #2

HEIGHT 5'11"

POS OH/DS/L

CLASS 2028

View Player

Taylor Wherry

State: Arkansas

School: Mount St. Mary's

Club: 501 Volley

452 Kills | 4.7 KPS | .345 Hitting | 190 Digs | 86 Blocks

Wherry made a strong push up the rankings as the season went along. Her offensive numbers are impressive enough, with 452 kills while hitting .345, but the 86 blocks showed her versatility. That's a lot of production from a pin hitter. She gives Mount St. Mary a legitimate offensive threat while also making an impact at the net defensively. I think she was one of the more underrated players in Arkansas this season, and her final numbers make a pretty strong argument for where she finished.

If anyone doubts her being this high on the list, just go back and watch her MVP performance Saturday in Hot Springs. She will be back to lead the Volley Belle's for her senior season. She has not announced her college decision just yet.

Highlights

Molly Miller

AR #2

S/RS #2

HEIGHT 5'11"

POS S/RS

CLASS 2028

View Player

Molly Miller

State: Arkansas

School: Fayetteville

Club: Ozark Juniors Volleyball

978 Assists | 9.9 APS | 285 Digs | 82 Kills | 38 Aces

I've said throughout this process that setters are difficult to evaluate against hitters, and Miller is a perfect example. She's not going to have 500 kills because that's not what Fayetteville needs her to do this season. What she did was run an offense that helped Fayetteville finish 31-1-1. Nearly 1,000 assists while competing in the 6A West is impressive. She also contributed 285 digs. When you're looking at impact on team success and level of competition, Miller has one of the strongest arguments of anyone on this list. He leadership really standouts when you watch the Bulldogs play.

Molly is another that we get the honor of watching another season, along with most of the Fayetteville roster. The defending champs are going to be really tough again next season. The future Duke Blue Devil will be a favorite for this award next season.

Highlights

Olivia Ambeau

AR #1

S/RS #1

HEIGHT 6'0"

POS S/RS

CLASS 2028

View Player

Olivia Ambeau

State: Arkansas

School: Cabot

Club: 501 Volley

333 Kills | 386 Assists | 325 Digs | 72 Blocks | 20 Aces

If you want to understand Ambeau's value to Cabot, just look at those five numbers. She does a little bit of everything, and she does it against 6A competition. She can attack, set, defend and block. There aren't many players in Arkansas who can match that combination of production. Her versatility makes her difficult to compare with a traditional outside hitter or setter, but it's also what makes her so valuable. I've been impressed with her all season, and I think she's one of the best all-around players in this group.

Another player we are lucky enough to have another year of. After High School Olivia has chosen to play for the university of Arizona. Until then, we are going to watch as much as we can!

Highlights

Preslie Walker

AR #30

OH/DS/L #8

HEIGHT 5'5"

POS OH/DS/L

CLASS 2027

View Player

Preslie Walker

State: Arkansas

School: Harmony Grove-Benton

Club: Arkansas Select Volleyball

458 Kills | 5.1 KPS | .259 Hitting | 313 Digs | 44 Aces

Walker has been one of the most consistent offensive players in the state. She averaged better than five kills per set and finished with 458, but I also like the 313 digs. She's not just contributing in the front row. Harmony Grove depended heavily on her offensive production, and she delivered throughout the season. Her hitting percentage is one area where there's room for improvement, but the volume and consistency of her production are hard to overlook. All you need to do is put on the film from the 4A semi finals match verse Bauxite.

Preslie should be announcing her college decision soon! She is an absolute dog on the court and is going to make any team she is on better.

Highlights

Beaux Cameron

OH/DS/L

HEIGHT 5'11"

POS OH/DS/L

CLASS 2029

View Player

Beaux Cameron

State: Arkansas

School: Har-Ber

Club: NW Arkansas Juniors Storm

Subscribe to read

Is this you, Beaux? Unlock your evaluation to everyone by subscribing

Highlights

Kate Calhoon

AR #12

MB/OH #5

HEIGHT 5'9"

POS MB/OH

CLASS 2027

View Player

Kate Calhoon

State: Arkansas

School: Valley View

Club: Arkansas Juniors Volleyball Club

Valley View: 31-3-1 | 5A East

I've talked about Calhoon's efficiency all season, and she finished with one of the best hitting percentages in the state. She hit .434 on 707 attempts. That's not someone getting a handful of easy swings every match. She was a significant part of Valley View's offense and made very few mistakes. Her 368 kills and 41 blocks helped Valley View finish 31-3-1. She put on an amazing performance in the State Championship game against Mount St Mary's. She was 17 of 35 with just 3 errors. That's hitting at a .400 clip. That's what big time players do.

Kate is heading to Arkadelphia to continue her career at OBU! Even though I am a former Tiger, that didn't factor in... :)

Highlights

Catelyn Edwards

S/RS

HEIGHT 5'9"

POS S/RS

CLASS 2027

View Player

Catelyn Edwards

State: Arkansas

School: Hackett Highschool

Subscribe to read

Is this you, Catelyn? Unlock your evaluation to everyone by subscribing

Highlights

Lily Harbin

AR #34

OH/DS/L #11

HEIGHT 5'11"

POS OH/DS/L

CLASS 2027

View Player

Lily Harbin

State: Arkansas

School: Morrilton

Club: Elite Volleyball Academy

546 Kills | 5.0 KPS | .242 Hitting | 388 Digs | 36 Aces

Harbin has carried a tremendous offensive workload for Morrilton. She finished with 546 kills and nearly 400 digs, which tells you she's doing plenty of work on both sides of the ball. Her hitting percentage wasn't as high as some of the other players in the Top 10, but she's taking a lot of swings and being asked to produce night after night. I've followed her numbers all season, and the consistency has been impressive. She's earned her spot among the best players in Arkansas.

Look for Harbin to announce a decision this spring on where her career will take her. She'e weighing options. Where ever she ends up, she will be successful!

Arkansas Player of the Year: And the Winner Is

In this article:

Your 2026 Player of the Year is:

Emmerson Rehkopf

Emmerson Rehkopf

The numbers that matter most

−38.0%

.329 → .379

+66.7%

5.23 → 5.40

Highlights

Asa Perry

Asa Perry

Highlights

Taylor Wherry

Taylor Wherry

Highlights

Molly Miller

Molly Miller

Highlights

Olivia Ambeau

Olivia Ambeau

Highlights

Preslie Walker

Preslie Walker

Highlights

Beaux Cameron

Beaux Cameron

Highlights

Kate Calhoon

Kate Calhoon

Highlights

Catelyn Edwards

Catelyn Edwards

Highlights

Lily Harbin

Lily Harbin

Highlights

Access all of Prep Dig

Introducing The Diggies: 2026 PD Arkansas State Finals Awards

4A State Title: Brookland Battles Past Bauxite to Capture Win

3A State Title: Fountain Lake Claims State Title Behind McKellar

The Final Stop on the Road to Hot Springs

Top 50 Breakdown of the 2027 National Recruiting Class Rankings