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<p>State championship matches are about more than trophies, banners, and the opportunity to win a ring. They're also an opportunity for athletes to showcase the qualities that translate to the next level.</p>
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<p>If I were a college coach sitting in the stands at Bank OZK Arena during the 2026 Arkansas State Volleyball Championships, I wouldn't just be watching the athletes putting up the biggest numbers. I'd be watching the players who make an impact when the pressure is highest, the momentum shifts, and when every point matters.</p>
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<p>As a former collegiate volleyball player, current high school head coach, and recruiting scout, I've learned that talent can get an athlete noticed, but the little things often determine whether that athlete is truly ready for collegiate level. </p>
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<p>So, if I were a college coach evaluating talent during this year's state championship matches, who would catch my attention, and why?</p>
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<p>Across 2A through 6A, several athletes delivered performances that would warrant a closer look from college programs.</p>
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<p>These aren't necessarily the athletes with the most impressive season totals or the biggest recruiting profiles. They're players whose championship performances demonstrated qualities worth evaluating further.</p>
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<p>Disclaimer: If an athlete's commitment status is incorrect, please DM @prepdighannah on IG or email hannahwatkinsvball@gmail.com. It will corrected as soon as possible upon notification.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Recruits That Caught My Attention</h2>
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<p>[player_tooltip player_id='744272' first='Catelyn' last='Edwards'] | Hackett | Not Committed</p>
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<ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item -->
<li>37 assists, 6 kills, 12 digs, 1 ace</li>
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<ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item -->
<li>Strong offensive distribution with consistent defensive contributions.</li>
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<ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item -->
<li>Why I'd Recruit Her: Her ability to run an efficient offense while contributing defensively make her a collegiate setter prospect with integrity.</li>
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<p>[player_tooltip player_id='749847' first='Ryleigh' last='Decker'] | Hackett | Not Committed</p>
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<ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item -->
<li>18 kills, 8 digs</li>
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<ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item -->
<li>Led Hackett offensively in their championship victory.</li>
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<ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item -->
<li>Why I'd Recruit Her: Her ability to carry a significant offensive workload in a high-pressure match is impressive and something most college coaches are looking for.</li>
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<p>[player_tooltip player_id='1020026' first='Danielle' last='Lowery'] | Mansfield | Not Committed</p>
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<ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item -->
<li>15 kills, 3 blocks, 9 digs</li>
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<ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item -->
<li>Strong offensive production with contributions at the net.</li>
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<ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item -->
<li>Why I'd Recruit Her: Lowery has an impressive skill at contributing in many facets of the game offensively and defensively.</li>
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<p>Aliyah McKellar | Fountain Lake | Not Committed</p>
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<ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item -->
<li>18 Kills, 20 assists, 19 digs, 3 aces, .385 hitting</li>
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<ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item -->
<li>Exceptional versatility and all-around production.</li>
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<ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item -->
<li>Why I'd Recruit Her: Her ability to impact nearly every aspect of the game makes her a valuable collegiate prospect.</li>
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<p>[player_tooltip player_id='815028' first='Kayla' last='Alexander'] | Mayflower | Not Committed</p>
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<ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item -->
<li>17 kills, .382 hitting, 5 total blocks</li>
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<ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item -->
<li>Strong offensive efficiency with defensive production.</li>
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<ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item -->
<li>Why I'd Recruit Her: A productive front-row athlete who is able to contribute on both sides of the net.</li>
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<p>[player_tooltip player_id='1007360' first='Chloe' last='Whittington'] | Mayflower | Not Committed</p>
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<ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item -->
<li>46 assists, 17 digs, 2 kills</li>
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<ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item -->
<li>Distributes the offense while remaining defensively involved.</li>
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<ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item -->
<li>Why I'd Recruit Her: Her setting production and defensive contributions make her worth evaluating.</li>
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<p>[player_tooltip player_id='769825' first='Asa' last='Perry'] | Bauxite | Committed to Oregon State</p>
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<ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item -->
<li>15 kills, 15 assists, 11 digs, 3 blocks</li>
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<ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item -->
<li>While already committed to Oregon State, I think Perry is turning the head of every college coach she walks past. She has had several triple doubles this season and had a stellar performance in a championship setting. </li>
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<ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item -->
<li>Why I'd Recruit Her: Her setting production, defensive contributions, and jaw-dropping offensive efforts make her a top recruit.</li>
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<p>[player_tooltip player_id='1008021' first='Lynley' last='Seyler'] | Brookland | Not Committed</p>
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<ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item -->
<li>17 kills, 16 digs, 1 ace, 1 block</li>
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<ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item -->
<li>Consistent six-rotation player with productive offensive measures and anchoring defense on the backrow.</li>
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<ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item -->
<li>Why I'd Recruit Her: A six-rotation player who delivers on both sides of the ball. Capable of being a consistent threat or dual athlete wherever she is needed, backrow or frontrow.</li>
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<p>[player_tooltip player_id='746203' first='Taylor' last='Wherry'] | Mount St. Mary | Not Committed</p>
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<ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item -->
<li>27 kills, .257 hitting, 14 digs, 2 blocks</li>
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<ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item -->
<li>Significant offensive involvement throughout the five-set championship while maintaining efforts defensively. If there were an overall MVP award for all classifications, Wherry would win in my book.</li>
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<ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item -->
<li>Why I'd Recruit Her: An all-around prospect worth evaluating for her offensive versatility, ability to adjust to strong defenses, and anchor the backrow with her own defense.</li>
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<p>[player_tooltip player_id='1008480' first='Kate' last='Calhoon'] | Valley View | Committed to Ouachita Baptist</p>
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<ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item -->
<li>17 kills, .400 hitting, 1 ace, 2 blocks</li>
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<ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item -->
<li>Major contribution to Valley View's championship performance and a household name in the 5A.</li>
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<ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item -->
<li>Why I'd Recruit Her: A hitting prospect worth evaluating for her attacking potential, blocking foundation, and development at the next level.</li>
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<p>Marley Bagby | Mount St. Mary | Not Committed</p>
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<ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item -->
<li>14 kills, .353 hitting, 1 ace, 3 digs, 6 blocks</li>
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<ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item -->
<li>Exactly what you want in a hitter with her efficiency on percentage, backrow efforts, and blocking numbers.</li>
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<ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item -->
<li>Why I'd Recruit Her: Reliable to deliver in numerous areas of the game. Bagby has a strong work ethic and hustle to be available as much as possible on offense and defense.</li>
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<p>[player_tooltip player_id='749917' first='Kenzy' last='Hogue'] | Fayetteville | Committed to George Mason</p>
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<ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item -->
<li>13 kills, .500 hitting, 5 total blocks, 6 digs</li>
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<ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item -->
<li>Strong player who can contribute consistently both offensively and defensively.</li>
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<ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item -->
<li>Why I'd Recruit Her: Her ability to produce at the net on both sides of the ball is strong and consistent. She'd be a great addition on the net for any school.</li>
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<p>[player_tooltip player_id='771153' first='Beaux' last='Cameron'] | Springdale Har-Ber | Not Committed</p>
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<ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item -->
<li>18 kills, 12 digs</li>
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<ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item -->
<li>High offensive production with solid defense.</li>
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<ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item -->
<li>Why I'd Recruit Her: Huge potential as a six-rotation attacker who contributes beyond the front row.</li>
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<p>[player_tooltip player_id='749906' first='Molly' last='Miller'] | Fayetteville | Committed to Duke</p>
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<ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item -->
<li>39 assists, 10 digs, 1 ace, 1 kill</li>
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<ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item -->
<li>Incredibly talented athlete who can deliver a show-stopping offense.</li>
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<ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item -->
<li>Why I'd Recruit Her: A strong anchor any team she is on with the ability to contribute defensively and offensively. </li>
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<p>[player_tooltip player_id='749856' first='Reese' last='Davis'] | Springdale Har-Ber | Not Committed</p>
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<ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item -->
<li>44 assists, 3 kills, 7 digs</li>
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<ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item -->
<li>Extremely reliable setter who commands her offense and has delivered record-shattering performances</li>
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<ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item -->
<li>Why I'd Recruit Her: Davis has showed up each season with the same focus and intensity which shows in her overall statistics. Looking at only her state championship performance, she showed up by running her offense efficiently and being available to deliver on defense as well.</li>
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<p>Honorable Mentions: [player_tooltip player_id='1017880' first='Bailey' last='Edwards'], [player_tooltip player_id='1007098' first='Adeline' last='Godwin'], [player_tooltip player_id='749876' first='Patience' last='Webb'], Addy Blees, [player_tooltip player_id='764421' first='Rylee' last='Ferrell'], [player_tooltip player_id='821434' first='Kinlee' last='Crafton'], Mary Kate Rees, [player_tooltip player_id='1058348' first='Maggie' last='McNulty'], [player_tooltip player_id='749911' first='Avah' last='Brown'], [player_tooltip player_id='749844' first='Leighton' last='Keyes'], [player_tooltip player_id='749853' first='Joely' last='Tankersley'], [player_tooltip player_id='772494' first='Kassidy' last='Lucas']</p>
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<p>- Hannah Watkins Hankins, @prepdighannah on IG/X. </p>
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State championship matches are about more than trophies, banners, and the opportunity to win a ring. They're also an opportunity for athletes to showcase the qualities that translate to the next level.
If I were a college coach sitting in the stands at Bank OZK Arena during the 2026 Arkansas State Volleyball Championships, I wouldn't just be watching the athletes putting up the biggest numbers. I'd be watching the players who make an impact when the pressure is highest, the momentum shifts, and when every point matters. As a former collegiate volleyball player, current high school head coach, and recruiting scout, I've learned that talent can get an athlete noticed, but the little things often determine whether that athlete is truly ready for collegiate level. So, if I were a college coach evaluating talent during this year's state championship matches, who would catch my attention, and why? Across 2A through 6A, several athletes delivered performances that would warrant a closer look from…
