Nominations for Player of the Year: The First Five

Today I am releasing the first round of nominations that have been made for player of the year. Remember we aren't looking for just the best stats... here is we are looking for:   Throughout the season, Prep Dig Arkansas will track player stats, performance trends, and big-game moments.   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>Consistent, high-level performance</li>   <li>Leadership and team impact</li>   <li>Strength of schedule and competition</li>   <li>Postseason success</li> </ul>   Followers will also get a chance to participate by nominating players to the watchlist on Instagram Stories in the preseason. August 21st, the Final Watchlist will be announced.   Here are the first nominees for the watch list for The Arkansas Player of the Year in no particular order:    Why [player_tooltip player_id='749906' first='Molly' last='Miller']:   Miller is one of the most gifted volleyball players in Arkansas. She commands Fayetteville's offense from the setter position while remaining a legitimate scoring threat on the right side. Few players possess her combination of court vision, decision-making, and versatility.   Even as a junior, Miller has already played in 198 varsity sets. Her career numbers speak for themselves: 1,214 assists (6.1 per set), 337 kills, 537 digs, and 86 aces. Whether she's setting, terminating from the right side, or extending rallies on defense, Miller impacts every phase of the game. That's what makes her a Prep Dig Arkansas Player of the Year nominee.     Why [player_tooltip player_id='806194' first='Kinley' last='Hammett']:   Kinley has developed into one of the most complete outside hitters in Arkansas and is looking to leave her mark in her final season at Brookland. She is a true six-rotation player. Hammett attacks with confidence, reads blockers well, and can score from both the front and back row. She is just as valuable defensively, providing steady serve receive and keeping Brookland in system with quality first-ball contact.   Last season, Hammett finished with 301 kills, 418 digs, 415 serve receptions, 41 aces, and 15 blocks. She impacts every phase of the game and brings the leadership and competitive edge that make her a Prep Dig Arkansas Player of the Year nominee.     Why [player_tooltip player_id='1013863' first='Sophie' last='Greenwood']:   [player_tooltip player_id='1013863' first='Sophie' last='Greenwood'] has a habit of making big plays when they matter most. She proved that in the 2025 Class 4A State Championship, earning State Tournament MVP after finishing with 18 kills and six blocks. While she is naturally a middle, Greenwood can play all three front-row positions, giving Coach Jason Lambert plenty of lineup flexibility. She's a wild card with tremendous energy every time she steps on the court.   As Pulaski Academy moves up to Class 5A, Greenwood will be counted on to lead a younger front row and replace key pieces from last year's championship team. Her experience, versatility, and competitive fire make her a strong Prep Dig Arkansas Player of the Year nominee.     Why [player_tooltip player_id='547495' first='Olivia' last='Ambeau']:   In 2025, [player_tooltip player_id='547495' first='Olivia' last='Ambeau'] burst onto the scene for Cabot, finishing with 310 kills, 409 assists, 81 blocks, and 35 aces while helping lead the Lady Panthers to the 6A Central Championship. With several key seniors graduating, she'll be counted on to lead another talented Cabot squad.   Ambeau is a proven winner. This summer, she helped [program_tooltip program_id='581540' first='501' last='Volley'] capture the Liberty Division National Championship. She has a powerful arm from the pin, but it's her setting that really sets her apart (pun intended). Olivia sees the floor exceptionally well, puts her hitters in great positions to score, and creates problems at the net defensively. There aren't many players who can impact a match in as many ways, making Ambeau a deserving Prep Dig Arkansas Player of the Year nominee.     <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Why [player_tooltip player_id='569597' first='Emmerson' last='Rehkopf']</h3>   Let's just get this out of the way...if you're planning on stopping [player_tooltip player_id='569597' first='Emmerson' last='Rehkopf'], good luck with that. After a monster junior season with 591 kills while hitting .329, she returns as one of the most feared hitters in Arkansas. She has the size, arm speed, and elevation to score against just about any block.   What separates Rehkopf isn't just the power. She's a complete six-rotation player who attacks every zone of the court, reads blockers well, and added 335 digs last season. Farmington will once again be a favorite to contend for a 5A state title, and Rehkopf is the biggest reason why. If you're wondering whether 591 kills was a fluke...I have a feeling the stat keeper is going to be awfully busy again this fall. That's why she's a Prep Dig Arkansas Player of the Year nominee.    Don't forget we are taking nominations for the 2026 Player of the Year Watch List which will be announced August 21st! This is just the first batch of nominees. Each Monday I will announce more. 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.

Today I am releasing the first round of nominations that have been made for player of the year. Remember we aren't looking for just the best stats... here is we are looking for: