Sibling Rivalries: Arkansas Volleyball Families Taking Over

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Arkansas volleyball has long been a family affair, with generations of talent shaping the sport at both the high school and club levels. As the state continues to produce elite athletes, a new wave of sibling rivalries and volleyball dynasties are taking over the courts.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">A Legacy of Volleyball Families</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One of the most well-known volleyball families in Arkansas is the Phelans. Fayetteville High School Head Coach Jessica Phelan played at the University of Arkansas under legendary coach Chris Poole and was an AVCA All-American for the Razorbacks. Her daughter, Kenna Phelan, a 2023 graduate of FHS and [program_tooltip program_id='429310' first='Ozark' last='Juniors Volleyball'] Club alumni, initially took her talents to Florida State University under Poole before recently transferring to Illinois, where she will continue her career as a setter. During her prep career, Phelan was named back to back Arkansas Gatorade Player of the Year. She helped bring home three consecutive State Championship titles, along with other various individual awards. The Phelan family has set a high standard for the next generation of volleyball stars.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Sibling Rivalries Fueling Competition</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Arkansas volleyball community is filled with talented siblings pushing each other to new heights. Some of the most exciting family duos and trios include:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Hannah Wherry (2025) and [player_tooltip player_id='746203' first='Taylor' last='Wherry'] (2028)</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This dynamic sister duo is making waves with their skill and court awareness. As Hannah nears the end of her high school career, Taylor is emerging as the next standout in the family with [program_tooltip program_id='581540' first='501' last='Volley']. Her high volleyball IQ and immense potential were evident when she was pulled up as a freshman to play alongside her senior sister, a remarkable achievement for the young athlete. Both sisters have earned All-State honors, the highest distinction in Arkansas athletics. Hannah, a dominant outside hitter, showcases exceptional leadership and textbook arm swing and footwork, making her an exciting player to watch.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Ryan Hampton (2028) and Reagan Hampton (2031)</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Hampton sisters are a rising force in Arkansas volleyball with [program_tooltip program_id='755223' first='Elite' last='Volleyball Academy']. Ryan, at 5'9, has established herself with an impressive vertical and aggressive style of play. Meanwhile, Reagan, standing at 5'11 at just 13 years old, exhibits dynamic footwork, a quick arm swing, and superior court awareness. Both are excelling in club and high school volleyball, cementing their places among the state's top young talents.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Kayson Reeves and Brynlee Reeves (2026)</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Competing at the highest club level with Arkansas Volleyball Academy, these sisters are making a strong case for recruitment. Kayson, an explosive middle blocker, combines a powerful arm swing with a high vertical and quick feet, allowing her to be an offensive threat from multiple positions. Brynlee, a standout libero/defensive specialist, demonstrates exceptional footwork and a steady platform, ensuring that no ball hits the floor. Their complementary skills make them a dominant force on the court.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Hadley Masters (2029) and [player_tooltip player_id='745035' first='Cady' last='Masters'] (2026)</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Masters sisters bring a balance of experience and emerging talent with Arkansas Volleyball Academy and [program_tooltip program_id='581540' first='501' last='Volley']. Hadley, a 5'11 middle blocker, possesses a long reach and excellent court awareness. Cady, a 5'9 setter, defies her height with her ability to push the ball effortlessly to the pins with remarkable power and precision. Her defensive skills allow her to be a dual-threat player, making her an invaluable asset to any team.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='743712' first='Madilyn' last='Lenox'] (2026), [player_tooltip player_id='744977' first='Macey' last='Lenox'] (2029), Makenzie Lenox (2032)</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This trio of Lenox sisters represents a powerhouse of talent with [program_tooltip program_id='581540' first='501' last='Volley']. Madilyn, a dominant middle blocker, has racked up 140 kills this club season with a stellar .370 hitting percentage. College coaches have taken notice, especially after she recently sent a 55 mph kill across the net. Macey, at 5'9, showcases elite court awareness, strong footwork, and a relentless work ethic, excelling in scoring from out-of-system plays and cut shots. The youngest, Makenzie, is carving out her own identity as a libero at just 11 years old. Nicknamed "Small but Mighty," she embodies the grit and determination needed to succeed at the highest levels.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='752679' first='Kaleigha' last='Nelson'] (2027) and Makaylen Nevels (2031)</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>These two young athletes are already making waves in the volleyball scene. Kaleigha, a 5'10 right-side/middle blocker, is known for her exceptional blocking ability and high volleyball IQ, making her a valuable asset to [program_tooltip program_id='429308' first='Little' last='Rock Juniors']. Makaylen, competing nationally with [program_tooltip program_id='755223' first='Elite' last='Volleyball Academy'], is proving to be a dominant force at just 12 years old, already turning heads with her blocking skills. This sister duo has an incredibly high ceiling, with bright futures ahead.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Future of Arkansas Volleyball</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With families passing down their love for the game, Arkansas volleyball continues to thrive. These sibling rivalries are not just about competition: they foster mentorship, motivation, and an unbreakable bond that drives each athlete to be better. As these families dominate the court, the future of volleyball in Arkansas looks brighter than ever.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->