Prep Dig Arkansas Player of the Year Finalists

As the high school volleyball season in Arkansas reaches its final thrilling moments, Prep Dig is proud to reveal the top 10 finalists for Player of the Year—an honor that goes far beyond wins and stats. These standout athletes have not only elevated their teams with exceptional performances on the court, but they have also demonstrated leadership, academic excellence, and the intangible qualities that define true student-athletes. Each finalist represents the very best of what it means to compete with heart, lead with integrity, and strive for excellence in every arena of their lives.   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Prep Dig Arkansas' Player of the Year Top 10 Finalists</h2>   These are revealed in no particular order. The winner of Prep Dig Arkansas Player of the Year will be revealed on Sunday, November 2nd at 12pm.   <h4 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='808123' first='Michaelyn' last='Freeman'], Outside Hitter, Hackett High School, Senior, University of Tulsa</h4>   [player_tooltip player_id='808123' first='Michaelyn' last='Freeman'], a senior outside hitter from Hackett and University of Tulsa commit, has had an exceptional season that firmly places her among the state's elite. A dominant force at the net and a dependable leader on the court, Freeman's stats speak for themselves: 501 kills on a remarkable .366 hitting percentage, far surpassing the national average. She has appeared in 97 sets, proving her durability and consistency. Defensively and in overall play, she continues to shine with 230 digs, 33 total blocks, and 81 assists, all well above national marks. But beyond her stat line, Michaelyn's leadership, competitive drive, and commitment to excellence both academically and athletically have made her the cornerstone of Hackett's success and a deserving Player of the Year finalist.   [player_tooltip player_id='839946' first='Emmerson' last='Rehkopf'], Outside Hitter, Farmington High School, Junior, University of North Alabama   [player_tooltip player_id='839946' first='Emmerson' last='Rehkopf'], a junior outside hitter from Farmington and University of North Alabama commit, has emerged as one of the most dynamic players in the state. No one is posting up numbers like [player_tooltip player_id='839946' first='Emmerson' last='Rehkopf'] offensively. In 108 sets played, she has racked up an impressive 569 kills while hitting at an outstanding .339 percentage, showcasing her efficiency and offensive dominance. Her all-around game is just as impressive, with 338 digs, 18 total blocks, and 44 assists. Emmerson's ability to contribute in every rotation, combined with her competitive nature and maturity beyond her years, has made her an invaluable asset to her team. As a junior already committed to competing at the Division I level, she exemplifies the perfect blend of talent, work ethic, and leadership that earns her a well-deserved spot among the top Player of the Year finalists.   [player_tooltip player_id='808122' first='Chloe' last='Blessing'], Outside Hitter, Shiloh Christian School, Senior, Uncommitted   [player_tooltip player_id='808122' first='Chloe' last='Blessing'], a senior outside hitter at Shiloh Christian School, has been a key contributor in her final season. She played in 118 sets and recorded 465 kills with a .235 hitting percentage. Chloe also added 489 digs, 54 total blocks, and 28 assists, showing she could contribute in all areas of the game. Although she has decided not to continue playing in college, her steady play, reliability, and role on and off the court have made her an important part of her team and a worthy Player of the Year finalist.   [player_tooltip player_id='743705' first='Wren' last='Jones'], Outside Hitter, Conway High School, Senior, University of Evansville   [player_tooltip player_id='743705' first='Wren' last='Jones'], a senior outside hitter at Conway High School, helped lead her team to back-to-back state championships in 2024 and 2025. She played in 99 sets this season and finished with 483 kills and a .255 hitting percentage. Jones also added 222 digs, 32 total blocks, and 51 assists, showing her ability to contribute across the board. Her experience in big moments and steady play have made her a key part of Conway's continued success and a strong candidate for Player of the Year.   [player_tooltip player_id='815254' first='Kennedy' last='Bullins'], Middle Blocker, Marion High School, Senior, Uncommitted   Marion High School senior middle blocker [player_tooltip player_id='815254' first='Kennedy' last='Bullins'] was a major factor in her team's run to the 2025 state title. She finished the season with 289 kills while hitting an efficient .419, making the most of her opportunities in the middle. Defensively, she was a steady presence at the net, totaling 92 blocks, 36 of them solo. Bullins also contributed 31 assists throughout 86 sets played. Her impact at the net on both sides of the ball anchored Marion's championship push and earned her a spot among the top finalists.   [player_tooltip player_id='743712' first='Madilyn' last='Lenox'], Middle Blocker, Cabot High School, Senior, University of Arkansas Little Rock   [player_tooltip player_id='743712' first='Madilyn' last='Lenox'], a senior middle blocker for Cabot and a University of Arkansas–Little Rock commit, was a central part of her team's run as conference champions and one of the state's top contenders for most of the season. She posted a .406 hitting percentage and finished with 228 kills, making her a reliable option in the middle. Lenox also recorded 60 total blocks, along with 15 digs and 8 assists, contributing where her team needed her most. Her steady play, impact at the net, and role in Cabot's strong season have earned her recognition as one of this year's top finalists.   Mattyx Cureton, Setter, Westside High School, Senior, Uncommitted   Westside's offense ran through senior setter Mattyx Cureton, who paced her team with 1,038 assists and averaged 10.0 assists per set across 104 sets played. She wasn't limited to setting—she also added 173 digs, 67 aces, and 50 kills, stepping in wherever her team needed her. Cureton's ability to control the flow of play and keep her hitters involved made her a key leader on the floor in her final season.   [player_tooltip player_id='412444' first='Haley' last='Thomas'], Setter, Siloam Springs High School, Senior, Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU)   [player_tooltip player_id='412444' first='Haley' last='Thomas'] directed Siloam Springs' offense with a steady hand, finishing the season with 687 assists and 8.1 assists per set in 85 sets of play. She also contributed 202 digs, 55 aces, and 197 kills, showing she could attack, serve, and defend at a high level. Her versatility and decision-making helped shape Siloam Springs' system and earned her a future spot at Southwestern Oklahoma State University.   [player_tooltip player_id='744606' first='Miranda' last='Leslie'], Libero, Mayflower High School, Senior, Uncommitted   For Mayflower, senior libero [player_tooltip player_id='744606' first='Miranda' last='Leslie'] was the foundation of the defense. She played in 119 sets and averaged 5.6 digs per set, totaling 664 digs on the season. Leslie also handled 628 receptions and provided 85 assists, staying locked in as the first touch on most plays. Her consistency in serve receive and back-row defense kept Mayflower competitive in long rallies and high-pressure points.   [player_tooltip player_id='763687' first='Bristol' last='Bonanno'], Libero, Shiloh Christian High School, Freshman, Uncommitted   Freshman libero [player_tooltip player_id='763687' first='Bristol' last='Bonanno'] stepped into a major role for Shiloh Christian after the team graduated its senior libero from the 2024 state championship roster, and she didn't miss a beat. Over 119 sets, she totaled 624 digs and averaged 5.2 per set, while also handling 792 receptions. She added 43 assists and 4 kills, playing with maturity beyond her age. Her consistency in the back row made her one of the most impactful underclassmen in Arkansas. Bristol is also the younger sister of former SCHS libero Bella Bonanno, now a defensive and serving specialist at Ole Miss.   Honorable Mentions:   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>[player_tooltip player_id='818366' first='Sadie' last='Morrison'], Farmington High School, Middle Blocker, Junior, Uncommitted</li> </ul>   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>[player_tooltip player_id='883787' first='Kolie' last='Beach'], Farmington High School, Setter, Junior, Uncommitted</li> </ul>   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>[player_tooltip player_id='749415' first='Lydia' last='Matthews'], Mayflower High School, Outside Hitter, Senior, Uncommitted</li> </ul>   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>[player_tooltip player_id='743939' first='Audrey' last='Calva'], Bentonville West High School, Outside Hitter, Junior, Uncommitted</li> </ul>   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>[player_tooltip player_id='809961' first='Kendall' last='Brown'], Marion High School, Outside Hitter, Junior, Mississippi State University</li> </ul>   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>[player_tooltip player_id='749917' first='Kenzy' last='Hogue'], Fayetteville High School, Middle Blocker, Sophomore, Uncommitted</li> </ul>   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   Q/A:   Q: How did you choose these finalists?   A: We chose these finalists based off statistics, teamwork, leadership, academic performance, and community input. Age and classification is not looked at when deciding the finalists or winner.   Q: Why is there a variety of positions?   A: Historically, awards in volleyball tend to not look at liberos or setters. We disagree. Liberos and assists are just as important to the game as huge middle blockers and fiery outside hitters. We try to look at all positions and find the best in each to add to our list.   Q: When do we find out the winner?   A: November 2nd, 2025 at 12pm.   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   - Hannah Watkins, Prep Dig Arkansas Lead Scout, @prepdighannah on IG/X.

As the high school volleyball season in Arkansas reaches its final thrilling moments, Prep Dig is proud to reveal the top 10 finalists for Player of the Year—an honor that goes far beyond wins and stats. These standout athletes have not only elevated their teams with exceptional performances on the court, but they have also demonstrated leadership, academic excellence, and the intangible qualities that define true student-athletes. Each finalist represents the very best of what it means to compete with heart, lead with integrity, and strive for excellence in every arena of their lives.