This was a tough call between the top three: Caroline Stearns Caroline Stearns 5'11" | S/RS Benton | 2030 State AR , Colbie Ricketts Colbie Ricketts S Harrison | 2030 State AR and Finley Rice Finley Rice 5'10" | OH Mount St. Mary's | 2030 State AR . All three have tremendous potential, and there wasn’t much separating them in my evaluations. Rice and Ricketts have the varsity production to back up their spots, while Stearns is currently playing on Benton’s freshman team. Don’t mistake that for an indication of her talent. I think it’s a smart move by Coach White, allowing Stearns to get more reps and continue developing while the varsity squad is rolling right now.

Stearns is an extremely talented setter with a very bright future ahead of her. That’s not to say Ricketts and Rice don’t have equally exciting futures. We’re talking about freshmen here, and this list is going to change as we get more opportunities to evaluate them.

What puts Stearns at the top for me right now is her projection. At 5’11”, she brings good size to the setter position, along with athleticism, a high volleyball IQ and the quality of play she showed during last year’s club season. She has the tools that translate well to the next level.

In fact, she reminds me a lot of another talented setter in the 501 Volley program.

Again, these are early evaluations, not final judgments. Ricketts and Rice have already shown what they can do against varsity competition, and I expect all three to continue pushing each other as this class develops.

Right off the bat, one freshman caught my eye— Caroline Stearns Caroline Stearns 5'11" | S/RS Benton | 2030 State AR from Benton. The 5’11” setter/pin had a strong day while splitting time at outside hitter and S/RS. Stearns generated power from both pins and showed excellent athleticism and body control while tracking down balls to keep her team in system. Even playing with the freshman squad, she looked every bit the part of a future impact player. Her sets were crisp, and she established good rhythm and connection with most of her hitters throughout the day. With her size, versatility, and natural feel for the game, Stearns has a very bright future ahead of her for Coach White and the Panthers.

Standing 5’11 at 14 years old typically will get you stuck in the middle or as pin, but Stearns possesses too good of hands for that. She has the type of size colleges will be looking for as she matures. Her IQ at such a young age is very good. Having someone like 2028 superstars Olivia Ambeau Olivia Ambeau 6'0" | S/RS Cabot | 2028 State AR and Asa Perry Asa Perry 5'8" | S/DS/L Bauxite | 2028 State AR doesn’t hurt. Stearns looks to be another in a long line of great 501 setters. Her ball placement keeps her hitters in great position to terminate, and Caroline has the ability to put the ball down herself from the right-side. Benton has had some turnover at the setter position with a transfer and seniors from last year moving on, Stearns may get the chance to prove herself in fall camp. But if not, she will continue to develop into what looks like a very good career. Keep working. We will keep watching.