Taylor looked every bit the veteran that she is. She commanded the middle, directed traffic at the net, and provided a steady presence throughout both matches. Lease has a terrific serve and recorded several impressive blocks while I was watching. On Day 2, she really opened up her offensive game, hammering attacks to multiple areas of the court. She scored on slides, attacked effectively from the right side, drove balls straight down, and showed the touch to finesse shots when the situation called for it. Her experience and composure will be a tremendous asset for Coach Ganter, especially considering the familiarity they’ve built together during club season. Bryant has an abundance of front-row options this year, giving the Hornets the flexibility to match up with both size and speed against a variety of opponents.

2025 Stats: 92 Sets | 210 Kills | 2.3 Kills/Set | .376 | 64 Total Blocks | 0.7 Blocks/Set

Lease is one of the more polished middles in the state. She reads the game well, attacks efficiently, and gives Bryant a dependable presence both offensively and defensively. The standout commit to Rhodes is strong all around player. She can work from the pins as well as the middle. An outstanding leader, Lease has a presence and confidence about her on the court. She has help this season with two transfers into the Bryant School District that may just put the Hornets at the top of the 6A Central this year. Taylor’s steady hand will be counted for new coach Paige Ganter.

As a 2025 AAU Select All American, Lease has consistently proven she can perform against elite competition. Last year she led her EVA 16 Elite team to a second-place finish at AAU Nationals and this year’s version is ready to step up into the Liberty Division at USAV Nationals. For Bryant High School last season Lease played in 131 sets, had 255 kills, 83 blocks and 47 aces.

While not the tallest front-row player in the 2027 class, she compensates with timing, technique and a relentless competitive motor. Her ability to impact the game offensively, defensively and from the service line gives Rhodes College a versatile front-row option. “I was able to work some at the pins this summer and that helped me a lot,” said Lease. “Rhodes see me as a riddle, half right side, half middle.”

Why Rhodes? “I just felt at home, I have family in the area so that helps. But it just was the right fit for me. I am just happy to get this behind me so that I can enjoy my last of everything my senior year.” Bryant is expected to compete heavily for the 6A Central title and the 6A State title. With a talented roster coming back along with the additions of Brinkley Gigerich Brinkley Gigerich 6'0" | OH/MB Bryant | 2029 State AR and setter Brynn Bohannon, this will be a fun group to watch. And for Taylor, “It would be great to go out as champion!”

Lease will be returning to EVA this season on the EVA 17 Elite team. Lease and her setter Mia Adams Mia Adams 5'4" | S Central Arkansas Christian | 2027 AR have built a great connection this last club season and will be a dangerous duo this season. Lease runs many different plays out of the middle which has given her the ability to fool the opposing block. She also puts up an impressive block.

Lease is an explosive middler blocker with a very fast approach. Her quick arm swing and powerful snap makes it very hard for the opposing defense to defend. She reads the setter well putting her in a comfortable blocking position. She also does really well at seeing the block out in front of her and swinging around it. Lease is a go too in long rallies to put the ball away.

Taylor Lease Taylor Lease 5'10" | MB/RS Bryant | 2027 State AR is a talented middle who thrives on both sides of the ball. She is a natural athlete with exceptional footwork and timing. She executes a variety of plays, making her a difficult matchup for any defense. Her fast feet allow her to close blocks efficiently, while her quick arm swing ensures she finishes plays with authority when given the set. Taylor’s athleticism and adaptability set her apart. It allows her to be a consistent offensive threat and a strong defensive presence at the net. She is a standout player ready to make a difference every time she steps on the court.

Lease is a very explosive middle blocker in the 16’s age group. Lease has a quick approach, quick arm swing, and a strong snap that is difficult for the opposing defense to defend. Lease is great at seeing when the block is in front of her and swinging around it. Lease does pretty well at hitting through the seams of the back row. She is someone you want to give the ball to in a long rally to put the ball down.