As we dive into the world of Alabama high school volleyball, it's clear that the upcoming 2026 season is shaping up to be an exciting one. With a significant change in the AHSAA structure, public and private schools now compete in separate divisions, creating a fresh dynamic and a unique opportunity to showcase the talent within each category.
The Rise of Private School Volleyball
The AHSAA's decision to split schools has opened a new chapter for private institutions, allowing them to shine on their own stage. This move not only provides a fairer competitive environment but also highlights the incredible skills and dedication of athletes who may have previously been overshadowed.
Top Players: A Showcase of Talent
Let's take a closer look at some of the standout players in the AHSAA Single-A Private schools division. These athletes have not only dominated the court but also garnered recognition from various media outlets and coaches across the state.
Setters: Masters of Control
Riley Green, Lindsay Lane: With an impressive 1,020 assists in 2025, Riley showcases precision and leadership. Her all-around game, including digs and aces, makes her a force to be reckoned with.
Sophie Hester, Bayside: Sophie's 916 assists and 65 aces demonstrate her ability to control the pace of the game. Her honorable mention in AL.com all-state rankings highlights her potential.
Kate James, Mars Hill Bible: As the 2025 AL.com 2A Setter MVP, Kate holds the school record for assists. Her well-rounded game, including kills and blocks, makes her a valuable asset.
Kylie Murrell, Athens Bible: Despite being a sophomore, Kylie's stats are impressive, with a high kill count and an impressive number of digs and aces. Her all-state recognition is well-deserved.
Rehmat Sidhu, Montgomery Academy: Rehmat's stats showcase a well-rounded player with a strong assist game and solid defensive skills. Her honorable mention in various awards speaks to her talent.
Outside Hitters and Right-Side Players: Power and Precision
Vera Aderholt, Athens Bible: Vera's kill count and dig numbers are impressive, especially for a sophomore. Her all-state honorable mention is a testament to her potential.
Avery Boggs, Athens Bible: Avery's ability to contribute in multiple areas, from kills to assists and aces, makes her a versatile asset.
Bennett Britt, Montgomery Academy: With a high kill count and solid defensive stats, Bennett is a key player for his team. His all-state honorable mention is a great achievement.
Kalyn Jones, Lindsay Lane: Kalyn's kill and ace numbers are exceptional, showcasing her power and precision. Her all-state recognition is well-earned.
Hadley Kelly, Mobile Christian: Committed to Liberty University, Hadley's impressive kill count and block numbers make her a dominant force. Her numerous awards, including 3A State Champion and AL.com Super all-state, speak to her talent.
Libby King, Westbrook Christian: Libby's ace and kill stats, coupled with her solid dig numbers, make her a well-rounded player.
Farrah Lane, Bayside: Farrah's kill and dig stats, along with her impressive ace count, highlight her all-around game.
Alana Maldonado Maysonet, Donoho: Alana's kill and block numbers, coupled with her dig stats, showcase her ability to contribute in multiple areas.
Anniston Robison, Prattville Christian: Anniston's kill and dig stats, along with her high ace count, make her a key player. Her inclusion on the AVCA Phenom Watch List is a notable achievement.
Olivia Rossi, Prattville Christian: Olivia's impressive kill count and solid block numbers, coupled with her dig and assist stats, make her a well-rounded athlete. Her all-state recognition and inclusion on the AVCA Phenom List are well-deserved.
Mollie Sak, Mars Hill Bible: Mollie's kill and ace stats, along with her dig numbers, showcase her offensive and defensive prowess. Her all-state recognition is a testament to her skills.
Molly Wright, Mars Hill Bible: Molly's impressive kill count and solid assist and ace numbers make her a key player. Her North Alabama softball commitment adds an interesting dimension to her athletic profile.
Middle Players: Powerhouses in the Middle
Maren Diefenderfer, Prattville Christian: Maren's kill and ace stats, coupled with her block numbers, make her a dominant force in the middle. Her numerous awards, including AL.com Super all-state and AVCA all-region, highlight her talent.
Addison Hammontree, Westbrook Christian: Addison's kill and block stats showcase her ability to control the middle of the court.
Peyton Ingle, Bayside: Peyton's kill and block numbers demonstrate her potential as a middle player.
Morgan Springer, Montgomery Academy: Morgan's impressive kill and ace stats, along with her block and dig numbers, make her a well-rounded middle player. Her all-state recognition is a great achievement.
Reece Wilmott, Bayside: Reece's kill and ace stats, coupled with her block numbers, showcase her power and precision. Her all-state honorable mention is well-deserved.
Millie Wilson, St. Luke's: Millie's kill and block stats, along with her dig and ace numbers, make her a solid middle player. Her all-state honorable mention and various other awards highlight her skills.
Liberos and Defensive Specialists: The Unsung Heroes
Emma Kate Frazier, St. Luke's: Emma's impressive dig count and ace numbers showcase her defensive prowess. Her all-state recognition and various other awards are a testament to her talent.
Bentlee Pahman, Donoho: Bentlee's dig stats and ace count highlight her defensive skills. Her all-state recognition is a great achievement.
Cassidy Kirchner, Athens Bible: Cassidy's dig and ace numbers, along with her kill and assist stats, make her a well-rounded defensive player.
Kensley Shanahan, Mobile Christian: Kensley's dig and ace stats, coupled with her assist numbers, showcase her ability to contribute in multiple areas.
A New Era for Alabama Volleyball
The 2026 season promises to be an exciting one, with these talented athletes leading the charge. The split between public and private schools provides a unique opportunity to celebrate the skills and dedication of these young athletes. As we watch these players dominate the court, it's clear that Alabama volleyball is in good hands.
Personally, I think this change in structure will not only create a more competitive environment but also inspire a new generation of volleyball enthusiasts. It's an exciting time for the sport, and I can't wait to see how these players continue to develop and make their mark on the court.
