The 2026 AHSAA volleyball season is upon us, and it promises to be an exciting one with the recent changes to the division system. The state's top players are set to showcase their skills, and AL.com is kicking off a series of preseason stories to highlight the best of the best. This year, the focus is on the AHSAA Single-A Private schools, a division that has seen a surge in talent and competition.
One of the standout setters is Riley Green from Lindsay Lane, a senior with impressive stats: 1,020 assists, 299 digs, 54 kills, and 52 aces. Green's performance has not gone unnoticed, as she was named to the AL.com all-state and Huntsville all-region teams. Another notable setter is Sophie Hester from Bayside, who recorded 916 assists, 27 kills, and 65 aces in her junior year. Hester's talent has earned her an honorable mention on the AL.com all-state and Coastal all-region teams.
The outside hitter/right side position is dominated by some exceptional players. Vera Aderholt from Athens Bible, a sophomore, amassed 189 kills, 279 digs, 51 aces, and 22 assists. Avery Boggs, also from Athens Bible and a junior, contributed 151 kills, 90 digs, 84 assists, 27 aces, and 17 blocks. These players' performances have not gone unnoticed, as they were recognized with honorable mentions on the AL.com all-state and Decatur Daily all-area teams.
The middle position sees some fierce competition as well. Maren Diefenderfer from Prattville Christian, a senior, led her team with 491 kills, 59 blocks, 44 digs, and 123 aces. Addison Hammontree, a senior from Westbrook Christian, had 247 kills and 72 blocks. These players' dominance has earned them spots on the AL.com Super all-state and all-state teams, respectively.
Libero/defensive specialist Emma Kate Frazier from St. Luke's, a sophomore, stands out with her impressive stats: 712 digs and 42 aces. Her performance has been recognized with multiple accolades, including AL.com all-state, Coastal all-region, AVCA all-state, and all-area honorable mentions. Bentlee Pahman from Donoho, a senior, also shines with 681 digs, 67 aces, and 75 assists, earning her an AL.com all-state and All-County spot.
These players represent the cream of the crop in the AHSAA Single-A Private schools, and their performances will undoubtedly shape the season's outcome. With the new division system in place, the competition is expected to be fiercer than ever, making this season one to watch closely.
