Benton’s Bohannan inks with Arkansas State
BENTON – After her Benton Lady Panthers just missed out on another state championship this past season, Benton senior captain Laci Bohannan will be taking her talents to the next level. On Wednesday at Benton Arena, Bohannan was one of six Benton athletes inking their way to play college athletics, signing with the Arkansas State Red Wolves to play volleyball.
The two-time All-state selection and All-conference performer Bohannan said Arkansas State felt like a homecoming.
“It felt like home when I went there,” Bohannan said. “Whenever I showed up the coaches were amazing, I got to meet a lot of the directors there, the chancellor. Everyone just loved athletics, they loved being at A-state and it really felt like home. I know going there I would be safe and have a good time. I’m really excited.”
Bohannan said she appreciated the effort the Red Wolves put forth to land her.
“I had a few different options, but nothing really stuck out like A-state did,” she said. “I knew because of COVID I would be doing virtual tours, and they really put in so much effort to try and show me the campus and make me want to go there. They really showed me that was where I wanted to be. Just the effort they put in was amazing.”
Bohannan’s effort on the court these past three seasons for Benton helped the Lady Panthers finish 96-13 during that time, which included two 5A State Tournament runner-up appearances, falling to Little Rock Christian in five sets this past year, and a semis appearance last year, making All-state and named to the All-state Tournament Team both seasons.
“Laci is not just an athlete,” Benton Coach Michelle Shoppach said. “Her academics will take her far. We have been proud for Laci Bohannan to have Benton on her chest.”
Shoppach said Bohannan stepped up when the Lady Panthers needed her most.
“We were playing Marion at Marion and they were the No. 1 seed in the state,” Shoppach said of this past year’s semis. “They had not been beaten by anybody in the state of Arkansas this year. Our team was up for the occasion and they beat them in four sets. If Laci played better at another time, I’d definitely want to be there. Against Marion, she played the best match I’ve ever seen her play. It’s been a pleasure having her on the court.”
For her senior season, Bohannan was second on the team with 259 kills, 256 assists and 68 service aces, adding 198 digs, all career highs, with 25 blocks.
Bohannan finishes her Benton career with 589 kills, 516 assists, 389 digs, 117 aces and 108 blocks. It is a career she’ll never forget.
“I’ve been with Coach Shoop (Shoppach) since the eighth grade because she kind of moved up with us,” Bohannan explained. “Benton volleyball has been amazing. We’ve had our ups and downs with the team and emotions, but overall it was a great experience.
“We fell just short two years and then the semifinals in my 11th-grade year. It’s definitely been a long ride, but it’s something I would never take back. We’ve had a great team every year. Everyone here just loves volleyball. You won’t find anybody who loved the game more than Coach Shoop. It’s been awesome.”
Bohannan said she plans to major in business of fashion merchandising, taking on some already earned experience.
“On the side I’ve been modeling since I was 3 or 4, and I’m hoping I can do some fashion merchandising and continue modeling throughout and after college, and see how far I can go,” she said.