HALEY WARNER

WHY SHE WON: A 6-2 junior outside hitter with Fayetteville High School’s all-time kill record, Haley Warner stands tall on the court for the Lady Bulldogs. Warner isn’t the typical lengthy threat at the net. While she does have that ability, her game is much more well-rounded than the average outside hitter. Along with the 421 kills and .342 hitting percentage Warner garnered last year, she added an impressive 274 digs to help lead the 30-6 Lady Bulldogs to a state title. It was this dominant display of skill that landed Warner the title of 2017 All-Arkansas Preps Player of the Year in Volleyball. Warner said she thinks it’s her duty to help her team out in all aspects of the game. “I love playing defense. I think I love it because most people believe that big girls can’t do more than hit and block,” she said. “I think passers are a very, very important aspect of volleyball, and I make sure that I can contribute more to my team than just playing back row.” She made her presence on the court known even in her freshman season at Fayetteville. That year, 2014, Warner tallied 507 kills, 172 digs and 129 blocks with a kill percentage of .452. The Bulldogs would go on to play in the 7A state final that season, with Warner recording 21 kills in that match. She would ultimately earn the 2014 Gatorade Arkansas Volleyball Player of the Year award. Fayetteville High School head volleyball coach Jessica Phelan said Warner has developed her overall game throughout the past few seasons, improving as a defender, passer and server, but that it’s exciting to watch her get in attack mode during a match. “In those moments when Haley is ‘on fire’ offensively, it is fun to watch the team find ways to get her the ball and Haley come through with big swings on big points,” Phelan said. “Volleyball is such a team sport. The magic points with a sweet pass, sweet set and ending with a big swing from Haley — those never get old.” Phelan added that she hopes to see Haley in a USA jersey one day or playing professionally in the years to come. For the next step of her career, after her senior year at Fayetteville, Warner has chosen to attend the University of Florida. Warner received several scholarship offers, beginning when she was in the eighth grade. She said she chose the University of Florida for a couple of reasons. “It’s closer to home, and my family is the most important thing to me. So them being able to come watch me play [is important],” she said. “The other reason was because of the coaching staff and team closeness with each other. I absolutely love the coaches and love the players. The coaches are very family-oriented and have real bonds with the players.” Warner’s mother, Paula, said that when Haley joins the team in 2018, she will be joining a current No. 1 recruiting class with the potential of having some huge success for the following four years.

It’s an amazing feeling [to win this award]. Wow. It’s like everything that I’ve done for volleyball, and the countless hours in the gym and weight room, just finally paid off. I’m so thankful for this award, and I hope you’ll see me again next year.”