Cotter Lady Warriors Earn Four All-State Honors
The Arkansas Activities Association named four Cotter players to the Class 2A All-State volleyball team for the second straight season.
Updated on Nov. 2, 2026 in Volleyball
The Arkansas Activities Association announced its 2026 volleyball all-state and all-tournament selections, with several local athletes earning honors. Cotter advanced to the state semifinals for the second straight season and posted a 30-4 record.
Why it matters
The selections recognize individual players who drove a successful season for their teams, including record-setting statewide performances. The recognition highlights the continued strength of small-school volleyball programs across Arkansas.
The selections are based on season statistics compiled by the Arkansas Activities Association, with Lily McNutt's 606 kills and 155 blocks ranking sixth and second in state history. The source does not indicate how the all-state selection criteria weigh statistics against other factors.
The players
Arkansas Activities Association
The statewide body that governs interscholastic athletics in Arkansas and announces all-state and all-tournament selections each year.
Lily McNutt
A Cotter Lady Warriors player who recorded 606 kills and 155 blocks this season, ranking among the top individual totals in Arkansas high school volleyball history.
The details
Eight players from each conference were chosen for all-state honors, and three local athletes were named to all-tournament teams. Cotter's four all-state selections came as the Lady Warriors advanced to the state semifinals for the second consecutive season.
Timeline
2026 season: players recorded the season statistics and team records cited in the selections.
November 2, 2026: the Arkansas Activities Association announced the all-state selections.
Season Trajectory
Cotter's second straight state semifinal appearance and second consecutive four-player all-state class continue a pattern of sustained success for the program. The selections also reflect a season in which local programs such as Izard County reached their first state quarterfinal.
Local fans can follow these athletes as they continue their careers, and families of players can use the published selections to track individual recognition. The honors also shape how programs recruit and promote their athletes.
The takeaway
Recognition on the all-state list reflects a full season of individual and team performance, not just a single game. Readers interested in youth sports can use these selections as a benchmark for what consistent statewide success looks like.
Further reading
Explore more Arkansas high school volleyball coverage for context on this season's standout teams and players.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Baxter Bulletin.
