The 2026-27 Arizona girls high school volleyball season is underway, with teams in six Arizona Interscholastic Association conferences competing this season, with several intriguing storylines to watch. In 6A, the big question is whether Xavier can win a third straight title. The Gators enter the season ranked No. 8 nationally by MaxPreps. Xavier defeated Tempe Corona del Sol for the title in 2024 and 2025, and returns perhaps the best overall player in the state. In 5A, Sunrise Mountain is looking to finally break through, after finishing as runner-up the past two seasons. And a fine story is brewing in 1A, the smallest-school level, as Cicero Prep vies for a fourth straight title. Here's a look at the top 6A players to watch in the state this season. Vote in our poll for the player you think should be at the top of our list. The poll will close on Wednesday, Sept. 9 at 6 p.m. Print readers can find the poll online at azcentral.com/sports/high-schools. Tessa Larkin, Xavier College Prep, Outside Hitter, Sr.
There isn't much debate about who sits atop Arizona's volleyball landscape. Larkin enters her senior season as the reigning Gatorade Arizona Player of the Year for volleyball, and the Stanford commit has been a centerpiece of Xavier's back-to-back 6A championships. Last year Larkin posted 419 kills, 248 digs, 71 blocks and 39 aces. MaxPreps also has her as the best player in Arizona heading into this season. She was named AIA 6A first-team last season and also named to The Republic's All-Arizona Girls Volleyball Team in 2025. "Tessa is one of the most accomplished players in the country," Xavier head coach Lamar-Renee Bryant said. "She's a leader and an extremely hard worker, I'm so proud of what she's done here at Xavier." Mikaela Lee-Tsosie, Corona del Sol, Middle Blocker, Jr. Lee-Tsosie is one of the reasons why Corona del Sol shouldn't be overlooked, despite losing 10 seniors. The 6-foot-3 junior middle blocker had 208 kills and 69 blocks last season, finishing third on the Aztecs in kills, behind Hayden Connor, who is now at Washington, and second in total blocks. "Mikaela brings experience at a high level as a junior, which is always good," Corona del Sol head coach Ben Maxfield said. "She brings a physical presence and she's a foundational piece for us." Sophia Gregg, Perry, Setter, So. Gregg is among the youngest players on this list, but she has experience playing high-level volleyball. She recently played with the United States U-17 team at the Pan American Cup, where she was voted the best setter of the tournament. As a freshman, Gregg recorded 307 kills and 44 aces. Now she's coming to a Perry team that is loaded with talent. "We're big and physical," Perry head coach Andrew Yamashiro said. "We're bringing back a lot of players, and Sophia will be one of the main pieces that we have on our floor." Lauren Forelli, Liberty, Outside Hitter, Sr. Forelli led Liberty last year with 295 kills. She also added 208 digs, 34 blocks and 32 aces. She already has committed to Michigan State after her senior year. She is one of many dangerous pieces on a talented Liberty team. Kristen Sheehy, Sandra Day O'Connor, Middle Hitter, Sr. At 6-foot-4, Sheehy gives O'Connor a serious weapon at the net. She notched 164 kills in 68 sets last season, while also recording 57 blocks. Sheehy will be TCU-bound next year. Makinlee Landis, Hamilton, Middle Blocker/OH, Jr. The 6-foot-2 Landis is very much a candidate for breakout player this year. She recorded 147 kills and 86 blocks last year and she enters 2026 as one of Hamilton's primary middle options. Saydie Vega, Casteel, Outside Hitter, Jr. As a sophomore last season, the 5-foot-10 outside hitter notched 339 kills, good enough to rank her eighth in the state in that category. Vega also added 99 digs and 14 blocks during last year's campaign. Vega came up big in the big games, recording a hitting percentage of more than .500 against Basha and Chandler. Casteel finished 29-11 last season and ranked No. 3 in Arizona behind Xavier and Corona del Sol. Hayes Haan, Sunnyslope, Outside Hitter, Sr. At 6-foot-1, Haan gives Sunnyslope a proven option on the outside heading into 2026. The Vikings went 23-14 last season with a big win over Corona del Sol. Haan logged 299 kills, with 225 digs, 31 blocks and 24 aces. Sienna Cathey, Perry, Outside Hitter, Sr. Cathey transferred from Gilbert Christian after putting together a fine 2025 campaign. She led the Knights with 366 kills, while adding 213 digs and 57 aces. "She's going to have a big impact for us," Yamashiro said. "She's committed to Cal Poly so she can get used to playing with some big kids here." Adelyn Chang, Corona del Sol, Setter, Sr. The steady senior and Temple commit piled up 970 assists in 101 sets last season. She added 219 digs and 26 aces. "What can I say about Addie, she's been so great for us," Maxfield said. "As a team that is sort of in transition, being able to bring her back and her experience is so huge for us, and I can't say enough about how much she means to this team."
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