Hometown Heroes: Mississippi Prospects Making Their Mark

Mississippi has continued to make its presence felt on the volleyball scene, producing talented athletes who are making their mark both in-state and beyond. From championship performances to emerging prospects turning heads on the recruiting trail, there is plenty of talent coming out of the Magnolia State. Here’s a look at some of the Mississippi players who are helping put their state on the map.

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Class of 2028

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Kinsley Ables: Red level MB- Infinity 16 REN 

Kinsley Ables stands at 6’2 and gives Infinity 16 REN a strong presence in the middle. Her résumé includes an appearance at the UA Next Camp, providing another opportunity to compete alongside top talent. Ables also helped her team take first place in the 15/16 Gold Bracket at the 2026 Ragin Cajun AAU Grand Prix. Her combination of size and high-level tournament experience makes her an exciting 2028 middle blocker to follow.

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Brooklyn Lopez: Orange level OPP/RS- MS Velocity 16 Black

Brooklyn Lopez made a statement at the UA Next Camp, taking home MVP honors from the event. The opposite/right-side has also earned recognition at the high school level, receiving Clovis West High School’s 2025 Offensive Excellence Award. Lopez has continued to explore the college game through camps at Memphis, Alabama, Ole Miss, and other programs. Her offensive resume and growing collegiate exposure make her a prospect worth watching in the 2028 class.

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Lillie Henson: Green level setter- Infinity 17 REN 

Lillie Henson has already surpassed 500 career assists, showcasing her ability to consistently contribute from the setter position. Her court vision helps her find ways to keep the offense moving and has led to multiple Top Performer and watchlist recognitions. Henson also took home gold in the 15/16 Gold Bracket at the 2026 Ragin Cajun AAU Grand Prix. With plenty of experience already under her belt, Henson has continued to build a strong foundation. 

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Class of 2029

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Stella Warren: Green level OH- MS Velocity 15 Black 

Stella Warren brings a strong offensive presence to MS Velocity 15 Black and has already earned recognition for her attacking and serving abilities. She was named Jackson Academy’s 2025 Best Offensive Player and also received the 2025 Ace Serving Award. Warren has gained collegiate exposure through camps at Auburn, Ole Miss, UAB, and other programs. She capped her club season at USAV Nationals, adding national-level competition to her resume.

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Kristen Bailey: Blue level MB- Infinity 17 REN

Kristen Bailey has put together a strong résumé as a middle blocker for Infinity 17 REN, including a standout performance at the 2026 AAU Wave 3 event. She also won gold with her team in the 17/18 Gold Bracket at the 2026 Ragin Cajun AAU Grand Prix. Bailey has gained significant exposure to the college game through camps at Arizona, Miami, Kentucky, and other programs. Her experience against high-level competition gives her a solid foundation as she continues to develop in the 2029 class.

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Asia Lindsay: Blue level MB- MS Velocity 16 Black 

Asia Lindsay has earned early recognition for her play, including a spot as an MS Gridiron Top Performer. She was also selected for the 2025 MAIS Volleyball Futures Game, showcasing her among some of the region’s promising young talent. Lindsay has continued to expand her experience through opportunities like the UAB College Camp. As she develops her game at the middle blocker position, Lindsay is a 2029 prospect worth following.

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Catherine Bensler: setter- MS Velocity 16 Black 

Catherine Bensler has gained valuable experience against top competition, finishing her season at USAV Nationals. She has also attended college camps at Stanford, Harvard, and other programs, giving her exposure to different collegiate systems. Beyond the court, Bensler stands out for her strong academic performance. Her combination of setting experience, competitive exposure, and academics makes her an intriguing prospect.

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Class of 2030 

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Lorin Bass: Elite Orange level MB- Infinity 15 REN

At 6’3, Lorin Bass brings significant size to the middle for Infinity 15 REN and has already made an impression on the national stage. She was an Under Armour Next invitee and earned 2026 UA Next MS MVP honors. Bass also helped lead her team to a championship in the 2026 AAU 14 Premier Diamond Bracket. With college camp experience at Arizona, Auburn, Alabama, and more, Bass has plenty of opportunities ahead to continue developing her game.

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Chloe Echols: Green level OH- IVBA Soar 15 REN 

Chloe Echols has already shown she can compete beyond her age group, making her high school varsity team as an eighth grader. Now a freshman on varsity, Echols continues to gain experience against older competition while developing with IVBA Soar 15 REN. Her early success at the high school level also earned her a spot on the AVCA Phenom Watchlist. With that experience already under her belt, Echols has an exciting path ahead as a 2030 prospect.

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Lily Powell: Green level libero/DS- Infinity 14 REN 

Lily Powell helped her team capture the Diamond Division Championship at AAU Nationals, adding a major tournament accomplishment to her resume. She also came away with a title at the Ragin Cajun AAU Grand Prix after competing in the 13/14 Gold Bracket. Powell has continued to expand her exposure through opportunities such as the Mississippi State College Camp. With national success already on her résumé, Powell has a strong foundation to build on as she develops in the 2030 class.

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Celia Chancelor: Green level OH- Infinity 14 REN 

Celia Chancelor has been part of back-to-back Gold Bracket championship teams at the Southern Hospitality tournament in 2025 and 2026. The outside hitter has also gained collegiate exposure through the Mississippi State College Camp. Chancelor brings plenty of energy to the court and uses her competitive mindset to make an impact for Infinity 14 REN. With tournament success already on her resume, she has a strong foundation to continue building on.