Fayetteville High School athlete named Gatorade Arkansas Player of the Year

A Fayetteville High School athlete was recognized this week as the top high school volleyball player in the state.

According to a press release issued Tuesday, FPS senior Haley Warner this week was named the Gatorade Arkansas Volleyball Player of the year.

The award is given annually to an Arkansas athlete that exhibits athletic excellence, but also high standards of academic achievement and exemplary character “on and off the field.”

Warner led the Bulldogs to a 27-11 record and a fourth straight Class 7A state championship this past season, amassing 669 kills, 232 digs, 211 assists, 82 blocks, and 29 service aces. Off the court, she is a member of the National Arts Honor society, a volunteer locally as a coach with the Special Olympics, all the while keeping a 3.05 GPA in the classroom.

She recently signed a letter of intent to play volleyball on scholarship at the University of Florida next season.

Warner joins recent Gatorade Arkansas Volleyball Players of the Year Ella May Powell (2016-17 & 2015-16) and Aubrey Edie (2012-13) as FHS volleyball players who are among the state’s list of former award winners.

With the award, Warner will be able to choose a national or local youth sports organization to receive a $1,000 grant.