Siloam Springs’ Hannah Allison was one of 24 players selected to play in the Under Armour High School All-America volleyball match at 1 p.m. Dec. 20 in the St. Pete Times Forum in Tampa, Fla.
Allison, rated among the top 10 recruits in the nation by one recruiting service, was named a first-team All-American by American Volleyball Coaches Association. She will play on the Red team.
The All-America volleyball match and skills competition will be played as part of the AVCA annual convention.
The match, which is in its second year, will feature 24 Under Armour Girls High School All-Americans as selected by the AVCA, competing in a three-set match, in addition to a series of individual competitions that will showcase the athletes’ skills.
The 5-foot-11 setter/outside hitter will graduate this month and head to the University of Texas in January to start college.
Siloam coach Rose Cheek said it’s exciting to have a player of Allison’s caliber and to see her get recognition statewide and even nationwide.
“To be a first-team selection, that’s very special,” Cheek said. “I’m not sure Arkansas has ever had an All-American in volleyball. It’s exciting.”
Allison, who recently signed to play for the Longhorns next season, led Siloam to its sixth consecutive state championship this year.
She was also selected to play for the United States Youth Junior National team over the summer which participated in the FIVB Girls’ Youth World Championship in Thailand. Allison also earned the Gatorade Volleyball Player of the Year award as a junior.
She is likely to win that state player of the year award again, but Allison is also up for the Gatorade National player of the year honor.
Her skill level is unquestioned, but Cheek also gushes about her leadership and intangibles that she brings to any team she plays for.
“I don’t know that there’s a price tag you could put on what she does,” Cheek said. “Her ability to keep the team focused, not looking ahead. To keep her composure in stressful situations. She just takes charge at crunch time.”