Fort Smith Southside brings experience to Razorback volleyball | Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette (2024)

This year's University of Arkansas volleyball roster is littered with newcomers, but setter Hannah Hogue is one of the few Razorbacks that could be called a veteran.

The 5-foot-8 senior setter from Fort Smith played every set a year ago for an Arkansas team that advanced to the Elite Eight of the NCAA Tournament for the first time in school history and finished ranked No. 8 in the country in the final American Volleyball Coaches Association poll. Hogue earned honorable mention All-America honors, along with AVCA All-South Region and All-Southeastern Conference recognition.

Hogue said playing for the Razorbacks and being a part of that team in particular will be something she'll always remember.

"It's a dream come true for me just to represent this state, this university and wear the Hog on my chest every day," Hogue said. "It's an honor. I don't take it lightly because so many kids from Arkansas this is what they are dreaming to do. It's really cool for me to be a part of that team that made history. It's special, something I cherish."

She doesn't really want to be remembered for winning games or awards, but is hoping for a deeper meaning.

"I want to know that I had an impact on something greater than myself," Hogue said. "Younger generations and little girls they got to interact with me and maybe inspired them to chase their dreams in a way. ... As far as my teammates and this program, I just want to have left a standard of excellence not so much the uncontrollables, but how you approach the game, approach your job every day and going about it the best you can. Hopefully I've done that every day and my teammates can see it and they do it and it just trickles on down to future generations."

Arkansas Coach Jason Watson, who is beginning his ninth season with the Razorbacks, said Hogue's contribution to the Razorbacks is multi-faceted.

"There's this technical component where she's throwing up this really remarkable set to this consistent tempo and consistent location, and so that level of consistency is something she certainly brings," Watson said. "We don't put much stock in the hierarchy of communication through some anointed leaders. Everyone's voice is significant, and that's where Hannah has never not been a leader.

"But I think it's the experience and the voice that's important. She isn't this outwardly emotional person. That doesn't mean she isn't competitive and doesn't work hard and with that has the respect of her peers, and perhaps that's the most important thing."

He also pointed out Hogue's ability to communicate makes her different from redshirt freshman setter Lo Jones.

"The ability to interpret and communicate and be a little proactive in that space," Watson said. "Lo's made tremendous improvement in that area, but Hannah has gone through that and so she's able to communicate with the hitters in a way that allows them the freedom to give that feedback to her so she can make the necessary adjustments, and it's not a combative relationship. It's a mutually beneficial relationship. Hannah's been in some big games, too. So there's an enormous amount of experience that comes with that big stage and that big moment."

Hogue acknowledged getting comfortable with the graduation of outside hitters Jill Gillen, Taylor Head and Maggie Cartwright has taken some time.

"There's been a bit of a learning curve, but it's been good," Hogue said. "It's been different; learning every day -- learning some of nuances of that and getting to know them better as players and what sets them up for success. It got to the point last year things were kind of unspoken. You didn't really have to have a long conversation about what needed to change. But we'll get there. It just takes time."

Arkansas opens the season Friday in the Mustang Invitational in San Luis Obispo, Calif. Arkansas faces St. Mary's at 4 p.m. on Friday, then takes on Sacramento State (2:30 p.m.) and host Cal Poly (9 p.m.) on Saturday.