SILOAM SPRINGS -- Head junior varsity volleyball coach Steve Brankle announced the addition of a trio of new Golden Eagles that will debut in the 2025 season on Thursday (July 24) morning.
This season, the Golden Eagles debut its largest and most ambitious schedule – highlighted by a program-most 21 matches in a single season with four contests coming on the friendly grounds of Bill George Arena. JBU opens the season on Aug. 30 in Clarksville, Ark. against Ozarks (Ark.) and kicks off its very brief home schedule on Sept. 11 in a trimatch that features Henderson State (Ark.) and Rose State (Okla.).
In 2024, fifth-year head coach Steve Brankle compiled a 13-5 record, marking the third consecutive season he led the Golden Eagles to double-digit wins, going 38-13 (.745) overall during that span.
"I am excited about what these three young ladies bring to an already strong team. Havyn makes us three deep at all front-row positions. Rachel and Makenzie add depth at setter and also will be our future, with Jaedyn and Kelsey being seniors. What excites me most about this team is who they are as young women. They all love Jesus and each other. They work hard every day in practice — most arrive an hour early, working to get better. They push each other and support each other. This is an easy team to coach.
"Another thing that really excites me is the addition of Grace Barfknecht as our graduate assistant. Grace worked with us in the spring and was a great asset to the team and me. She began her career on the JV team before finishing as a varsity player. Grace coached with me in club and then was a head coach for two years. She brings a wealth of experience to her position. Most importantly, Grace has her priorities right. Volleyball is just a game, but developing young women in their faith, academics and relationships is what matters most — and Grace understands and values that."
| Player |
Ht. |
Pos. |
Hometown |
High School |
| Havyn Huber |
6-0 |
Opposite Hitter |
Prairie Grove, Ark. |
Prairie Grove |
| Makenzie Jordan |
5-10 |
Setter |
Newton, Kan. |
Berean Academy |
| Rachel Krafft |
5-7 |
Setter |
Ft. Smith, Ark. |
Northside |
Havyn Huber arrives in Siloam Springs after a successful senior season at Prairie Grove High. The Prairie Grove native competed as a 6-foot-0 right side hitter for the Tigers, which captured the 2024 conference championship and completed an undefeated conference season under head coach Lindsey Biocic.
Huber earned All-State Honorable Mention recognition in 2024 following All-Conference selections in both 2023 and 2024. The three-year Tiger received 4A All-Conference Honorable Mention honors as a sophomore in 2022.
Huber also participated in Prairie Grove's track program under head coach Scott Reed during her high school career.
Brankle on Huber: "Havyn is a front-row player who can play all positions but will primarily play the right side. I have known Havyn since her 15s year in club when Grace and I coached her. I have been watching Havyn's development since then and was excited to sign her. She has played club for both Ozark Juniors and NWA Storm. She helped lead Prairie Grove High School to their most successful three years, culminating in an undefeated conference season and championship in her senior year. Havyn is also an excellent student. I look forward to watching her continue developing her game, as I think there is a lot more to pull out of her."
Why John Brown: "I loved the environment at JBU. Each and every time I visited, everyone was very welcoming. The campus is also very beautiful." — Havyn Huber
Makenzie Jordan joins the Blue and Gold after three seasons setting for the Warriors at Berean Academy. The Newton, Kansas native competed in the 2A Heart of America Conference under head coach Kristin Wiebe while also participating in track and field for two seasons under head coach Lewis Wiebe.
The 5-foot-10 setter earned letters in both volleyball and track during her multi-sport career at Berean Academy.
Brankle on Jordan: "Makenzie is the fourth (and hopefully not the last) player I have recruited from Berean High School. I first met Mak and her family when they were visiting campus. I knew immediately that she would fit with our team. She is a setter with a very high ceiling, and we are going to push her to reach it. Since I first watched her, her game has really developed — especially during her 18s club season. She can also play middle if needed. I am excited to watch Makenzie grow as a player as she plays against a higher level of competition. She has the athleticism and work ethic to excel at this level, like the previous players from her high school have. Beyond volleyball, Mak is another great young lady who will only add to an already deep team."
Why John Brown: "After visiting, I loved the campus and atmosphere. There are also a number of a girls from my high school who attend, and spoke very highly of it. I had a really positive experience with Coach Brankle and the team, which drew me to JBU as well." — Makenzie Jordan
Rachel Krafft transitions to the Golden Eagles after two seasons setting at Northside High School. The Fort Smith native compiled 1,073 career over her two-year career as a Grizzly under head coach Matthew Waack. She also compiled 41 aces and 318 digs during her senior campaign.
The 5-foot-7 setter earned multiple honors during her senior campaign, earning 6A West All-Conference recognition and a selection to the AVCA All-America watchlist. Krafft also earned AVCA Best and Brightest honors and was named among the Top 25 setters in Arkansas in 2024.
Brankle on Krafft: "Rachel is a setter from Fort Smith Northside. She had a great senior year, both in high school and club. Under Rachel's leadership, Northside beat their rival Fort Smith Southside, who were ranked first in the state at the time. Her Fort Smith Juniors team was also a dominant team in the Delta region and nationally this past year. Rachel grew so much as a setter under the guidance of coach Matt Waack, leading her to attain more than 1,000 assists in her senior year while playing at the highest level in Arkansas. Rachel has the talent and ability to take her game to another level as she will be asked to run a faster and more dynamic offense in college. Beyond volleyball, Rachel is an excellent student. I am excited to see her grow as a young woman and player."
Why John Brown: "At JBU, I get to continue playing the sport I love, stay close to home and be somewhere that's going to help me grow in my faith!" — Rachel Krafft
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