State of the Program: LSU Volleyball’s 2026–2027 Recruiting Surge

Head coach Tonya Johnson has been quietly building her roster to compete at the highest levels. In 2023, she brought in Jurnee Robinson, a star from day one who has developed into a First Team All-SEC player and one of LSU’s standout athletes. In the same year, she also added AC Froehlich from St. Thomas Moore, the Louisiana Gatorade Player of the Year, who has become an integral part of the team’s trajectory.

The following class featured Lainee Pyles, a national champion and Tournament MVP in the USA Volleyball All-Star Tournament, who led the team with 24 aces, 1.69 kills per set, and 29 blocks for a total of 209 points as a freshman.

Alongside Pyles, Johnson brought in Jessica Jones, a dynamic middle blocker and 2023 AVCA Girls High School All-American, who finished with a .305 hitting percentage, 163 kills, 0.88 blocks per set (88 total, 15 solo), and 14 aces — ranking third among SEC freshmen in blocks per set.

In 2024, Johnson added Takyla Brown, a Prep Volleyball All-American with a school record 3,780 career assists. Ranked No. 2 in Texas and No. 12 nationally by MaxPreps, Brown made an immediate impact with 189 assists and 63 digs in just 11 games.

2026 Class: Laying the Foundation

Kiley Brooks — Defensive Specialist/ Libero, Skyline Juniors (TX)

• Rating: 5★ (PrepVolleyball)

• Career Stats: 382 sets, 2,162 digs, 1,524 receptions, 149 Assists.

  Brooks brings elite floor leadership, playmaking skills, and serve-receive consistency to LSU’s 2026 class.

Hannah Mae Lee — Middle Blocker, Texas Advantage Volleyball / Frisco Wakeland (TX)

• Rating: 3★ (PrepVolleyball)

• HS Stats: 446 kills in 220 sets, .235 hitting percentage, 155 total blocks

  Lee offers front-court presence and high-level accolades, including UIL All Texas Team and 5A All-State recognition.

Djay Seaward — Middle Blocker, Untouchables EPA / Plano Senior High School (TX)

* Rating: 3★ (PrepVolleyball)

* HS Stats: 433 kills in 304 sets, 398 total blocks, .304 hit pct, 259 solo blocks

Seaward adds athleticism and blocking prowess, highlighted by All-Tournament honors at the 2024 USA Volleyball Junior Nationals.

Katie Raymer — Defensive Specialist / Libero, Apex HS (NC)

• Rating: 2★ (PrepVolleyball)

• Career Stats: 270 sets, 1018 receptions, 938 digs, 956 assists, 177 aces with a 15% ace percentage

  Raymer provides defensive stability and serve-receive reliability.

  
  

  

2027 Class: Elevating the Ceiling

Nyla Livings — Middle Blocker (6'2")

• Rating: 5★ (PrepVolleyball), PrepDig #40

• HS Stats: 122 sets, 103 blocks, Service Ace Percentage 83.3%, 266 kills. .459 Hit %

  A dominant middle with quick lateral movement and a hard, fast arm swing, Nyla projects to contribute immediately to the rotation.

Naomi Livings — Outside / Right Side (6'0")

• Rating: 5★ (PrepVolleyball)

• HS Stats: 132 career sets, 293 kills, 2.2 K/S, 44.9% hitting percentage, 59 total blocks, 81 digs.

  Naomi adds scoring versatility, smooth swing mechanics, and reliable serve-receive. She can swing left or right, giving LSU multiple offensive options.

  
  

Nailah Randle — Outside / Right Side (6'1")

• Rating: 4★ (PrepVolleyball), PrepDig #117

• HS Stats: 241 sets, 761 kills, 3.2 K/S, 98 blocks, 291 digs, .324 hitting percentage.

  Randle offers length, spin, and midline blocking instincts, enhancing LSU’s rotational depth outside.

Sophia Dostic — Setter (6'1")

• Rating: 3★ (PrepVolleyball)

• HS Stats: 145 sets, 9.7 Assist per set, 92 Kills, 98 blocks, 1409 digs,

  Dostic is a modern, tall setter with a quick release, strong net defense, and the ability to run a fast, varied offense.

The Bigger Picture

Johnson’s vision is clear: sustain multi-class talent. The 2026 class established a strong foundation with a premier setter, a reliable middle, and defensive coverage. The 2027 class then elevates LSU’s ceiling with elite attackers, versatile hitters, and a top-50 national middle. Together, these back-to-back classes provide roster balance, depth, and elite talent across all positions, positioning LSU volleyball for continued SEC dominance and national prominence.

I will have follow up articles on the portal successes. Also, we will dig in to how the team is performing and could an NCAA birth be in the cards this year !