This is the first of three features profiling three members of LSU volleyball’s standout freshman class.
“Pressure is a privilege,” according to LSU volleyball head coach Tonya Johnson. When freshman libero Aly Kirkhoff stepped onto campus earlier this year, she didn’t know anything but pressure.
She was a first-year college student and a first-year college athlete while playing a position that can make or break games. But just 15 weeks later, the freshman has cemented herself as one of the program’s rising stars.
Since the Tigers opened their season against New Hampshire on Aug. 30, Kirkhoff has been a mainstay on the court, playing in all 27 matches and tallying more than 314 digs, 19 aces and 85 assists as a defensive specialist. Those numbers alone are impressive, but they only scratch the surface of what makes Kirkhoff stand out.
A work ethic rooted in family
Kirkhoff’s journey to being a Tiger began in Indianapolis, Indiana, where she grew up surrounded by a large family with a lot of athletic history. Her grandfather, Bob Kirkhoff, is an Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame inductee and coached women’s basketball at Roncalli High School for 22 years. Nearly every member of her extended family attended and graduated from Roncalli, setting the bar high early for Kirkhoff.
“We’re a big sports family,” her mother Teresa Kirkhoff said. “Aly grew up going to games and tournaments with her cousins and siblings. It’s always been about sports and family for her.”
Her athletic journey wasn’t always focused on volleyball, though. Growing up, Kirkhoff was a multi-sport athlete, excelling in basketball and softball before narrowing her focus to volleyball in high school.
“She’s always been gritty and competitive,” Teresa said. “But what sets her apart is her passion for the game and her work ethic. She’s always willing to put in the extra effort to improve.”
Kirkhoff isn’t just a competitor though, she’s a fan. Her favorite sport to watch? Racing, believe it or not, but specifically the Indy 500.
“It’s the best day of the year, even better than Christmas,” Kirkhoff said.
Every Memorial Day, when the race is held, you can find the Kirkhoff family mobbing the stands and cheering on Kirkhoff’s favorite driver, Alexander Rossi. That passion for family and high-level competition was evident through her eight years with her club volleyball team.
“She was never the tallest or the strongest, but she always played bigger than her size,” her high school coach, Christina Erazmus, said. “Aly is a student of the game, and she put in the work to make sure her skills and mental toughness were second to none.”
Kirkhoff credits her family for helping her develop her competitive spirit. As a child, she was exposed to countless games and tournaments, whether in the stands or on the court.
“Being part of a family that loves sports as much as mine does, you can’t help but pick up on that energy,” she said. “It definitely shaped how I approach challenges and competition.”
A natural leader
Kirkhoff’s impact at Roncalli was undeniable. She was a leader on and off the court, helping guide a young team through challenges while setting a standard for excellence.
“Volleyball is one of the only sports where, after each point, you have a moment to reset and connect with your teammates,” Erazmus said. “Aly’s energy and presence kept everyone grounded during tough stretches. She knew how to lighten the mood when things weren’t going well and how to bring excitement when the team needed a spark.”
Even after her graduation, Kirkhoff’s influence is still felt. Her former teammates at Roncalli often refer to her as the model of what a great teammate should be.
Her leadership extended beyond her own teammates. Kirkhoff frequently stayed after practices to work with younger players, offering advice, encouragement, and instruction.
“She left some big shoes to fill,” Erazmus said.
The LSU connection
For Kirkhoff, choosing LSU wasn’t just a decision; it was a manifestation of what talent, hard work and meeting your dream coach will do for you.
As a child, Kirkhoff adored Texas volleyball, where Johnson was then an assistant.
“I remember seeing Tonya Johnson at a tournament when I was little and telling my mom, ‘I want to play for her someday,’” Kirkhoff said on teammate and LSU setter Bailey Ortega’s podcast. “I thought it was going to be at Texas… It’s at LSU? Even better”.
When Johnson took the LSU job, the pieces fell into place, and after visiting Baton Rouge, Kirkhoff was sold on the program’s culture and sense of belonging.
“It felt like home from the moment I stepped on campus,” she said. “I didn’t want to leave.”
“We visited other schools, but there was something special about LSU,” Teresa said. “Aly felt an immediate connection with the coaches and the team. It was exactly what she wanted – a family away from home.”
Kirkhoff was also drawn to LSU’s vibrant sports culture, which she says is unlike anything she’s ever experienced.
“At LSU, sports are a way of life,” she said. “Everywhere you go, you feel that energy. It’s inspiring to be part of something so much bigger than yourself.”
A smooth transition
Moving to Baton Rouge wasn’t without its challenges, though. Kirkhoff graduated high school a week early to join LSU for practices before the team’s European tour. The whirlwind experience included stops in Istanbul, Vienna and Venice, providing Kirkhoff with a crash course in college-level volleyball while bonding with her newfound teammates.
“It was nerve-wracking at first,” she admitted. “But being thrown into that environment helped me adjust quickly. I got to know my teammates and coaches right away, and that made the transition so much easier.”
Balancing academics, athletics and personal time has also been an adjustment. Kirkhoff says her faith has been a steadying force throughout her transition. Every Monday evening, she attends a Bible study group that has become a cornerstone of her routine.
“It’s the one constant in my week,” she said. “With so much going on, it’s a reminder of why I’m here and how I can use my platform to inspire others.”
Her coaches and teammates have also noticed her ability to adapt quickly.
“Aly is mature beyond her years,” Erazmus said. “She handles pressure with grace and sets an example for everyone around her.”
Making her mark
Kirkhoff has wasted no time making an impact at LSU. She recorded a season-high 26 digs in the Tigers’ Sept. 13 match against Samford and has consistently been a clutch player when the Tigers needed it most. Her vocal presence on the court encouraging her teammates helps Kirkhoff manage the game.
“Talking through every point helps me stay focused and keeps us connected as a team,” she said. “Whether we’re up or down, it’s all about staying in the moment.”
The SEC schedule has tested Kirkhoff in ways she couldn’t have imagined. Facing older, more experienced opponents has pushed her to elevate her game.
“SEC play is no joke,” she said. “The speed of the game is next level, but that’s what I love about it – the grind, the growth and the chance to get better every day.”
“We don’t want our youth to be an excuse for us,” assistant coach Kevin Inlow said. “We’re physically capable.”
Her mother isn’t surprised by her daughter’s resilience, though.
“Aly’s always been the kind of kid who wants the ball in tough situations,” Teresa said. “She thrives under pressure and lifts everyone around her.”
A bright future
Kirkhoff has been focused on building for the future since the Tigers returned from their final regular season game, defeating Alabama on the road.
“This team is young, but we’ve grown so much together,” she said. “The seniors have been incredible leaders, and they’ve set a foundation for what this program can become.”
Her impact on LSU goes beyond stats and wins. Kirkhoff’s coaches and peers describe her as a unifying force, someone who makes everyone feel valued.
“She’s not just a great player; she’s a great teammate,” Erazmus said. “She cares about the success of the team more than her own accolades.”
For Kirkhoff, the journey is just beginning.
“Back in August, I wasn’t sure if I could play at this level,” she said. “Now, I look at my growth and think, ‘If this is what I’ve done in three months, imagine where I’ll be in three years.’”
It’s not just about volleyball. It’s about leaving a legacy that extends beyond the court.
“I want to be the kind of player and person that inspires others,” she said. “If I can show little girls that they can do it too, then I’ve done my job.”