This is the second of three features profiling three members of LSU volleyball’s standout freshman class.
When Lainee Pyles made the decision to graduate early from Fossil Ridge High School, she felt that she was ready for the challenge of college and SEC volleyball. But as she arrived on campus in January, she wasn’t sure she made the right choice.
Just months later, the freshman has established herself as a crucial contributor for the Tigers, proving that she deserved her spot on the roster and, more importantly, showing herself that she belonged.
The thing that got her over the hump? Her head coach Tonya Johnson.
“Tonya always tells us, ‘You don’t have to be perfect; you just have to be good enough,’ and that helped change my whole perspective on how I approach the game,” said Pyles.
Pyles has become a fixture on the court as an outside hitter, showcasing her ability to perform in high-pressure situations. Her strong performances have been vital to LSU’s success this past season, where the Tigers faced some of the toughest competition in the country.
For Pyles, her early success is rooted in her work ethic, her family’s support and the love from a tight-knit group she gets to call teammates.
A childhood dream realized
Pyles’ path to LSU began long before she signed her national letter of intent. Growing up in Keller, Texas, she was surrounded by a sports-loving community and a family who encouraged her to pursue her passions. Yet from an early age, Pyles had her sights set on one goal: playing volleyball at LSU.
“She’s wanted LSU since she was old enough to talk,” said her mother, Brandy Pyles. “Even as a little girl, she would tell us, ‘I’m going to LSU,’ and she never wavered.”
Her father, Steven Pyles, shared how Pyles’ determination guided her choices.
“She was always so driven,” he said. “When other schools reached out during the recruiting process, she was polite but noncommittal. She was holding out for LSU.”
Pyles’ lifelong dream came true when LSU head coach Tonya Johnson called her to extend Pyles her scholarship offer. Pyles, who was in her hotel room after a weekend-long tournament, immediately burst into tears.
“The moment she got off the phone, she told us, ‘This is it. This is where I’m going,’” Steven said. “She committed on the spot, and that was it.”
Early years and roots in volleyball
Like many young athletes, Pyles began her athletic career exploring multiple sports, including soccer and basketball, but it was volleyball that captured her heart. Her parents introduced her to the sport at a young age, enrolling her in local leagues and later, in competitive club teams.
“She tried everything, but volleyball just clicked,” Brandy said. “She loved the teamwork, the energy, and the excitement of the game.”
“I tried basketball, and in the middle of tryouts, I told my parents ‘I don’t want to run, I’m leaving,’” Pyles said jokingly.
Pyles began playing club volleyball with the MadFrog Volleyball Club in Plano, Texas. Under the guidance of Coach Nicky Bramschreiber, she honed her skills and developed the mental toughness required to excel at higher levels of competition.
“Coach Nicky saw something in Lainee early on,” Steven said. “She brought her into the program and pushed her to be her best. That experience helped shape her into the player she is today.”
High school excellence
At Fossil Ridge High School, Pyles quickly became a standout player. Competing in one of Texas’ toughest volleyball districts, she was a six-rotation player by her sophomore year, a role that demanded versatility, stamina, and leadership.
“Lainee wasn’t just a great player – she was the heart of our team,” said Fossil Ridge head coach Hollie Huston. “In a district filled with powerhouse programs like Southlake Carroll and Byron Nelson, she kept us competitive.”
Despite the challenges of playing against long-standing elite programs, Pyles thrived. Her leadership and consistency garnered her the respect of coaches and teammates alike, culminating in her being named District MVP during her senior year – a rare achievement for a player whose team didn’t win the district title.
At first, Pyles wasn’t sure what to make of her winning MVP.
“It gave me a confidence boost, and it showed people the fire I have and how much I care about the game. I mean, I’m Lainee freaking Pyles,” she said.
“The other coaches saw her talent and her impact on the game,” Huston said. “They respected how she carried herself and lifted her team, even in tough situations.”
Pyles’ high school experience wasn’t just about on-court performance; it was also about learning how to lead and inspire others. Huston recalled how Pyles embraced her role as a leader, often helping younger players and fostering a culture of hard work and resilience.
“She had a natural ability to connect with her teammates and make them better,” Huston said. “That’s a rare quality in such a young athlete.”
The transition to college volleyball
Pyles graduated from high school early and joined LSU in January 2024, allowing her to participate in offseason practices and acclimate to college life before the fall season. While the move was exciting, it also presented challenges.
“I was still 17 when I got here,” Pyles said. “It felt like I had to grow up really fast. I was away from my family for the first time, learning a new city, and adjusting to college classes and volleyball all at once.”
Her parents admitted they expected her to be homesick but were surprised by how quickly she adapted.
“We thought she’d be calling us every day wanting to come home, but she fit right in,” Brandy said. “She really loves Baton Rouge and the people here.”
Rooming with fellow freshman volleyball player Jessica Jones has also helped Pyles feel closer to home. Jones was the only other freshman to graduate early; Jones, also moving from North Texas, helped to form a quick bond that has become rock solid over the last several months.
“Jess and I became like sisters,” Pyles said. “We support each other through everything, on and off the court.”
The hardest part of leaving home for Pyles has been leaving behind one of her best friends: her dog Gunnar, who according to Pyles does not get the amount of loving he used to.
“My parents thought he was fat and stopped giving him treats,” Pyles said. “When I get home I’m going to give him treats every day.”
Building mental resilience
While Pyles has excelled physically, she’s also grown mentally during her first year at LSU. She admitted to struggling with imposter syndrome at times but has worked to overcome those doubts with the support of her teammates and coaches.
“I had to remind myself that I’m here for a reason,” Pyles said. “Coach Johnson believes in me, and I need to believe in myself.”
Johnson has emphasized the importance of mental toughness, especially for the extremely young team LSU fielded this year. Pyles said the team regularly discusses staying present and focusing on what they can control.
“As a young team, we’ve faced a lot of challenges, but we don’t use our age as an excuse,” she said. “We hold each other accountable and push each other to be better.”
Her teammates have also been instrumental in her growth. Pyles described LSU’s star sophomore Jurnee Robinson as a mentor who has helped her navigate the ups and downs of college volleyball.
“Jurnee is like a role model to me,” Pyles said. “She’s always there to give advice and keep me grounded.”
Thriving under pressure
On the court, Pyles has proven she belongs. Early in the season, she recorded a career-high 15 kills in a match against Oklahoma, hitting over .400 in two of the last three sets of the game as well. Her ability to handle pressure has become a defining trait of her playstyle.
“Lainee thrives in high-pressure situations,” Johnson said. “She has a calm confidence that lifts the team, and she’s always ready to step up when it matters most.”
Pyles attributes much of her poise to the lessons she learned at Fossil Ridge.
“Playing in such a competitive district taught me how to handle adversity,” she said. “I learned how to stay focused and not let the pressure get to me.”
Huston noted that Pyles’ experiences prepared her well for the challenges of college volleyball.
“We always told her that the pressure she faced with us would benefit her in the long run,” Huston said. “Now, we’re seeing that play out on the big stage.”
A bright future
Winning a National Championship with her club team has only fueled her ultimate goal: to help bring a championship to Baton Rouge before she graduates. It’s a dream she’s been vocal about since joining the team.
“She’s not just here to play; she’s here to win,” Steven said. “That competitive drive is what makes her so special.”
Pyles’ high school coach believes she has the potential to leave a lasting legacy at LSU.
“She was the foundation of our program at Fossil Ridge,” Huston said. “I have no doubt she’ll be the same at LSU.”
For Pyles, success isn’t just about personal accolades. It’s about being part of something bigger than herself.
“I want to help this team achieve great things,” she said. “We have so much potential, and I’m excited to see what we can accomplish together.”
As she continues to grow both on and off the court, one thing is clear: Lainee Pyles is just getting started.
