When LSU volleyball announcer Matt Dunn shouts the LSU volleyball team’s opening lineup before the Tigers’ matches in the PMAC, some names are foreign to most fans, but the freshmen earned every second of applause.
LSU coach Fran Flory wasn’t planning on giving the incoming class many minutes this season, but junior middle blocker Khourtni Fears’ injury and a lack of experience at the setting position forced them to step up and add depth to the roster.
The five eligible freshmen’s transition to college and collegiate play is going well, mostly because of the support from teammates, said freshman middle blocker Brittany Welsh. Just past the midway point in the season, the freshmen have found their place on the team and are helping the Tigers’ (6-9, 2-2 Southeastern Conference)chances of winning as much as possible.
“Each of them leads and contributes in a different way,” said junior middle blocker Tiara Gibson. “Some of them bring stability, some get a lot of playing time and some do a lot of behind-the-scenes work. They are really good at knowing what their job is and executing it.”
Middle blockers Olivia Beyer and Welsh and outside hitter Toni Rodriguez see the most playing time among the freshmen.
Beyer showed her value in her first game against the University of Miami, when she led the team with four blocks and two aces.
“Olivia is just a work force and has worked her way into the opportunity to be on the court,” Flory said. “October is a tough month for freshmen, so she’s fading a little bit, but she’ll come back for us.”
Rodriguez, who redshirted last season, established herself as a regular starter for the team, even though it was unclear if she was going to play this season at all.
She said the transition to being a starter brings pressure and anxiety, but her teammates make her feel comfortable and ready for every game.
“She has the physical tools to be special in the SEC,” Flory said. “She has to understand that she doesn’t have to be a superstar every play. She just needs to be Toni, and when she understands that, she’s going to get back into a groove.”
Welsh saw her first minutes in LSU’s second game of the season against Rice University, starting her collegiate career with six blocks.
One player who distinguished herself off the court is defensive specialist Katie Kampen. The Metairie, Louisiana, native has leadership flowing through her veins, Gibson said. But as an underclassman, she takes advantage of learning from seniors and contributes wherever she can.
“If you ask kids on the team, ‘Who is the best team player?’ Katie Kampen is the answer you’ll get,” Flory said. “Although she hasn’t gotten a lot of playing time, which she will as the season continues, she has been really impactful behind the scenes.”
Flory is proud of the group’s evolution and is confident for upcoming seasons because of the team’s talent and associate head coach Jill Lytle Wilson’s great recruiting for future classes.
“We’re ahead of the game and really comfortable with where the program is going,” Flory said. “We’re not excited about where we are right now with our win-loss percentage and our record this year, but we know that the future is certainly bright.”