Once the regular season concludes for LSU volleyball, the Tigers will have the chance to compete in the SEC Tournament for the first time in 20 years, taking place Nov. 21-25, 2025, in Savannah, Georgia.
The last time the tournament occurred was in November 2005, with a vague hiatus taking place for the next 20 years due to the conference eliminating the event. The decision for the tournament discontinuation was voted on by coaches and athletic directors in favor of extending the NCAA volleyball regular season, according to the Gainesville Sun.
Until now, volleyball has been the only sport in the SEC that has not had a post-season tournament since its cancellation. With the restoration of the tournament, this is an exciting time for volleyball programs in the conference.
“With the restoration of the SEC Volleyball Tournament, we will now host a championship event in every conference sport, providing our programs additional competitive opportunities as they prepare for NCAA postseason competition,” SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey said about the relaunching of the tournament.
In terms of LSU’s involvement in the tournament, the Tigers will have an opportunity to play in one place with all of their conference opponents around and to battle for an SEC Championship. Every team in the SEC will compete in the single-elimination bracket.
Historically, LSU has won four out of the 26 tournament championships before the discontinuation. Those titles were won in 1986, 1989, 1990 and 1991.
Tigers’ head coach Tonya Johnson has first-hand experience of the thrilling SEC Tournament atmosphere. Johnson was able to compete in the tournament for LSU when she was a player and led her team to victory in both the 1989 and 1990 titles.
“I experienced [the SEC Tournament] as a player, and it was fun to have all the teams in the same spot at the same time. That’s just something we don’t see until that time of year,” Johnson said.
Currently, LSU sits 2-4 in conference play with wins over Arkansas and Florida, but unfortunate losses to Oklahoma, Tennessee, Alabama and Kentucky.
Despite the record, the Tigers have outdone themselves time and time again through career-best performances and excellent defensive improvement on the court.
Outside hitters Jurnee Robinson and Nia Washington have been the power duo all-around for the Tigers. Both players are on the AVCA Player of the Year Watchlist, with Washington initially making the preseason list while Robinson was a midseason addition.
A notable history-making match for the Tigers was a huge upset win against then-ranked No. 23 Florida. LSU’s win knocked its opponent out of the top-25 to mark the first time the Gators haven’t been ranked since 1991.
Another recent matchup against Kentucky proved the fight this LSU team has and the players’ excitement to play against top teams. Despite the loss to the Wildcats, the Tigers were able to rally against the No. 3 team and prided themselves on a well-rounded performance.
“These are all moments you dream of when you’re a little girl and you’re just starting a sport, so it’s such a privilege to be able to play in a great conference like the SEC,” middle blocker Jessica Jones said about the team’s ability to rally-score against Kentucky.
The Tigers still have nine regular-season matches left against conference opponents before the tournament takes place. All season, Johnson expressed her confidence in her team’s resilience and believes the tournament is a great opportunity for student-athletes and her volleyball program, she said.
“It’s something they’ve never experienced,” Johnson said. “I think it’s a great opportunity for our kids to be in the championship atmosphere and experience that. I’m looking forward to that.”
