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LSU leads out-of-state recruitment of Dallas-area volleyball talent

LSU has secured four verbal commitments from Texas high school players, surpassing local programs SMU and TCU in recruiting area talent for the upcoming season.

Wade Ramos

September 16, 20262 min read

Volleyball Recruitment - illustration, Jake Team LLC

Louisiana State University has emerged as the top recruiter of high school volleyball players from the Dallas region, securing four verbal commitments ahead of the 2027 cycle. This marks a shift in focus toward out-of-state programs, as LSU leads all schools in attracting local talent.

The Bayou Bengals have signed two twins from Plano Prestonwood Christian: middle blocker Nyla Livings and outside hitter/real opposite Naomi Livings. They are joined by defensive specialist/liberal Sara Gonzalez from San Antonio Cornerstone Christian and outside hitter/real opposite Nailah Randle from San Antonio Harlan.

The Livings twins have been instrumental in Prestonwood’s success, helping the team achieve a 20-2 record and the top spot in The Dallas Morning News Class 5A-others poll.

Following LSU are three programs with three commitments each: Colorado, Loyola Marymount, and Texas A&M. Colorado has recruited Highland Park junior Taylor Toomay, who helped lead her team to the 2025 Class 5A state title. The Buffaloes also signed outside hitter Grace Pinegar from Flower Mound and real opposite Aspen Brown from Pearland Shadow Creek.

Colorado enters its match against archrival Colorado State with an undefeated 8-0 record.

Loyola Marymount, located in southern California, has attracted Plano Prestonwood Christian setter Anya Baklenko, Keller defensive specialist/liberal Ansley Shafer, and Van real opposite Jordan Flodder. The Lions hold a 7-2 record heading into their home match against California State-Northridge.

Texas A&M’s recruiting class includes Trophy Club Byron Nelson setter Sophee Peterson, Allen outside hitter Maya Ogbogu, and North Forney outside hitter/real opposite Braelyn Patton. Local programs SMU and TCU currently have six area players each on their rosters, with TCU adding four transfers from the portal and SMU adding three.

SMU sits at No. 5 in the AVCA national poll with a 6-2 record, while TCU is ranked No. 13, also 6-2. Verbal commitments are non-binding; high school seniors can officially sign Written Offers of Athletics Aid starting Nov. 11.

Source: sports.yahoo.com.

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Wade Ramos

Wade Ramos writes about community life, schools, public safety, and local events in Dallas.

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