BATON ROUGE – LSU Sand Volleyball and head Coach Russell Brock announced the 2015 signing class adding Maddison Ligon, Addison Hoven, Megan Davenport, Ashley Allmer, Sara Brown and Jeni Clark to the program.
“We are really excited about our 2015 class and can’t wait to get them on campus,” Brock said. “We are bringing in players from across the country who have athleticism, experience, fantastic academic success and a passion for LSU. We fully anticipate that this group will represent the purple and gold family with excellence on the court, in the weight room, in the classroom and throughout the community. There is no doubt that the 2015 class will make our program better and represent everything that we value in our program.”
Ligon, a defensive specialist from Bedford, Texas, was LSU’s first 2015 commit. She led Euless Trinity High School to the playoffs three straight years and finished with an 84-27 career record.
“I love the atmosphere at LSU,” Ligon said. “It’s unlike any other school I have visited. Also, the coaches get the most out of their players, and I love that.”
During her prep career, Ligon was named 2013 6-5A First Team All-District, 2013 Hitter of the Year and placed first in the 16U USA Juniors Beach Tour National Championship in Milwaukee, Wisconsin in 2013.
“Maddie is an elite defender who was our very first commit for our program,” Brock said. “She brings a level of confidence and intensity that will drive herself and our program. She has a proven track record of winning major tournaments over the past few years, and we know she will continue that success here.”
Hoven is a 2014 Silver Medal Winner in 18U USA Volleyball National Beach Championships from Hoover, Alabama. The blocker has tallied eleven tournament wins with eighteen top-five finishes in the past two sand volleyball seasons, as well as qualifying for the 692 Beach Texas National Team.
“Addison is a strong athletic blocker who plays with an incredible joy,” Brock said. “We are excited to add her attitude and abilities to our program. Her commitment to sand volleyball and her dedication to training has resulted in great success on beaches across the country.”
Davenport is a Louisiana native from Metairie and lettered four years for Mount Carmel Academy’s volleyball team. During her prep career, Davenport lead the team to four LHSAA D1 State Championships winning the title in 2012 and capping off her senior season in 2014, while finishing runner-up in 2013 and 2011.
“Megan is local talent who represents the top level of sand volleyball in this area,” Brock said. “Her role will be a hybrid athlete who has the ability to block and play defense. She brings a passion and understanding of what it really means to be a LSU Tiger.”
Davenport also placed first at the Dream in Gold Junior Tournament, the AAU Regional Tournament and the Net One White Sands League Play. She recorded nine top-three finishes in sand volleyball competition while qualifying for Nationals in 2013 and 2014.
“I grew up an LSU fan,” Davenport said. “LSU has a great atmosphere and a beautiful campus. When I came to visit, I felt welcomed and at home. The sand volleyball team and coaches are a special family, and I cannot wait to be a Tiger.”
Allmer, native from Sarasota, Florida, is a defender who can cover a lot of court and side out effectively. During her prep career at Riverview High School, Allmer placed second in the Big South 17’s Open Tampa United, while qualifying for the 2014 Junior Indoor Nationals.
“Ashley is a fast athlete with great ball control who was targeted at our Elite Sand Camp,” Brock said. “She has been training in the sand for years and has a great knowledge and understanding of the game. Her attitude and desire to be great will be an incredibly beneficial addition to our team.”
“The greatest influence on my decision to attend LSU was the sand volleyball camp in June,” Allmer added. “I fell in love with the coaches. With the family atmosphere, facilities, environment and energy of LSU, it made me realize that this would be the perfect place for me to attend college.”
Brown is an outside hitter from Palm Harbor, Florida who won the 2014 FHSAA Class 3A State Championship with Clearwater Central Catholic High School and helped her team win the 2014 Class 3A District Championship and Regional Championship.
“Sara is a top level athlete,” Brock stated. “She has both elite jumping ability and speed. We plan to work with her as both a blocker and defender. Her flexibility will be a valuable asset to our program. We can’t wait to get her here to start training her.”
Clark is from Carlsbad, California with long-time experience in sand volleyball. The polished defender has over 30 top-three career finishes at the CBVA Junior Tournaments.
“Jeni has grown up in the game and bring experience and unparalleled drive,” Brock said. “Her speed and understanding of the game will be a valuable addition to our program. She is passionate and excited about joining the LSU family, and we look forward to her positive impact on our team.”
Clark placed fifth at the 2014 BVCA’s and AAU championships in Hermosa Beach for 18u, and placed first at the Florida Beach Volleyball Tour Even in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. She also notched two first-place victories at the EVP AA Events at Huntington, and placed first at the NVL Rox Tour Stop in Ocean Beach.
“The moment I stepped on campus I could not stop smiling,” Clark said. “Right then I knew in my gut that this was my school. The coaches are so caring and experienced in the sport. The facilities for athletes are absolutely incredible. It seemed like the obvious fit for me.”
For the latest information on LSU’s sand volleyball, fans can follow the Tigers on Twitter and Instagram @LSUsandVB and @RussLSUsand, or on Facebook by liking LSU Sand Volleyball.