BATON ROUGE – The LSU Beach Volleyball team signed five players head coach Russell Brock announced Thursday, adding more physicality, speed and versatility to a team that has consistently been ranked in the Top-10 for three consecutive seasons.
“This class is really strong and we are so proud of their progress,” said Brock. “We can’t wait to get them on campus next fall.”
The Tigers signed Reilly Allred, Brooke Blutreich, Amber Haynes, Macy Migliore and Ellie Shank. It is a class full of talent that will help LSU remain as one of the premier beach volleyball programs in the nation.
“They work hard and play with a joy that is infectious,” added Brock. “Each one of these recruits are dedicated students who will continue to contribute to our ability to prioritize success in the classroom as well as in the sand. They understand what it means to be a Tiger and the responsibility to excellence that carries.”
Reilly Allred, from Elon, North Carolina, competed in indoor volleyball through her junior year, before focusing on beach as a senior. Throughout her senior season, the 5-9 athlete competed against professional competition and finished in third place at the Myrtle Beach Open Championships. Allred had success during her indoor career too, earning All-Conference honors all three years she competed at Western Alamance High School.
“We have been watching Reilly for a long time and it has been really fun to see her develop,” Brock said. “She has really grown into her game and is a controlled and powerful player. Her diverse skillset will allow her to be available to play with many different types of players. Her game translates really well to the college game and we are excited to get her on campus.”
Brooke Blutreich was a part of the first pair to bring home a Beach Volleyball State Championship to Desert Vista High School in Phoenix, Arizona. The 6-0 athlete was named the 2019 Arizona Beach Volleyball Player of the Year and has consistently found herself in the top-five of AVP junior events around the country.
“We are excited to add Brooke to our team,” said Brock. “We have had great players from Arizona to impact our program and we have high expectations that she will continue that tradition. She has a unique blend of size and quickness that will allow her to be flexible in her contributions. She is a hard worker and will push our team physically.”
Amber Haynes is a local Baton Rouge product who has helped lead St. Joseph’s Academy to two state runner-up finishes. The 5-9 Haynes has consistently finished in the Top-10 at beach events, including a No. 2 finish in February at the Texas Volleyball Tour’s Dallas event.
“Amber is a Baton Rouge product who has committed herself full time to beach training for the past two years,” Brock added. “We are excited for her to bring her passion for our state and our city, along with her ability to play, into our program. She is a highly skilled explosive elite athlete.”
Macy Migliore is another Louisiana product, reigning from Covington. She helped lead St. Scholastica Academy to a District Championship and State Semi-Finals appearance in 2017. In the sand, Magliore has had continued success in recent years. Standing at 5-4, Migliore is a quick defender who finished in fifth place at both the P1440 and AVP Nationals and third place at the 2018 AAU Junior Olympics.
“Macy’s consistent success in the sand is a direct reflection of her fight and her heart,” said Brock. “She is a really skilled and fast player who will immediately challenge our roster from the defensive side of the game. She is incredibly fun to watch and play with. Macy will definitely bring LSU pride when she arrives.”
Ellie Shank has been a consistent First-Team All-Leaguer since her freshman season at Valley Center High School in Wichita, Kansas. Last season the 5-9 athlete earned All-State Honorable Mention and was a member of the All-State Academic team too. Over the summer, Shank finished second at the 18U AAU Junior Olympics in Santa Monica, California and third at the Junior National Championship in Gulf Shores, Alabama.
“Ellie is a highly decorated and successful beach player,” Brock said. “She has been impressing people with her athleticism and execution on beaches all over the country for the past few summers. Ellie is a really strong player who is incredibly fast and skilled. She plays with a fierceness that is fitting for a Tiger. Her impact on our program will be immediate and powerful.”
The Tigers will open their 2020 season in Hawaii on February 22 in Hawaii. LSU will hold its first home tournament, the Tiger Beach Challenge, the following weekend February 29 – March 1.
The team will hold its annual Purple vs. Gold Scrimmage on February 15. The scrimmage will be held in conjunction with an LSU Beach Volleyball Kid’s Clinic.
For the latest information on LSU Beach Volleyball, fans can follow the Tigers on Twitter and Instagram @LSUbeachVB and @RussLSUbeach, or on Facebook by liking LSU Beach Volleyball.