LSU Volleyball

2 Final Fours

1990, 1991

4 SEC Tournament Championships

1986, 1989, 1990, 1991

5 SEC Regular Season Championships

1986, 1989, 1990, 1991, 2009

“We are thrilled to commemorate half a century of LSU Volleyball. Over the past 50 years, this program has made a significant impact on numerous individuals through its remarkable achievements and successes. We eagerly anticipate acknowledging and celebrating all former and current players as we mark this extraordinary milestone.”

Tonya Johnson

Head Volleyball Coach

The 2024 season will be the 50th year of volleyball at LSU. The program has produced 10 AVCA All-American selections, 36 AVCA All-Region honorees, 99 All-SEC selections, five SEC Freshmen of the Year, two SEC Defensive Players of the Year and one SEC Player of the Year.

The Tigers first took the floor in 1974 with Jinks Coleman at the helm where they posted a 23-6 record. Coleman coached the first three seasons (1974-1976) of the program’s history and has an overall record of 81-26, boasting the program’s best coaching winning percentage at .757.

After eight years with head coaches Garry Owens (1977-1980) and Ruth Nelson (1981-1984) splitting them evenly, Head Coach Scott Luster took the reins for the next 13 seasons (1985-1997). During his tenure, LSU won four SEC regular-season and tournament championship titles (1986-1991), and made back-to-back NCAA Final Four appearances in 1990 and 1991.

Fran Flory was named head coach in 1998 and is the all-time wins leader with 405 victories in 24 seasons (1998-2021). Flory led the Tigers to seven consecutive SEC Western Division Titles (2005-2011) and one regular-season SEC Championship in 2009.

Tonya Johnson, a member of the first LSU team to reach the NCAA Final Four, now leads the program since the 2022 season. In her first season, the Tigers reached the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2017.

Celebrate a Half Century of LSU Volleyball by investing in our student-athletes!

Join us in celebrating 50 years of LSU Volleyball by investing in the future of our student-athletes through the LSU Volleyball Excellence Fund. This exclusive fund is dedicated to providing our volleyball team with the resources they need to excel both on and off the court. Your donation will directly support scholarships, training facilities, equipment, and other essential needs that empower our players to reach their full potential. As we honor the rich history of LSU Volleyball, your contribution will help build the foundation for the next generation of champions. Together, we can ensure that LSU Volleyball continues to thrive for another 50 years and beyond.

Contributions to Bayou Traditions do not qualify as charitable donations. Contributions received are directly deposited with Bayou Traditions. TAFSC is a service provider to Bayou Traditions and is not compensated based on funds received by Bayou Traditions.

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Final Fours

Significant Moments in LSU Volleyball

1975

Joanette Batiste Boutte Makes History
Mrs. Batiste Boutte became the first African American woman to play for the volleyball team. She also played basketball, having a stellar career in both sports. Boutte ranks fourth all-time at LSU in rebounds with 1,017. Boutte’s dual-sport career is a testament to the impact she had in shaping LSU’s history.
1986

First SEC Championship
With an impressive 35-9 record, the Tigers captured their first SEC Championship in 1986, just 12 years after the inception of the volleyball program. This win marked the beginning of LSU’s scorching hot run for volleyball, setting the stage for a great run into the early nineties.
1990

Tigers Stun Texas
In 1990, the Tigers made an impeccable comeback vs. Texas in the Regional Finals. Facing a 0-2 deficit, the Tigers staged a dramatic turnaround to win in five sets. LSU outscored Texas 47-36 in the last three sets, punching their ticket to the program’s first Final Four.
1997

Seven Straight SEC West TItles
Starting in 1997, LSU embarked on a seven-year title defense in the SEC Western Division. This remarkable streak underscored the Tigers’ consistent play and competitive attitude. That same year, Flan Flory joined the program, bringing a new level of leadership and expertise. Flory is known for her impactful coaching career at LSU and her induction into the AVCA Hall of Fame. Flory played a pivotal role in shaping the team’s success and maintaining their dominance in the conference. Her legacy is a testament to the excellence and commitment that defined LSU Volleyball during this great era.
2007

Largest Home Crowd in PMAC History

On September 21, 2007, the Pete Maravich Assembly Center (PMAC) was filled to capacity with a record-setting crowd of 2,316 fans for a thrilling LSU Volleyball match against South Carolina. The electric atmosphere set the stage for a spectacular performance by the Tigers, who dominated the game by winning in three straight sets. The excitement of the match and the record attendance garnered growing support for LSU Volleyball, adding a memorable chapter to the program’s history.
2009

Brittnee Cooper - First SEC Player of the Year
Brittnee Cooper made history as the first LSU Volleyball player to receive the SEC Player of the Year award. Her exceptional performance that season also earned her the title of Louisiana Player of the Year. Cooper’s outstanding achievements were further recognized with selections to the All-SEC team and First Team All-American honors. She was truly an iron-woman for LSU, playing in all 32 matches and 116 sets. Her remarkable contributions on the court set a new standard of excellence for LSU Volleyball and solidified her legacy as one of the program’s greatest players.
2009

Third SEC Championship
Individual accomplishments weren’t the only highlights for the Tigers in 2009. On November 25th, Kentucky lost to Tennessee, thus propelling the Tigers to an SEC Championship. This marked the Tigers’ first conference title of the 2000s and the third in the program’s history. The team finished with a 25-7 record.
2013

Dani Reis - First LSU Volleyball Hall of Fame Member
In 2013, Dani Reis made history as the first volleyball player to be inducted into the LSU Athletics Hall of Fame. A three-time All-American, Reis played a pivotal role in securing three SEC Tournament titles and led the Tigers to back-to-back Final Four appearances. Her induction set a precedent for excellence, paving the way for future stars like Nyla Moore, who followed as the second inductee in 2023.
2021

Tonya Johnson Hired
In 2021, LSU Volleyball appointed Tonya Johnson as its next Head Coach. A former LSU player, Johnson played a key role in helping the Tigers secure two SEC titles and the program’s first Final Four appearance. With a deep connection to LSU, she returned to Baton Rouge with a wealth of experience, having previously served as an assistant coach at both LSU and Texas, where she contributed to their national success. Johnson also brought head coaching experience from her time at Georgia Tech, where she developed a reputation for building competitive teams. Her return to LSU marked the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the Tigers.
2022

Fran Flory elected to AVCA Hall of Fame
Fran Flory, a name synonymous with LSU Volleyball, was honored with one of the sport’s highest accolades by being elected to the AVCA Hall of Fame. A revered coach and mentor, Flory’s career at LSU spanned decades, during which she led the Tigers to numerous victories, including SEC championships and NCAA tournament appearances. Her induction into the AVCA Hall of Fame recognizes her immense contributions to the sport, her influence on countless athletes, and her lasting legacy in collegiate volleyball. Flory’s dedication to excellence, both on and off the court, has left an indelible mark on LSU and the volleyball community at large. Her leadership not only propelled LSU Volleyball to new heights but also shaped the future of the sport, making her a deserving inductee into this prestigious Hall of Fame.