The LSU Tigers volleyball program has a rich legacy but faced tough times in recent years. Once a perennial contender in the sport reaching the Sweet 16 in 1989 and the final four in both 90' and 91' With Tonya Johnson playing on those 89' and 90' teams. Then from 2005 to 2014 the Tigers made the NCAA playoffs in 8 of 10 seasons all with Fran Flory at the helm.
However,the team struggled, failing to reach the NCAA playoffs since 2017 and experiencing three losing seasons in just four years. Everything changed with the arrival of Head Coach Tonya Johnson in 2022. Johnson has not only revitalized the program but is laying the groundwork for an exciting future.
A New Era Begins
When Tonya Johnson took over at LSU, there was an urgent need for transformation. Fans were hungry for change and improvement. In her first season, Johnson faced the challenge of coaching a team that had struggled for several years. She got to work quickly, instilling a sense of discipline and a new strategic mindset.
In her inaugural year, the Tigers finished with a respectable 16-14 record, achieving a balanced 9-9 in the SEC. They celebrated wins against ranked teams, including No. 20 Arkansas and No. 15 Kentucky. This was LSU's first winning season since 2019, an important milestone that reignited fan enthusiasm. Additionally, Johnson led the team to its first at-large bid to the NCAA Tournament since 2017, a notable achievement that marked a significant turnaround.
The impact of Johnson's leadership was evident when the Tigers won their first NCAA Tournament match since 2014, defeating No. 8 seed Hawaii 3-1. This thrilling victory was not just a win for the team; it served as a beacon of hope for the entire LSU community, indicating that the program was poised for a renaissance.
Leveraging Talent for Success
One of Johnson's standout qualities is her ability to maximize the potential of her players. The Tigers saw remarkable contributions from seasoned athletes like outside hitter Sanaa Dotson and libero Ella Larkin. Both were selected for the AVCA South All-Region team, showcasing the team's competitive edge. Additionally, middle blocker Anita Anwusi received Honorable Mention, reinforcing the talent within the squad.
Johnson's approach focused on utilizing the strengths of established players while nurturing emerging talent. For example, Dotson finished the season with an impressive 4.27 kills per set, ranking her among the league's top scorers. This strategy has set the stage for future successes, illustrating that with the right leadership, even a struggling team can thrive.
Team's Challenging 2023 Season Highlighted by Standout Freshman Jurnee Robinson
During the 2023 season, the team experienced a notable regression in their overall performance, concluding the year with a record of 11 wins and 17 losses. This outcome was a significant departure from their previous achievements, showcasing the challenges they faced throughout the season. Despite the struggles, the team was under the capable guidance of standout players, including the highly talented All-SEC Freshman honoree Jurnee Robinson and the seasoned LSU alumna Anita Anwusi, whose leadership and experience were invaluable.
Jurnee Robinson All-SEC Freshman emerged as a remarkable force on the court, earning recognition as both the AVCA South Region Freshman of the Year and the Louisiana Sports Writer’s Freshman of the Year. Her impressive skills were evident as she consistently delivered strong performances, ranking No. 5 in the Southeastern Conference (SEC) with an impressive average of 4.46 points per set. This statistic highlights her ability to contribute not just in scoring but also in overall gameplay effectiveness, making her a crucial asset to the team's dynamics.
In addition to her scoring prowess, Robinson also excelled in kills, ranking No. 6 in the SEC with an average of 3.87 kills per set. This achievement placed her among the elite players in the conference, showcasing her ability to execute offensive plays and capitalize on scoring opportunities. Furthermore, her average of 3.87 kills per set positioned her as the No. 5 among all NCAA Division I freshmen for the 2023 season, underscoring her impact at the national level and her potential for future success.
Robinson's performance also etched her name into the program’s history, as her kill average ranked No. 8 in the single-season record book for the team. This accomplishment not only reflects her individual talent but also signifies her role in the team’s legacy. As the season progressed, her contributions became increasingly vital, serving as a beacon of hope for the team amidst their challenges.
The combination of Robinson's emerging talent and Anwusi's seasoned guidance created a unique dynamic within the team. Anwusi, with her background as an LSU alumna, brought a wealth of experience and knowledge that helped to mentor the younger players and foster a competitive spirit. Together, they navigated the ups and downs of the season, striving to improve and build a foundation for future success.
In summary, the 2023 season was marked by both struggles and standout performances, particularly from Jurnee Robinson, whose accolades and statistical achievements highlighted her as a key player in the team's journey. While the overall record may not reflect the aspirations of the team, the individual growth and accomplishments of players like Robinson provide a promising outlook for the future.
Embracing the Youth Movement
For sustained success, investing in young talent is critical, and Johnson is fully committed to this strategy. The 2023 season featured a significant youth movement, highlighted by freshman Jurnee Robinson. However Robinson is just the beginning. The team roster supports a strong future with a diverse blend of talent. The Top 10 players in sets played boasts four freshmen, four sophomores, and two fifth-year seniors who transitioned through the transfer portal. This combination of youth and experience fosters a dynamic team capable of growth and improvement for years to come.
Sophomore Outside Hitter Jurnee Robinson
Ranks second in the SEC with 4.81 kills per set and 5.41 points per set.
Has 11 double-doubles and 20-kill performances this season.
Sophomore Middle Blocker Angie Lee
Leads the team with 0.94 blocks per set and 89 total kills.
Leads the team with a .357 hitting percentage.
Freshman Middle Blocker Jessica Jones
Averages 0.92 blocks per set on 87 total blocks.
Has two 10-block matches this season, including her first career double-double with 12 kills and 12 blocks against Troy.
Freshman Outside Hitter Lainee Pyles
Has 158 kills and a team-high 22 aces on the season.
Had a season-high 15 kills against Oklahoma.
Freshman Libero Aly Kirkhoff
Anchors the defense with 3.18 digs per set (299 total digs).
Has 19 aces this season and two matches with 20 or more digs.
Sophomore Outside Hitter AC Froehlich
Has 107 kills, 16 aces, 21 blocks, and 120 digs in 66 sets played this season.
Ended the weekend at Auburn (Oct. 25) and Georgia (Oct. 27) with a team-high 28 digs and 3.50 digs per set.
Sophomore Libero Ella Hemmings
Has played in 78 sets with 65 digs and 24 assists.
Freshman Libero Remi Nuss
Has played in 74 sets with 65 digs and 6 assists.
Looking Ahead: A Bright Future
At present, the Tigers boast a respectable 14-11 overall record and a 6-8 SEC record for the season. With two crucial regular-season games remaining against rivals Texas A&M and Alabama, there is an air of optimism. Previous victories against both teams this season inspire confidence and hope for the Tigers.
LSU has secured four top 50 RPI wins, including one in the top 25—a victory over Texas A&M earlier this season. The nearest non-SEC team with four such wins is Miami (Fl.), ranked No. 35 in the RPI. In the KPI rankings, a more volleyball-specific system, LSU is ranked No. 53 with a No. 37 strength of schedule.
The Path to Greatness
As Tonya Johnson continues her journey with LSU Volleyball, the positive changes are clear. What once was a struggling program is now competitive both within the SEC and on the national stage. The Tigers are reclaiming their form under Johnson's leadership, emphasizing youth development while benefiting from experienced veterans ready to contribute.
Stay tuned for my update on this recent signing class that will certainly bolster the roster again next season as this team continues to get stronger.
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