RUSTON – Louisiana Tech Volleyball head coach Scott Mattera announced Friday the addition of six high-impact student-athletes, welcoming Tyra McKinnie, Kylie Rodriguez, Abbigayl "Abbi" Sells, Jenna Hehman, Violet Morrandez, and Taylor Woods to the Bulldog program.
 
"Literally the day I was hired, we hit the ground running on the recruiting trail, and it paid off!" Mattera said.  "This class of young ladies are not only high-level players from great programs, but they are also great people from great families!"
 
McKinnie, a 5-foot-11 middle blocker from Glenpool, Oklahoma, is a four-time all-conference performer and four-year team captain at Glenpool High School, having amassed more than 1,500 career kills.  She helped lead the Oklahoma Peak 17-1 to a national championship at the 2025 USA Volleyball Girls Junior National Championship in Dallas.  McKinnie was also named one of Sporting News' top players in Oklahoma for the 2025 season.
 
"Whenever I went on my visit, I instantly fell in love with the school, team, and coaching staff," McKinnie said.
 
"I have no idea how Tyra was still open when we got turned on to her, but we are so thankful she was," said Mattera.  "She won a national championship in club with Oklahoma Peak and went for over 1,500 kills in her high school career.  Super dynamic athlete in the middle and an awesome teammate."
 
Rodriguez, a 5-foot-11 outside hitter/right-side hitter from Forney, Texas, signed with LA Tech after earning three All-District honors and being named District MVP as a sophomore.  She earned four Team MVP awards and accumulated career totals of more than 1,700 kills, 1,000 digs, 160 blocks, and 140 service aces.  She also starred on the club circuit with Dallas Skyline Juniors, stating that she chose the Bulldogs because "It felt like home as soon as I stepped on campus."
 
"Kylie had verbally committed before I got here, and once I was able to meet her and see her play, we knew we needed to solidify that commitment!" said Mattera.  "She can score from anywhere along the net and brings spectacular energy as a teammate.  She went for over 1,500 kills in her high school career and played for Dallas Skyline – one of the best clubs in the nation."
 
Sells, a 5-foot-4 libero/defensive specialist from Grand Blanc, Michigan, is one of the top defensive prospects, ranking as the No. 5 libero and the No. 34 overall player in the state.  The Lake Fenton High School standout surpassed 2,000 digs and 200 aces in her prep career.  She also competed for Legacy Volleyball Club, one of the nation's premier programs.
 
"I chose Louisiana Tech because of the culture and how everyone buys into this program," said Sells.  "The coaches already have so much faith in me, and that means a lot.  As soon as I left, I couldn't stop thinking about how amazing it was – I just knew I wanted to go back, and it was the perfect fit for me."
 
"I discovered Abbi at a huge showcase of nearly 300 kids," said Mattera.  "For a DS to stand out in that environment says a lot!  She played for another top club in the nation, Legacy out of Michigan.  Her energy is infectious, she's quick as a cat, and is extremely high achieving in the classroom."
 
Hehman, a 5-foot-11 outside hitter from Austin, Texas, is a two-time District 25-6A Hitter of the Year, bringing elite-level production with more than 1,300 career kills.  She earned 2024 TGCA All-State honors and anchored one of the top programs in central Texas.
 
"I chose Louisiana Tech because right away the coaches made me feel a part of the family and they have great morals and goals that made this decision very easy for me to choose," said Hehman.

"Jenna comes from Austin Performance and has been coached by some close friends of mine who put us on to her," said Mattera.  "She is a true six-rotation outside that can do it all!  Strong family, strong faith, top 25 in the entire state of Texas in kills!"
 
Morrandez, a 6-foot middle blocker/right-side hitter from Lafayette, Colorado, brings upside to a front line after recording 204 kills with a .391 hitting percentage as a senior.  Ranked 37th in Colorado's 5A classification, she earned all-conference honors and was her school's Heart of a Warrior Award winner.  She recently competed for Colorado Skyline Juniors.
 
"I chose Louisiana Tech because of the future I can have by studying at their amazing university and because I can continue to play volleyball, the sport I love, under amazing coaches and with amazing girls," Morrandez said.

"Violet is a late bloomer that we watched all season, and it is really coming together for her," Mattera said.  "She is a hard worker with tons of length and athleticism who led her high school team to new heights this year.  She brings great energy and will add valuable depth and versatility to our middle/right side position groups."
 
Woods, a 6-foot outside hitter/right-side hitter from Tyler, Texas, is a decorated Texas 6A standout who has earned Offensive Player of the Year, Newcomer of the Year, First Team All-District, and 6A All-State honors.  She competed for top-tier clubs TAV and OK Charge.
 
"I chose Louisiana Tech because I immediately had a connection with the coaches and players," Woods said.  "I love the culture they're creating within the program.  I also love the fact that Ruston is close enough that my family will be able to attend games."
 
"Taylor is another super athletic, versatile attacker from the #1 rated club in the country TAV," Mattera said.  "She comes from a family of athletes and really mixes competitiveness with fun, which is just the vibe we like - she is another classroom killer too!"
 
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