PROVO, Utah – BYU women's volleyball class of 2020 was ranked No. 14 in the nation by PrepVolleyball.com on Thursday, marking the third-straight season the Cougars have been ranked in the top 15.
“This group will add a lot of talent to our team and, with their commitment to learning, I know they will stretch and commit themselves to see just how good they can become," BYU head coach Heather Olmstead said. "They are physical, versatile and great competitors that Cougar Nation will love to watch.”
The Cougars incoming class includes Madi Allen, a 5-foot-8 libero from Temecula, California; Leilani Dodson, a 6-foot-1 middle blocker from La Grange Illinois; Allie Hakes, a 6-foot-4 middle blocker from Folsom, California; and Makayla Tolman, a 6-foot-3 outside hitter from Burley, Idaho.
Writes PrepVolleyball.com: "With its 2020 class, the Cougars welcome tons of height and a defender who will love to play around them. Allen has played club with Coast who has made two top-three finishes at USAV Nationals. The No. 78 Senior Ace sees an opening as longtime libero Mary Lake has graduated. With a good feel for the ball, Allen sees the ball well and is expected to raise the level of play in the BYU gym. Dodson, Ace No. 33, is lightning quick with a good arm. Hailing from the Midwest, Dodson moves well side-to-side, puts up a great block, and is extremely efficient on the slide attack. Also smooth on the slide is Hakes who has the height and the arm to score in the middle. Hakes is a 'Next 150' recruit who is a good blocker and sees the block well on offense. Tolman, the lefty right side and Senior Ace No. 44, has already joined the Cougars and Idaho Crush teammates Whitney and Morgan Bower in Provo. A three-time State All-Tournament Team selection, Tolman is physical with a presence that will benefit BYU’s gym culture."