Prior and Lee represented BYU on the 18-member Big 12 Preseason Team. The Cougars were one of six schools in the league to have multiple student-athletes named to the team, joined by Arizona State, Baylor, Kansas, Kansas State and TCU.
Now a junior opposite hitter/middle blocker, Prior finished the 2023 season with the third-most kills (190) and total blocks (85) on the team. The 6-foot-4 Henderson, Nevada native returns the most production amongst all Cougars in both statistical categories this upcoming season.
A 2023 Big 12 All-Rookie Team honoree and two-time Rookie of the Week, Lee concluded last season ranked 62nd in the nation in blocks per set, averaging 1.19. The 6-foot sophomore out of Vineyard, Utah led the team with 124 total blocks and 12 solo blocks. Lee also recorded 147 kills on the year on a .311 clip.
After going 25-7 (13-5 Big 12) in 2023, finishing third in the conference and earning a hosting bid in the NCAA Tournament, BYU looks to build upon its first season in a new league with even greater success in 2024.
The Cougars return Kate Prior, Hannah Billeter, Kalia Thunstrom, Eden Bower, Alyssa Erickson, Addie Benson, Claire Little, Mia Lee, Elyse Stowell, Brielle Miller and Brielle Kemavor while welcoming eight newcomers this fall.
Freshmen Elli Mortensen, Lulu Uluave, Alex Bower, Abby Hoybjerg and Blaykli Bobik will join transfers Kaieva Johnson, Macy Short and Kjersti Strong to round out BYU's 2024 roster.
Opening their 2024 slate hosting the dōTERRA Classic, the Cougars will play Southeastern Louisiana, Fairfield and High Point at the end of the month, beginning with the Lions on Friday, Aug. 30 at noon MDT.