PROVO, Utah - Head coach Heather Olmstead and the BYU women's volleyball program have announced the signing of four student-athletes to join the team for the 2020 season.
The Cougars’ class of 2020 includes libero Madi Allen, middle blocker Leilani Dodson, middle blocker Allie Hakes and opposite Makayla Tolman.
“The 2020 class is exciting in that it has three student-athletes who love BYU and are excited to be students of the game,” Olmstead said. “All have been training at high levels with their club teams and will be ready to step in and compete.”
Allen, a 5-8 libero from Temecula, Calif., was 78th on PrepVolleyball’s Senior Ace list and four-time All-Southwestern League honoree. In club play, Allen finished in the top three twice at the USAV Junior National Championships.
A 6-foot-1 middle blocker from La Grange, Illinois, Dodson was named the 33rd-best senior in the nation by PrepVolleyball and is a VolleyballMag.com Underclassman to Watch. Just the second player from Illinois to join the program, Dodson is also a News-Gazette All-State First Team and two-time All-Conference selection.
Hakes is a 6-foot-4 middle blocker from Folsom, California. An AVCA Under Armour All-American, Hakes was named a PrepVolleyball Senior Ace honorable mention and Club All-American selection.
A two-time Great Basin Conference Player of the Year, Tolman is a 6-foot-3 opposite who graduated early and enrolled at BYU in January. She’s ranked 44th on PrepVolleyball’s Senior Ace list.
Madi Allen
5-8, Libero, Temecula, Calif.
Great Oak HS, Coast
- Parents are Kirk and Kristin
- PrepVolleyball Senior Ace No. 78
- Press-Enterprise All-Area First Team
- Four-time All-Southwestern League
- Two top-three finishes at the USAV Junior National Championships
Olmstead’s thoughts on Allen: “Madi has a good feel for the ball with her platform. She sees the game well and is a great defender and passer. She will raise the level of our gym and be a great asset to our back row game.”
Leilani Dodson
6-1, Middle Blocker, La Grange, Illinois
Nazareth Academy, Adversity
- Mom is Elisha
- PrepVolleyball Senior Ace No. 33
- VolleyballMag.com Underclassman to Watch
- News-Gazette All-State First Team
- Two-time All-Conference selection
Olmstead’s thoughts on Dodson: “Leilani is a very quick middle blocker who has a really good arm. She is great moving left to right and puts up a great block. She can score on the slide and we’ll look to get her the ball there anytime we can. We’re excited to welcome Leilani from the Midwest to Provo.”
Allie Hakes
6-4, Middle Blocker, Folsom, Calif.
Folsom HS, Rage Sacramento
- Parents are Randy and Erin
- AVCA Under Armour All-American
- PrepVolleyball Senior Ace honorable mention
- PrepVolleyball Club All-America First Team
- Three-time Sierra Foothill All-League
Olmstead’s thoughts on Hakes: “Allie has the height and the arm to score in the middle and has a knack for getting in rhythm on the slide. She can really see the block well and puts up an imposing block. We’re excited to have Allie join us.”
Makayla Tolman
6-3, Opposite Hitter, Burley, Idaho
Burley HS, Idaho Crush
- Parents are Brent and Cindy
- PrepVolleyball Senior Ace No. 44
- Two-time Great Basin Conference Player of the Year
- Times News Player of the Year
- Three-time State All-Tournament Team
Olmstead’s thoughts on Tolman: “Makayla graduated high school early and has already joined us this semester at BYU. She is a physical player who uses being left handed to her advantage. Makayla puts up a big block and brings a great presence in our gym.”