Women's Volleyball 11/11/2026 5:09:00 PM Grant Cohen

Tarleton State Volleyball announces seven additions to program on National Signing Day

STEPHENVILLE, Texas – Tarleton State Volleyball and head coach Jazmyne Johnson announced the addition of seven new players for the 2027 season on National Signing Day.

Six of the seven newcomers come from the state of Texas while one is from Tennessee. The Texans have three opposites, a setter, a defensive specialist/libero, an outside hitter and a middle blocker part of its freshmen class.

"This group of seven is extremely special to my staff and myself, not just because of what they bring to the court, but because of the time and intentionality we have invested in building genuine relationships with each of them beyond volleyball," Johnson said. "We have had the opportunity to truly get to know who they are as people, and that makes this class even more meaningful.

"Each of these young women brings something unique that our program needs as we continue to build and elevate Tarleton State Volleyball. What excites me most about this group collectively is their competitive spirit. They are fierce competitors who are accustomed to training and competing at a high level, and they understand what it takes to be successful. They will challenge one another, raise the standard in our gym, and push our program forward.

"I truly believe our fans are going to love the athleticism, energy, and excitement this group will bring to Wisdom Gym. They have the ability to make an immediate impact, and their passion for competing will bring another level of intensity to our program. This class represents another important step in the direction we are taking Tarleton State Volleyball, and we cannot wait to see them wearing the Purple and White!"

Malia McNeal, 5-8, Setter, McKinney, Texas (McKinney North HS)
Making deep state championship playoff runs with McKinney North High School, McNeal has had an impact on winning. After helping her team to the 2024 5A State Finals, McNeal was a Second Team All-District selection in 2025. In addition to helping her team to undefeated UIL 5A District 1 Championships, she was the MaxPreps Conference 5A top assists leader with over 500+ single-season varsity assists.

At the club level, McNeal has competed for multiple clubs in the North Texas area in her career. She was a regular top finisher across prestigious national showcases, including the Triple Crown NIT (Kansas City), Tour of Texas Power Pools, Far Western (Reno), Lone Star Classic, and USAV Girls Junior National Championships.

"I chose Tarleton State because from day one of being able to talk to the coaches I had a strong connection with them and I felt my most comfortable with them," McNeal said. "When I stepped onto the campus it immediately felt like the perfect place for me. The coaches have been creating an environment that pushes your grit, determination, and also you as a person and that's exactly what I was looking for."

Talia Nelson, 6-1, Opposite, Houston, Texas (Summer Creek HS)
Nelson will arrive in Stephenville with a plethora of high school accolades. She was the Most Valuable Player and Offensive Player of The Year in her District to go with First Team All-District honors. Nelson was also on the AVCA Phenom Watch List and on the GHVCA Post-Season Team. She also led her district in hitting percentage and kills, having over 950 kills.

At the club level, Nelson competed for TAV Houston. She helped her team to a second-place finish in the USA Division in 2025.

"I chose Tarleton State because of the loving and supportive coaches," Nelson said. "Coach Jaz, Alleah, and Sarah made me feel welcomed before I even stepped foot on campus. Knowing they deeply care about their current and former players made it easy to know that Tarleton State is where I belong. The atmosphere is something I'll always be grateful to be a part of."

Kalei Davis, 5-11, Middle Blocker, Arlington, Texas (James Martin HS)
Davis arrives at Tarleton State after spending four years on the varsity squad at James Martin High School. She is a two-time First Team All-District selection and had over 700 career kills and over 150 career blocks. She was also named to the Academic All-District Team.

Davis also starred at the club level, where she competed for 360 HP Elite for five years.

"When I first stepped onto campus, it immediately felt like home and every day after, I found myself thinking about Tarleton State and getting more excited about the possibility of being there," Davis said. "That's when I knew it was where I wanted to be. I could also see how passionate Coach Jaz is about this program and the vision she has for it. I knew I wanted to be a part of what she's building and help bring that vision to life."

Kadence Dumas, 6-0, Opposite, Memphis, Tennessee (Briarcrest Christian HS)
A multi-time state champion in volleyball, Dumas' impact on winning is immediate. Dumas is a two-time AVCA Phenom winner and was a TSSAA District 2-AA All-Region Second Team selection in 2025. She was also named to the Daily Memphian All-Metro Team in 2025 and ranked No. 12 Prep Dig's Tennessee rankings.

Dumas competed for Memphis Metro Elite Black Volleyball Club. She was on the JVA Watchlist in 2025 and 2026 and was an AVP Junior Nationals bid winner in 2024. Dumas also was named to the Red Hat Games watch list and received an invitation from the event in 2024.

"I chose Tarleton State because the second I stepped on campus I just knew," Dumas said. "I had a feeling that it was the right place for me and since then I've been more and more excited. I instantly clicked with the coaches and knew they would be good for me. I love how they don't only care about you on the volleyball court but also as a person. The community at Tarleton State is not something you get at every school. I'm so grateful for the opportunity the coaches have given me and I can't wait to be on campus!"

Cayleigh Monson, 5-6, Defensive Specialist/Libero, San Antonio, Texas (Pieper HS)
Pieper High School was the District/Co-District Champions every year Monson played varsity. In addition to being the district's Defensive MVP, Monson was on the AVCA's Best and Brightest along with earning First Team All-District honors. Monson recorded over 1,200 digs and over 100 aces, breaking the school's digs record for a single match, season and career.

Her club team, the San Antonio Force, qualified for the Girls Junior National Championships seven times. The Force also won the 2024 Show Me qualifier, the 2024 Far Western Qualifier and the Lone Star Championship in 2025. She was also placed on the AVCA All-American Watch List.

"I chose Tarleton State because of the family atmosphere and competitive nature you feel when you step on campus," Monson said. "Coach Jaz, Aleah, and Sarah have built a winning program that feels like home. I look forward to playing for something bigger than myself and cannot wait to compete!"

Rylin Otto, 5-10, Outside Hitter, Arlington, Texas (The Oakridge School)
Otto's accomplished career began as a freshman and never looked back. Starting at Arlington High School, she was a Bi-District champion and All-State Candidate in 2024 to go with First Team All-District honors. Otto helped The Oakridge School to the 2025 SPC Division 3A State Championship.

The two-time SPC Girls Volleyball All-Conference selection has also excelled at the club level. Otto has competed for the Drive Nation, TAV, Tejas, Peak and Madfrogs clubs.

"I chose Tarleton State because of the culture, traditions, and sense of community that made it feel like home from the start," Otto said. "After attending camp over the summer, I immediately connected with the coaching staff, their coaching style, and their vision for the program. When I returned for my visit, I was welcomed so warmly by the girls and coaches, which made me fall even more in love with Tarleton State. Something that stood out to me was the coaching staff's belief in this program from the very beginning and their commitment to building something special. I wanted to be part of a team whose coaches are just as invested in their players as they are in the success of the program. Beyond volleyball, I fell in love with the school spirit, traditions, and support throughout the campus and student body. The opportunity to compete at a high level while being part of such a special community made Tarleton the perfect fit for me. I am so thankful for this opportunity and cannot wait to be part of everything we are building."

Kharley Smith, 5-11, Opposite, Duncanville, Texas (Duncanville HS)
Smith has been key to Duncanville High School's success. She helped her team become the District 11-6A champions and a No. 3 ranking in the Class 6A area poll by Dallas Morning News. Smith totaled 11 kills to help Duncanville make back-to-back regional semifinal appearances.

The 5-foot-11-inch opposite was third in the 6A Region II District 11 in total blocks in 2026. At the club level, Smith has competed for Drive Nation 17 Red and Skyline Juniors Volleyball Club in Dallas.

"One of the biggest reasons I chose Tarleton State was because of Coach Jaz," Smith said. "Throughout the recruiting process, I felt like she was very patient with me and never made me feel rushed or pressured into making a decision. I really appreciated that because choosing a college is a big decision, and I wanted to make sure I was choosing the right place for me. I also really liked her coaching style and the way she communicates with her players. I felt like her coaching style would be a perfect fit for me, not only as a player but also as a person. I could see myself learning, growing, and being pushed to become a better athlete. Overall, Tarleton State gave me a feeling of comfort, trust, and excitement about my future, and I felt like it was the right place for me to continue my volleyball career."

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