Liberty Volleyball Adds 6 During Early Signing Period
11/14/2024 3:27:00 PM | Women's Volleyball
Liberty volleyball first-year acting head coach Nolan Albrecht and his staff have announced the addition of six student-athletes to the team's 2025 roster. Alison Bierwagen, Laney Daniell, Kate Fourman, Addison Hart, Audrey Heiring and Kayla O'Brien have all signed commitments to attend Liberty and play volleyball beginning in the 2025-26 academic year.
"I am thrilled to welcome these six outstanding young women to our Liberty Volleyball family," Albrecht said. "Their commitment to their faith, excellence in academics, and passion for the game align very well with our program's values. With this class, we have added some production on offense in pivotal areas and boosted our defense with physicality and ball control. In addition to their volleyball potential, they each bring a unique story and winning personalities. I can't wait to see the impact they will make on and off the court here on Liberty Mountain!"
Alison Bierwagen (S/RS, 5-10, DeLand, Fla./DeLand High School)
Alison Bierwagen has excelled as both a setter and right-side attacker for DeLand High School. She is a three-time All-Area Conference Team selection for Volusia Flagler County. As a freshman, she received the Coaches Award, playing both setter and outside hitter. Since then, she has played setter and right-side. Bierwagen participated in the Under Armour Next Invite Camp as both a sophomore and junior. Last season, she earned MVP honors while reaching 1,000 career assists. So far this season, she has posted a career-high 302 kills to go along with 361 assists, 266 digs and 44 aces. She also played on the beach volleyball team in high school.
Her older sister, Diana Bierwagen, played beach volleyball at Tusculum.
Head Coach Nolan Albrecht: "What strikes me about Ali in the setting position is her ability to distribute pin to pin with range as well as locate the middles from various places on the court. She is a six-tool volleyball player with a high IQ and determination. She's a natural leader on and off the court and brings contagious energy to everyone around her. Ali arrives on campus this January and will be an awesome addition to our team next year!"
Laney Daniell (MB, 6-3, Kennesaw, Ga./Allatoona High School)
Laney Daniell comes to Liberty as a standout middle blocker from Kennesaw, Ga. A three-time All-State selection, she was named first team All-State as both a junior and senior. She is also a four-time All-Region player, making the first team twice. Daniel made three appearances on the all-county first team. The senior is a two-time member of the AVCA Phenom List while also appearing on the All-American Watch List. Last season, she hit .507 while breaking her school's blocking record with 91 blocks. This year, she has scored a career-high 485 kills (.400), adding 58 aces, 75 blocks and 85 digs. She is a three-time scholar-athlete award recipient and was named player of the week this season.
Head Coach Nolan Albrecht: "Laney brings height, athleticism, and winning experience to the middle blocker position. She has the potential to make big time plays above the net and provide points through her offense as well as her defense. She's a delight to be around off the court but turns on the aggression when the game starts. We are very excited to have her on our team for the 2025 season!"
Kate Fourman (RS, 6-1, Worthington, Ohio/Thomas Worthington High School)
Kate Fourman joins the Lady Flames from Worthington, Ohio, where she has had a standout career on the right side. After being an All-District honorable mention recipient last season, she was named first team All-District this year, with 255 kills, 37 blocks and 112 digs. She has received team awards each of the last three years (Most Improved as a sophomore, Offensive Player of the Year as a junior and Most Valuable Player this year). During her sophomore season, she was second in the Ohio Capital Conference in blocks, while finishing third in the OCC in hitting percentage during her junior year. She is participating in the District's all-star game.
Her mom, Amy Fourman, played collegiate volleyball at Cedarville.
Head Coach Nolan Albrecht: "Kate adds firepower and physicality on the pin. A lefty with length and athleticism, she can score with her attack as well as her block. She has developed into a top tier right side hitter but can score in multiple areas across the net. Off the court, she has a bright smile and a caring personality. As she matures in her game, she will be a dangerous attacker in this conference. We are so excited to welcome her on board and to have her on our team next fall!"
Addison Hart (OH, 6-1, Paducah, Ky./McCracken County High School)
A native of Paducah, Ky., Addison Hart is a record-setting outside hitter at McCracken County High School. She set school records for most career starts, most career kills (1,692 as of Nov. 1) and most kills in a single season (480 in 2023). She has helped her team to four straight Region championships, including back-to-back State Elite 8 finishes (2022, 2023). Hart was invited to the Under Armour Next Camp each of the last two years. The senior is a four-time KHSAA Academic All-State selection, four-time All-Region honoree and four-time All-District choice. She was named to the All-State second team as both a sophomore and a junior, appearing on the Kentucky All-State Watch List three years running. This season, she was voted the KVCA Region 1 Player of the Year. The AVCA has listed her on their Phenom Watch List twice, while she made the 2023 KHSAA Volleyball State All-Tournament Team.
Her brother, Ian Hart, plays basketball at Rollins College, while her father, David Hart, played basketball at Lindsey Wilson College.
Head Coach Nolan Albrecht: "Addison is a leader on and off the court with her heavy arm on the serve and attack, her athleticism, her commitment to academics, and her desire to win. She is a lethal scorer from every area on the court and uses her reach to score creatively. Her communication skills and serve receive ability make her a legitimate six rotation outside hitter. I can't wait to start working with her in our gym this spring and see what heights she will reach as a Liberty Flame!"
Audrey Heiring (OH, 6-1, Kenosha, Wis./Christian Life School)
Audrey Heiring is one of the top outside hitter in the state of Wisconsin, ranking No. 1 in the conference, No. 2 in her division in Wisconsin and No. 6 in the state of Wisconsin. She was named AVCA National Player of the Week earlier this season. The outside hitter has scored 525 kills at a .386 pace this season, giving her 1,263 career kills. A two-time Team MVP and team captain, Heiring finished the 2023 season ranked first in the conference in hitting percentage. Last year, she was named All-State honorable mention with 373 kills, 79 blocks and 360 digs. A three-time all-conference player, she was named to the first team as both a junior and senior. Heiring is also a two-time first team All-County selection. She helped her team win regional titles in both 2021 and 2022 and she ranked second in blocks in her conference as a freshman.
Heiring also played varsity soccer and basketball in high school, being named MVP.
Head Coach Nolan Albrecht: "Audrey is an elite athlete and will make an impact in our sideout and transition game on the pin. She is skilled in serve receive and can score from the front row and back row. She brings explosiveness, versatility, and ball control to the outside hitter position. I've been very impressed with her on the recruiting trail and adding her to the team means we've added a powerful weapon to our offensive arsenal. Can't wait to start working with her in the gym next fall!"
Kayla O'Brien (DS/L, 5-7, Pauline, S.C./Dorman High School)
Kayla O'Brien is a standout libero for Dorman High School. She helped her high school team win the state title as a freshman, her first of four straight seasons earning All-Region honors. For her career, O'Brien has collected 1,396 career digs while adding 129 aces. This year, she earned All-State honors, while also appearing in the North-South All-Star game. O'Brien received her team's Defensive Player of the Year Award as a junior, posting a career-high 440 digs, before earning the Coaches Award this season.
Her older sister, Carly O'Brien, is a freshman on Liberty's volleyball team this season, while her father, Daniel O'Brien, played football at Troy.
Head Coach Nolan Albrecht: "Kayla is a quick, consistent, competitive libero that will strengthen our defensive unit this fall. She digs the hard driven swings and picks up tips and rolls with impressive agility and range. Two other areas that impress me are her serving and her out of system setting. She is a very driven competitor but also likes to break the tension with a funny comment or impression. Kayla will join her older sister Carly on the team. We are so excited to have her on the team in 2025!"
"I am thrilled to welcome these six outstanding young women to our Liberty Volleyball family," Albrecht said. "Their commitment to their faith, excellence in academics, and passion for the game align very well with our program's values. With this class, we have added some production on offense in pivotal areas and boosted our defense with physicality and ball control. In addition to their volleyball potential, they each bring a unique story and winning personalities. I can't wait to see the impact they will make on and off the court here on Liberty Mountain!"
Alison Bierwagen (S/RS, 5-10, DeLand, Fla./DeLand High School)
Alison Bierwagen has excelled as both a setter and right-side attacker for DeLand High School. She is a three-time All-Area Conference Team selection for Volusia Flagler County. As a freshman, she received the Coaches Award, playing both setter and outside hitter. Since then, she has played setter and right-side. Bierwagen participated in the Under Armour Next Invite Camp as both a sophomore and junior. Last season, she earned MVP honors while reaching 1,000 career assists. So far this season, she has posted a career-high 302 kills to go along with 361 assists, 266 digs and 44 aces. She also played on the beach volleyball team in high school.
Her older sister, Diana Bierwagen, played beach volleyball at Tusculum.
Head Coach Nolan Albrecht: "What strikes me about Ali in the setting position is her ability to distribute pin to pin with range as well as locate the middles from various places on the court. She is a six-tool volleyball player with a high IQ and determination. She's a natural leader on and off the court and brings contagious energy to everyone around her. Ali arrives on campus this January and will be an awesome addition to our team next year!"
Sign me up! ??? Welcome to the @LibertyWVB family, Alison Bierwagen! ?? pic.twitter.com/AOQD9Ak0e1
— Liberty Volleyball (@LibertyWVB) November 13, 2024
Laney Daniell (MB, 6-3, Kennesaw, Ga./Allatoona High School)
Laney Daniell comes to Liberty as a standout middle blocker from Kennesaw, Ga. A three-time All-State selection, she was named first team All-State as both a junior and senior. She is also a four-time All-Region player, making the first team twice. Daniel made three appearances on the all-county first team. The senior is a two-time member of the AVCA Phenom List while also appearing on the All-American Watch List. Last season, she hit .507 while breaking her school's blocking record with 91 blocks. This year, she has scored a career-high 485 kills (.400), adding 58 aces, 75 blocks and 85 digs. She is a three-time scholar-athlete award recipient and was named player of the week this season.
Head Coach Nolan Albrecht: "Laney brings height, athleticism, and winning experience to the middle blocker position. She has the potential to make big time plays above the net and provide points through her offense as well as her defense. She's a delight to be around off the court but turns on the aggression when the game starts. We are very excited to have her on our team for the 2025 season!"
Sign me up! ??? Welcome to the @LibertyWVB family, Laney Daniell! ?? pic.twitter.com/fXkBZN6Wdo
— Liberty Volleyball (@LibertyWVB) November 13, 2024
Kate Fourman (RS, 6-1, Worthington, Ohio/Thomas Worthington High School)
Kate Fourman joins the Lady Flames from Worthington, Ohio, where she has had a standout career on the right side. After being an All-District honorable mention recipient last season, she was named first team All-District this year, with 255 kills, 37 blocks and 112 digs. She has received team awards each of the last three years (Most Improved as a sophomore, Offensive Player of the Year as a junior and Most Valuable Player this year). During her sophomore season, she was second in the Ohio Capital Conference in blocks, while finishing third in the OCC in hitting percentage during her junior year. She is participating in the District's all-star game.
Her mom, Amy Fourman, played collegiate volleyball at Cedarville.
Head Coach Nolan Albrecht: "Kate adds firepower and physicality on the pin. A lefty with length and athleticism, she can score with her attack as well as her block. She has developed into a top tier right side hitter but can score in multiple areas across the net. Off the court, she has a bright smile and a caring personality. As she matures in her game, she will be a dangerous attacker in this conference. We are so excited to welcome her on board and to have her on our team next fall!"
Sign me up! ??? Welcome to the @LibertyWVB family, Kate Fourman! ?? pic.twitter.com/nHHgN3B3Ea
— Liberty Volleyball (@LibertyWVB) November 14, 2024
Addison Hart (OH, 6-1, Paducah, Ky./McCracken County High School)
A native of Paducah, Ky., Addison Hart is a record-setting outside hitter at McCracken County High School. She set school records for most career starts, most career kills (1,692 as of Nov. 1) and most kills in a single season (480 in 2023). She has helped her team to four straight Region championships, including back-to-back State Elite 8 finishes (2022, 2023). Hart was invited to the Under Armour Next Camp each of the last two years. The senior is a four-time KHSAA Academic All-State selection, four-time All-Region honoree and four-time All-District choice. She was named to the All-State second team as both a sophomore and a junior, appearing on the Kentucky All-State Watch List three years running. This season, she was voted the KVCA Region 1 Player of the Year. The AVCA has listed her on their Phenom Watch List twice, while she made the 2023 KHSAA Volleyball State All-Tournament Team.
Her brother, Ian Hart, plays basketball at Rollins College, while her father, David Hart, played basketball at Lindsey Wilson College.
Head Coach Nolan Albrecht: "Addison is a leader on and off the court with her heavy arm on the serve and attack, her athleticism, her commitment to academics, and her desire to win. She is a lethal scorer from every area on the court and uses her reach to score creatively. Her communication skills and serve receive ability make her a legitimate six rotation outside hitter. I can't wait to start working with her in our gym this spring and see what heights she will reach as a Liberty Flame!"
Sign me up! ??? Welcome to the @LibertyWVB family, Addison Hart! ?? pic.twitter.com/thKKEVnHwf
— Liberty Volleyball (@LibertyWVB) November 13, 2024
Audrey Heiring (OH, 6-1, Kenosha, Wis./Christian Life School)
Audrey Heiring is one of the top outside hitter in the state of Wisconsin, ranking No. 1 in the conference, No. 2 in her division in Wisconsin and No. 6 in the state of Wisconsin. She was named AVCA National Player of the Week earlier this season. The outside hitter has scored 525 kills at a .386 pace this season, giving her 1,263 career kills. A two-time Team MVP and team captain, Heiring finished the 2023 season ranked first in the conference in hitting percentage. Last year, she was named All-State honorable mention with 373 kills, 79 blocks and 360 digs. A three-time all-conference player, she was named to the first team as both a junior and senior. Heiring is also a two-time first team All-County selection. She helped her team win regional titles in both 2021 and 2022 and she ranked second in blocks in her conference as a freshman.
Heiring also played varsity soccer and basketball in high school, being named MVP.
Head Coach Nolan Albrecht: "Audrey is an elite athlete and will make an impact in our sideout and transition game on the pin. She is skilled in serve receive and can score from the front row and back row. She brings explosiveness, versatility, and ball control to the outside hitter position. I've been very impressed with her on the recruiting trail and adding her to the team means we've added a powerful weapon to our offensive arsenal. Can't wait to start working with her in the gym next fall!"
Sign me up! ??? Welcome to the @LibertyWVB family, Audrey Heiring! ?? pic.twitter.com/c5hL6FJNmt
— Liberty Volleyball (@LibertyWVB) November 13, 2024
Kayla O'Brien (DS/L, 5-7, Pauline, S.C./Dorman High School)
Kayla O'Brien is a standout libero for Dorman High School. She helped her high school team win the state title as a freshman, her first of four straight seasons earning All-Region honors. For her career, O'Brien has collected 1,396 career digs while adding 129 aces. This year, she earned All-State honors, while also appearing in the North-South All-Star game. O'Brien received her team's Defensive Player of the Year Award as a junior, posting a career-high 440 digs, before earning the Coaches Award this season.
Her older sister, Carly O'Brien, is a freshman on Liberty's volleyball team this season, while her father, Daniel O'Brien, played football at Troy.
Head Coach Nolan Albrecht: "Kayla is a quick, consistent, competitive libero that will strengthen our defensive unit this fall. She digs the hard driven swings and picks up tips and rolls with impressive agility and range. Two other areas that impress me are her serving and her out of system setting. She is a very driven competitor but also likes to break the tension with a funny comment or impression. Kayla will join her older sister Carly on the team. We are so excited to have her on the team in 2025!"
Sign me up! ??? Welcome to the @LibertyWVB family, Kayla O'Brien! ?? pic.twitter.com/Caj0QcYhad
— Liberty Volleyball (@LibertyWVB) November 14, 2024
Players Mentioned
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