EVANSVILLE, Ind.- University of Southern Indiana Volleyball announced the signing of seven new recruits to be added to the 2025 fall roster. The class consists of five freshman, one sophomore already enrolled in spring classes, and a junior from the JUCO ranks for the upcoming season.
“We’re thrilled to welcome the newest members of the USI Volleyball family,” says head coach Jeffrey Aucoin. “These outstanding student-athletes believe in the vision of our program and are ready to contribute to its bright future. This class represents a pivotal moment in our journey, joining a group that has already laid a strong foundation for success. Each new addition brings something unique to the table and will leave a lasting impact on our program. More importantly, they’ll be exceptional ambassadors for USI Volleyball, our athletic department, and our university as a whole. We can’t wait to have them on campus this August!”
McKenzie Murphy | 6’0 | Middle Blocker/Hitter | Fort Scott, Kansas
The native of Fort Scott transferred to USI after two years at Hutchinson Community College. As a freshman and sophomore, Murphy totaled 349 kills (177 in 2024, 172 in 2023) and 297 blocks. The middle blocker brings experience and a proven track record as the Eagles lost two important middles to graduation. She also earned a spot on the presidential honor roll in the summer of 2023 and the vice president’s honor roll in the fall of 2023. At Fort Scott Murphy was named to the 2022 Southeast Kansas League First Team unanimously after a SEK League Second Team placement in 2021.
Grace Bach | 6’1 | Middle Blocker/Hitter | South Elgin, Illinois
Bach joins USI after a three-year varsity career at South Elgin High School in South Elgin, Illinois. During her high school career, Bach made the Upstate 8 All-Conference squad in her senior year along with being named team MVP. She led her team in kills (114) and blocks (51) in her final year. The upstate Illinois native was named to the top 20 players to watch in the Fox Valley Area. She played with Club Fusion Volleyball and Pipeline Volleyball Club. Bach chose USI for the team aspect, campus, facilities, and coaches.
Mackenzie Nettles | 5’10 | Pin | Wheaton, Illinois
Nettles heads to Southern Indiana after a four-year varsity career at Wheaton North High School in Wheaton, Illinois. Nettles was named to the Dukane Conference All-Academic team and All-Conference Athletic Team during her playing career. Nettles was quotes saying, “I chose USI because of the culture I felt as soon as I walked on campus. I felt a sense of ease and happiness on campus and knew I would be able to succeed here as an athlete and as a student.” Nettles also played for Club Fusion Volleyball.
Ava Carpenter | 6’0 | Outside Hitter | Sycamore, Illinois
Carpenter will join USI next fall as a freshman after earning multiple high school accolades in her senior season. At Sycamore High School, Carpenter was named conference MVP in 2024, Daily Chronicle Player of the Year, and First Team All-Conference. The outside hitters dominate presence will be on full display this fall at Liberty Arena. Carpenter also played for Club Fusion.
Carly Wright | 6’0 | Outside Hitter | North Richland Hills, Texas
Wright travels the farthest among the 2025 class, joining the Eagles from North Richland Hilla High School just outside of Dallas and Fort Worth. The incoming freshman and the rest of the class looks to fill an outside hitting void following the departure of graduate senior Jasmine Green. Wright posted an impressive high school career, earning First Team All-District in 2022, 2023, and 2024. She also earned All-State in 2022, along with being named team MVP in 2023 and 2024. Wright excelled in the classroom as an Academic All-District member in 2021-25.
Audrey Small | 5’5 | Libero | O’Fallon, Missouri
Small has already joined the Eagles enrolled in spring classes after a stellar freshman season transferring in from University of North Alabama. Small will enter her sophomore season next year as a defensive specialist or libero. The O’Fallon native earned an Atlantic Sun Conference All-Freshman Team selection, racking up 506 digs (4.36 DPS). The transfer also totaled 114 assists and 20 service aces. Small posted two 30 dig performances and looks to continue denying attackers this fall.
Aysa Thomas | 5’9 | Setter | Brownsburg, Indiana
Thomas joins the Eagles as an incoming freshman from Brownsburg High School where she helped her team win four sectional championships, along with an elite eight appearance in 2022. Individually, Thomas was an IHSVCA All District selection in 2024. She also earned First Team All-Conference in 2023 and 2024. She also excels in the classroom achieving 2024 Academic All State and Brownsburg Honor Roll. She finished high school with a monstrous 3,763 career assists and 1,276 career digs. Thomas explained “I choose USI because of the coaching staff, players, amazing facilities, and support system.”
