RICHMOND, Ky. – Eastern Kentucky University will add two middle blockers and an outside hitter to its volleyball team in 2026.
 
Middle blockers Becca Rogers and Sophia Richardson will join outside hitter Josie Nichols in Richmond next season.
 
"I'm excited to add these three student-athletes to our program," EKU Head Coach Johnna Bazzani said.  "They are going to help maintain and elevate the continued success of our program."
 
Rogers is a 6-foot native of Chattanooga, Tennessee.  As a senior at Signal Mountain High School this fall, Rogers was chosen as the region and district MVP after recording 448 kills, 463 digs, 53 blocks and 84 aces.  She helped the Eagles capture district, region and sectional championships.  Rogers earned all-state honors as a sophomore and a junior.
 
"Becca is a versatile player who is going to bring athleticism and power into our gym," said Bazzani.  "She is an extremely hard working athlete and I'm looking forward to having her in our gym."
 
Richardson, a 6-foot-1 native of Cincinnati, Ohio, was a second team all-state selection this season at  Kings High School.  She also earned first team all-district and first team all-conference after recording 206 kills and 85 blocks.  Richardson was listed as one of the top-100 players in Ohio.  She was also a first team all-district and first team all-conference pick as a junior in 2024.
 
"Sophia is going to bring height and physicality into our gym," Bazzani said.  "She is such a dominate force defensively and has a heavy arm that will work right into our offense."  
 
The 5-foot-10 Nichols is from Loveland, Ohio.  She earned second team all-state recognition this season after finishing her senior campaign with 422 kills, 236 digs, 19 aces and 15 blocks.  Nichols also earned all-district and all-conference honors.  As a junior, she picked up second team all-district and second team all-conference accolades after finishing the season with 314 kills, 231 digs, 30 blocks and 25 aces.
 
"Josie is going to add depth into our outside hitting core," said Bazzani.  She comes from a dominate high school program and has great ball control that will help elevate the competition in our gym."