TOPEKA, Kan. -- Washburn volleyball head coach Chris Herron announced the signing of five student-athletes from the prep ranks in the class of 2026 on Wednesday afternoon. The five Kansas products will join the Ichabods for the 2026 season.
Herron on the class: "This class fills our positional needs for next season. They are each highly recruited athletes who will be very good players in what is the best volleyball conference in the country."
Brooklyn Benoit | 6-0 | OH/RS | Wichita, Kan. | Wichita Northwest HS
High School: A four-year member of the Wichita Northwest volleyball team ... earned All-GWAL second team honors as a freshman at DS/L and honorable mention as a hitter ... was a first team selction as a hitter for the Grizzlies as a sophomore while earning All-Metro honors ... repeated as a first team All-GWAL member as a junior and senior ... surpassed both 1,000 kills and digs during senior season while helping Wichita Northwest earn a Sub-State title ... earned academic honor roll recognition each semester ... also participated in two seasons of softball and one of track and field ... earned All-State recognition in softball
Personal: Daughter of April and Josh Benoit ... has two sisters, Ashlyn and Payton, and a brother, Josh ... Payton played volleyball at UMKC and Joshua played soccer at Tabor College ... plans to major in occupational therapy/physical therapy
Benoit on Washburn: "I chose Washburn because when I stepped on campus something felt different. The facilities were so nice and well taken care of, the girls were so welcoming and kind, the coaches made me feel comfortable and wanted. I wanted to be apart of a program that coaches and players work to get the best out of me and I will be getting an amazing education along the way."
Herron on Benoit: "Brooklyn's ability to play 6 rotations is what we were drawn to initially. Her serve receive is very good, as well as her defensive abilities."
Hayden Meats | 5-10 | OH | Olathe, Kan. | Gardner Edgerton HS
High School: A two-year member of the Gardner Edgerton volleyball program ... as a junior earned first team All-Sunflower League honors while leading the league in kills ... repeated honors as a senior averaging 4.7 kills per set while hitting .366 ... earned All-Tournament Team at Tonganoxie Tournament both seasons for the Trailblazers ... also participated in track all four years competing in triple jump ... earned academic honor roll honors all four years of high school
Personal: Daughter of Dave and Joanna Meats ... has two brothers, Dakota and Rhett ... plans to major in diagnostic medical sonography or biology
Meats on Washburn: "I chose Washburn University for a lot of reasons, but mainly because it just felt right. The volleyball program is competitive and pushes you to be your best while also building close friendships and a real sense of team. I also liked that the class sizes are smaller, which means you get to actually know your professors and classmates. On top of that, the campus has such a welcoming feel, and I can really see myself growing both on and off the court here."
Herron on Meats: "Hayden is also a 6 rotation OH. She has a very good arm and an outstanding volleyball IQ."
Finley Rieke | 6-1 | MB | Tonganoxie, Kan. | Tonganoxie HS
High School: Was a four-year member of the Tonganoxie volleyball team ... earned All-League honorable mention honors as a freshman helping the Chieftains to a 25-16 record ... repeated as an All-Frontier League honorable mention as a sophomore ... slashed 305 kills with 160 digs as a junior to be tabbed as a first team All-League selection ... also participated in track two years in shot put, long jump and triple jump ... earned academic excellence honors
Personal: Daughter of Melissa and Ernie Rieke ... mom played volleyball at Rockhurst ... has a brother, Gus, and sister, Lucille ... plans to major in criminal justice
Rieke on Washburn: "I chose Washburn University not only for its welcoming campus atmosphere but also for the competitive spirit shared by everyone there. I knew this opportunity would be beneficial for me since it's close to home and I've already met some amazing people. I can't wait to officially be a BOD!"
Herron on Rieke: Finley has been on my radar since she was a freshman. Last season during club, she took big steps in becoming the player she is today and she can play anywhere in the front row."
Kalyn Sampson | 5-11 | S | Sedgwick, Kan. | Sedgwick HS
High School: Was a four-year member of the Sedgwick volleyball program ... earned first team HOA League honors and All-Metro honorable mention recognition as a freshman ... repeated both honors as a sophomore while adding All-State honorable mention accolades ... was an All-State second team member as a junior while landing a spot on the All-State Tournament team and helping the Cardinals finish fifth at state
Personal: Plans to major in psychology
Sampson on Washburn: "I chose Washburn because I feel it has the perfect environment for me as an athlete and student. I also cannot think of a better coaching staff to learn and grow from."
Herron on Sampson: "Kalyn's ability to run a fast tempo offense, as well as her offensive ability at the setter position is what caught our attention in the recruiting process. Kalyn will put up a big block as well."
Avery Willey | 5-6 | DS/L | Topeka, Kan. | Shawnee Heights HS
High School: Was a three-year member of the Shawnee Heights volleyball program ... as a sophomore earned second team All-Shawnee County honors ... repeated the honor as a junior while adding All-UKC Conference recognition ... landed on the first team for both county and conference as a senior while reaching 500 career digs and kills for the Thunderbirds ... also earned first team All-Academic honors for multiple years
Personal: Daughter of Jennifer and Bill Willey ... has a sister, Katelyn ... plans to major in kinesiology and exercise science
Willey on Washburn: "I chose Washburn because as soon as I stepped on campus for my visit it immediately felt like home. I have been to camps and volleyball games since I was little and loved the program ever since. The competitiveness, support and price you receive playing for Washburn volleyball is something you can't get anywhere else, and is where I can grow as a player and an individual."
Herron on Willey: "Avery is a player we have had our eyes on for many years. She is fearless, as well as outstanding defensively, both in receiving and her ability to read and react."
