Emily Hardesty Transfers From Texas A&M To LSU Beach Program

LSU beach volleyball head coach Russell Brock announced the signing of Emily Hardesty as the newest addition to the 2017 recruiting class on Monday.Hardesty, a graduate transfer from Texas A&M, will join the program next season alongside fellow signees Tatum Ballard, Hunter Domanski, Kahlee York, and Savannah Wininger.

“We’re happy to have her on board. Emily looked at several different programs, and she felt like what we’re doing here fits what she’s looking for. We’re excited to have her bring in the maturity and leadership that comes with being involved with an SEC program,” said Brock.

“We see her transitioning really smoothly into the beach game. We know she’s going to work hard to be in a position to jump in and help us be better right away. She’s a great student, an incredible individual, and someone who is going to bring benefit to our program off the court as well. She’s a great addition to our roster, and we’re excited to have her involved.”

Predominantly an outside hitter for the Aggies, Hardesty played an integral part in helping to lead Texas A&M to the SEC Championship in 2015. During her junior season, Hardesty appeared in all 31 matches and was the only non-setter to regularly play all six rotations, averaging 1.82 kills, 2.18 digs and 2.13 points per set.

Hardesty was named the MVP of the 2014 Baymont Inn and Suites Invitational her sophomore season after helping vault the Aggies to the tournament title. A native of Plano, Texas, Hardesty set an A&M record for a three-set SEC match after totaling 19 digs against Kentucky. Hardesty also led the team that year in total digs with 310.

Hardesty also shined off the court during her tenure with the Aggies, becoming a three-time member of the SEC Academic Honor Roll and collecting First-Year Academic Honor Roll accolades.

During her prep career at Trinity Christian Academy, Hardesty alternated between outside hitter and middle blocker as a four-year starter. Her junior season, Hardesty led the Trojans to a 40-1 record and the TAPPS state championship title. Hardesty also earned district MVP honors, as well as all-district and all-state accolades throughout her four years with the team. Hardesty was voted team captain her senior year and was named as the 2012-13 TAPPS 5A-1 Co-Offensive Player of the Year for her efforts on the court.

News courtesy of LSU Athletics.