LAKE CHARLES, La. – McNeese head beach volleyball coach Yasmin Tan has announced the addition of seven athletes, including four transfers and three freshmen, to the 2026-27 roster. The newcomers will join early signee Elizabeth O'Connell to round out the Sandy Pokes' incoming class.

Averi Penner, a native of Calgary, Canada, joins McNeese after spending two seasons at Wayland Baptist University. During her time with the Pioneers, Penner helped the program earn the 2026 AVCA Small College Championship in her most recent season.

A native of Peaster, Texas, Averie Threet comes to McNeese from the University of Texas at El Paso, where she spent the past two seasons. During her time with the Miners, Threet earned a Top 20 win over the University of Arizona and was also named CUSA Pair of the Week alongside her partner.

Maddy Wade, a native of Austin, Texas, joins the Sandy Pokes after spending one season at Florida International University after beginning her career at Stephen F. Austin. During her time at FIU, Wade was named to the CUSA Commissioner's Honor Roll and received the CUSA Commissioner's Academic Medal.

The final transfer addition is Natalie Blum, a native of Centennial, Colorado, who spent her first collegiate season playing for the University of Central Arkansas.

McNeese will also welcome three freshmen, including Lake Charles native Katie Billedeaux. Brooke Brown, a native of Richmond, Texas, will join the Sandy Pokes as a freshman, along with Chelsea Erhart, a native of Chandler, Arizona.

The seven newcomers join early signee Lizzy O'Connell, a native of Spokane, Washington, in McNeese's incoming class. 

The eight newcomers will join returning Sandy Pokes Breanna Cagle, Rylee Lansing, Gracie Behneke, Dylan Sterna, Isabella Giarla, Reese Russell and Kaylene Gohman for the upcoming season.

2026-27 McNeese Beach Volleyball Roster Additions

Averi Penner, Jr, Calgary, Canada (Transfer from Wayland Baptist)
Averie Threet, Jr, Peaster, Texas (Transfer from UTEP)
Maddy Wade, So, Austin, Texas (Transfer from FIU)
Natalie Bum, So, Centennial, Colo. (Transfer from UCA)
Brooke Brown, Fr, Richmond, Texas (Katy Classical Academy/Club: Third Coast Juniors)
Chelsea Erhart, Fr, Chandler, Ariz. (Primavera High School/Club: Volley for Life)
Katie Billedeaux, Fr, Lake Charles, La. (St. Louis High School)
*Lizzy O'Connell, Fr, Spokane, Wash. (Ridgeline High School)
*- Early Signee