Louisville Staff Hits the Summer Circuit Ahead of Key Recruiting Dates
As summer heats up, so does the recruiting calendar—and the Louisville women’s volleyball staff is already deep in the mix.
Assistant coach Parker Mikesch spent the weekend in Mesa, Arizona for one of the top club tournaments of the summer: the NIT Summer Series. While this event doesn’t feature quite as many top-tier players due to the U18 National Team still training in Colorado Springs, there was still plenty of talent on display—particularly from club programs in Texas, Southern California, and Arizona.
One familiar name making waves was 2026 setter Blair Thiebaud, who’s helping lead the charge for Houston Skyline, a perennial powerhouse on the national stage. Thiebaud, a Louisville commit, continues to prove she’s one of the best in her class. Another name to watch is Lizzie Bower, a 2027 libero from Idaho Crush. She’s currently on Louisville’s radar and will be attending the June 13th prospect camp on campus.
Speaking of that camp—it’s a key date circled on the recruiting calendar.
On June 13, Louisville will host its annual Prospect Camp, a pivotal moment for evaluating rising juniors in the 2027 class. The day includes competitive on-court sessions, campus tours, and a deeper look at what the Louisville program offers its student-athletes. Notably, all current 2026 Louisville commits attended this same camp last summer, so it’s a proven stage for meaningful first impressions. With Thiebaud already secured in the 2026 class, the staff likely won’t be pursuing a setter in the upcoming 2027 cycle.
Then, just two days later—on Father’s Day (June 15)—the recruiting period officially opens for the 2027 class. That date marks the first time coaches can directly contact rising juniors via calls, texts, and Zooms. It’s a major shift in gear, as programs across the country begin forming their next wave of recruiting boards and relationships.
For Louisville, these next few weeks are all about building momentum—identifying key prospects, strengthening early connections, and setting the tone for what’s next.
