Louisville Volleyball Scores Big With Elite 2026 Signing Class

The future remains bright in Louisville. Head coach Dan Meske and the No. 7-ranked Cardinals have officially announced their 2026 signing class, a group already ranked No. 5 nationally by Volleyball Adrenaline and loaded with high-level experience and national accolades.

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Joining the program are setter Blair Thiebaud, outside hitter Jordyn Gray, libero Elsi Karjanlahti, and middle blockers Amirra Bailey and Elli Strecker. Together, they form one of the most balanced and accomplished classes in recent program history.

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Blair Thiebaud – Setter | College Station, Texas

Thiebaud, a 6-0 standout and the No. 1-ranked setter in Texas by Prep Dig, arrives with extensive national team experience after representing the U21 USA National Team at the World Championship in Indonesia. She’s a multiple-time All-State and All-Region honoree, a Setter of the Year recipient, and an AVCA All-American Watch List selection. Known for her composure and command, she brings leadership and precision to the court.

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Jordyn Gray – Outside Hitter | Charlotte, North Carolina

At 6-2, Gray brings elite scoring ability and a polished all-around game. A three-time all-state pick from Cox Mill High School, she’s competed with the Under Armour Next Dream Team and the USA Volleyball NTDP, earning multiple All-Tournament honors. Gray’s combination of power and consistency make her one of the top outside hitters in the 2026 class.

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Amirra Bailey – Middle Blocker | Bowling Green, Kentucky

One of the top players in Kentucky, Bailey is a 6-4 middle who helped lead her club to the 2025 AAU National Championship, earning All-Tournament recognition along the way. A three-time first-team all-state selection and 2024 AVCA All-American, Bailey brings size, speed, and a proven championship pedigree to the Louisville front line.

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Elli Strecker – Middle Blocker | Zionsville, Indiana

Strecker adds another imposing presence in the middle. At 6-4, she’s a two-time USAV All-American and a nine-time NTDP invitee. A first-team all-state performer at Zionsville, she combines athleticism with strong blocking instincts and a high ceiling for development at the next level.

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Elsi Karjanlahti – Libero | Finland

Karjanlahti joins the Cardinals with professional experience from Finland’s top league (Mestaruusliiga) and extensive international competition. She’s represented Finland at multiple European Championships, earning national titles with the U16 and U18 teams and a silver medal in Finland’s pro league in 2025. Named the Northern European Dream Team Libero, her poise and world-class ball control will immediately elevate the Louisville backcourt.

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A Complete Class

With elite recruits spanning from Texas to Finland, Louisville’s 2026 signing class checks every box, skill, size, leadership, and international experience. Under Dan Meske’s guidance, the Cardinals continue to build a roster built for sustained national contention.

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