Q&A With Future Mustang Brynn Stephens

Last season, SMU willed itself into the NCAA volleyball public eye after taking down two top teams in Nebraska and Pitt at home in stunning victories. Now, Sam Erger is finding ways to build her program beyond veterans and transfers, picking up some young and incredibly talented recruits who are more than capable of taking over. Among them is 6-3 Brynn Stephens – a dynamic setter turned outside, regarded as a 5 star recruit in the 2027 class. Known for her quick arm swing, ability to read the court, and elite volleyball IQ; Brynn has honed all of these traits to near perfection, lethal at the net. As a freshman at Rock Hill High School, she posted huge numbers for her team; 383 kills on a hyper-efficient .370 clip,  matched with 373 digs. Those stats earned her District 5 Newcomer of the Year, followed by being named to the 2025 Triple Crown 16U All-Tourney team. With an all-around game including solid passing and defense, Stephen’s has all the building blocks needed to excel at the next level. I asked her the thoughts and feelings involved in her decision to become a Mustang. 

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Q: Did you always have your eye on SMU as a target school or did they win you over during the recruiting period? 

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A: There were 5-7 key programs I was considering throughout the recruitment period, camp invites and player feedback, with SMU being directly part of that group. Once I got the chance to be on campus, work with the coaches, integrate with the players and see the facilities, they quickly jumped into one of my top choices.  Given the resources of the program, the top tier academics that are extremely important to me, and being able to be an immediate contributor to the program, I’m really excited to be a Mustang.

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Q: What specific aspects about the program felt like home and made you compelled to join it?

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A: For me, I was looking for a program that balanced a strong culture, recent success, great academics, and resource support from the University.  With Jadyn/Favor coming from TAV, playing against Hannah Beauford in high school and being teammates with Christa Wilburn (‘26) when I lived in Austin, it just felt natural to stay home and be an integral part of the program's success that will only become stronger.

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Q: What is your biggest aspiration for your collegiate career, and what impact do you hope to leave?

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A: My goal is to help further elevate the SMU program, secure an ACC championship, and make impactful deep runs in the NCAA tournament with the goal of winning a championship.

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