SEC's Top Freshman Performers

Freshman Standouts 

Conference play may just be getting underway, but several freshmen have already made their presence felt within the SEC. Putting up top-10 numbers in categories like kills, assists, and digs, these athletes have made instant impacts on their respective teams. These newcomers aren’t easing into SEC play; they’re leading from the start. Here’s a look at 5 freshmen who emerged as standouts during non-conference play. 

Lindsey Mangelson – Mississippi State  

It hasn’t taken long for Lindsey Mangelson to prove she belongs on the SEC stage. The freshmen outside hitter has already racked 160 kills on the season, placing her among the conference leaders and fueling Mississippi State’s non-conference 10-0 start. Her scoring ability comes as no surprise, at Hamilton Southeastern in Indiana, she set program records for single season (549) and single-match (36) kills, while winning back-to-back 4A state championships and earning First Team All-State honors. Mangelson’s transition to the college game has been seamless, and she’s expected to continue being a key player for Mississippi State as the Bulldogs navigate SEC play. 

Hannah Parant – Alabama 

Hannah Parant has quickly made her presence felt as a redshirt freshman for Alabama. The Mountain Brook (Ala.) native already leads the SEC in service aces with 29 and has 378 assists, ranking her fifth so far in the league. Hannah had a historic game against Memphis during non-conference play, scoring 10 service aces which is tied for the third highest total in program history, with the most in a match since 1990. Before arriving at Alabama, Parant had a decorated career at Mountain Brook High School, leading her team to a 46-5 record and a 6A championship her senior year. Hannah finished her senior year as the school’s all-time leader in assists (4,408) and aces (315). Parant’s ability to run the offense and shift the momentum with her serving has already made her a key player for Alabama as SEC competition heats up.  

Lily Hayes – Florida 

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Lily Hayes has quickly emerged as a standout freshman for Florida. The first year libero became the first freshman to wear the libero jersey since Elyse Cusak in 2006. Hayes has already racked up double digit digs in five matches, including a career- high 21 digs in a 3-2 comeback win over Pitt, and added 3 assists in that match. Hayes comes to Gainesville after a decorated high school career at Academy of the Holy Names and Berkely Prep in Tampa, earning multiple state finalists appearances, a district All Star nod, and Prime Time preps Hillsborough County Player of the Week honors. She will continue to be a key contributor for the Gators defense as they push forward into SEC play. 

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Kassie O’Brien – Kentucky 

Kassie O’Brien has made an immediate impact as a freshmen setter for Kentucky. The Texas native comes to Lexington from Cinco Ranch High School, where she surpassed 4,000 career assists and helped lead her team to the 6A state tournament for only the second time in school history. In pre-conference, O’Brien proved herself a massive asset for the Wildcats, tallying 312 assists and ranking among the SEC leaders. As Kentucky gets into the heat of SEC play O’Brien’s presence will be crucial in setting the tone for the Wildcats offense and helping the team compete against some of the tougher competition they will face during this season.  

These freshmen standouts have already proven they can compete at the highest level, giving a glimpse of what the future of SEC volleyball looks like. From dominating at the net to controlling the back row, each newcomer has shown both potential and an early impact on their respective teams. As conference play continues, fans can expect these rising stars to play pivotal roles, shaping the outcome of some of the SEC’s most competitive matches this season.