The Tiger Queens

The Faces of LSU’s Rise 

In Baton Rouge, LSU volleyball has found its spark in a pair of powerhouse outside hitters. Jurnee Robinson and Nia Washington aren’t just putting up numbers; they’re defining the Tigers’ season. Robinson, a midseason addition to the AVCA Player of the Year Watch list, leads the SEC in kills and ranks eighth nationally, while Washinton, a preseason watch list standout, brings experience, consistency, and leadership. Together, they’ve turned LSU’s offense into a force opponents can’t ignore, making the Tigers a team to watch. 

Washington: Experience and Leadership Fuel LSU 

Nia Washington brings a wealth of experience and a winning pedigree to LSU’s lineup. After three collegiate seasons, one at Iowa and two at Ole Miss, she has already played in over 70 matches and amassed more than 800 career kills. Her 2024 season was a breakout, highlighted by All-American and First Team All-SEC honors, marked by career best performances including 32 kills in a single match and six blocks in a key win over Florida State. Known for her versatility and ability to deliver in high-pressure moments, Washington adds both consistency and leadership to the Tigers’ offense. Beyond the court, she comes from a volleyball family; her mother played at Tulane, a three-time Louisiana state champion, underscoring the competitive drive she brings to LSU every match. 

Robinson: SEC Standout and National Contender 

Jurnee Robinson has quickly emerged as one of the premier outside hitters in the SEC and a rising national star. Since joining LSU, she has transformed into a powerhouse, combining explosive scoring with consistent all-around play. In her sophomore season, Robinson earned Volleyball Magazine Honorable Mention All- American honors, secured a spot on the AVCA Central All-Region First Team for the second time in her career, and was named the 2024 LSWA Player of the Year. She ranked second in the SEC with 5.49 points and 4.92 kills per set, including 12 double-doubles and 12 matches with 20 or more kills, highlighted by a career high 31 kills at Alabama. Her freshman year was equally impressive, earning AVCA South Freshman of the Year honors while recording 391 kills and 63 blocks. Robinson’s high school pedigree, including leading Mauldin High School to a state title and being named South Carolina’s Best Player in 2022, underscores the talent and work ethic she brings to LSU.  

Dynamic Duo: Driving LSU’s Offense 

In the 2025 season, outside hitters Jurnee Robinson and Nia Washington have been instrumental in LSU’s play so far against challenging SEC teams. Robinson leads the SEC with 4.93 kills pers set and 5.48 points per set, totaling 340 kills and 378.5 points. Her standout performances include a career high 34 kills in a five-set victory over No.23 Florida, marking one of the most dominant individual efforts in program history. Washington, complementing Robinson’s offensive prowess, averages 3.67 points per set, with 3.07 kills per set, 22 aces, and 25 blocks. Together, their dynamic play has been pivotal in LSU’s victories, including a notable pre-conference win against South Alabama where they combined for 31 kills. As the season progresses and tournament play swiftly approaches, Robinson and Washington continue to be the cornerstone of LSU’s offensive strategy. 

What Comes Next for LSU 

As LSU moves deeper into the 2025 SEC schedule, all eyes will remain on Jurnee Robinson and Nia Washington to keep the Tigers competitive. While the team’s record reflects the challenges of a tough slate, the duos performances show the level of talent LSU possesses when its stars click. Upcoming matches against Texas A&M and Texas will test the Tigers’ resilience and provide opportunities for both players to perform at their highest levels. Their leadership and consistency will be key as LSU prepares for the latter half of the SEC season and hopes to make a strong showing in tournament play at the end of November.