ABILENE - Abilene Christian volleyball signed five student-athletes across three states within the class of 2026, head coach
Ijeoma Moronu Alstrup announced this month.
Alyssa Todd (Aledo, Texas), Garrah Prox (Kaufman, Texas), Isabelle Richardson (Baton Rouge, La.), Jayla Jackson (Prosper, Texas) and Pierson Smith (Oklahoma City) will join the Wildcats for the 2026 campaign, ACU's fourth season under Moronu Alstrup.
"This will be our first full class signing for our staff," Moronu Alstrup said. "We have known and recruited these players since 2023 or 2024, having watched them at their club tournaments and competing with their high school teams for the past two years. We are extremely excited to get them on campus and integrated with our current team!"
Todd wrapped up a four-year career at Aledo High School, where she led the Bearcats to three district titles and a run to the state semifinals in each of the past two seasons. She amassed over 1,400 kills at a .299 hitting percentage in high school with more than 1,200 digs.
Todd was named Co-MVP and a First Team selection in District 5-5A as a junior in 2024, while also reeling in All-
Weatherford Democrat Co-MVP and Texas Girls Coaches Association All-State honors. She was tabbed the District 5-5A Co-MVP by the
Dallas Morning News.
"Alyssa Todd is a standout outside hitter from Aledo, Texas," Moronu Alstrup said. "Alyssa is a dynamic 6-rotation outside that has the potential to contribute either on the back row or as an attacker. Alyssa played high-level club volleyball with one of the best clubs in Texas and we are excited to see how she makes an impact her freshman year."
Prox competed at Kaufman High School and was named to the District 15-5A First Team by the
Dallas Morning News in 2024. In 2023, she took home Blocker of the Year honors in District 14-4A.
"Garrah Prox is a front row utility player that has a ton of potential," Moronu Alstrup said. "She is a raw athlete that we are so excited to see flourish here at ACU. Garrah will be joining our team in January, which will allow her plenty of time to acclimate to life as a student-athlete here in Abilene and give her additional time to learn more about our program and systems, setting her up for success in the fall."
Richardson played at The Dunham School, where she made three trips to the LHSAA state championship game, including capturing a state title in 2022 as a freshman. She was named an All-Star this past season by the Louisiana High School Coaches Association and was an All-Region honoree by the American Volleyball Coaches Association.
In the past two years, Richardson amassed 315 kills at a .381 hitting percentage with 119 blocks.
"Isa Richardson is another January signee that we are excited to come half a year early," Moronu Alstrup said. "Isa is a dynamic middle blocker that will add to our strong middle group. We are excited to bring her blocking ability to the team and have her working with Rachel [Koss] in the spring to grow her offensive ability within our system in time for our 2026 fall season. She is probably one of the hardest-working athletes that we've recruited and I'm excited to see that pay off for her at ACU."
Jackson reached the UIL Regional Finals in 2022 and 2023 at Prosper High School as the Eagles captured an undefeated district title when she was a freshman. In 2023, Jackson was recognized on the District 5-6A First Team by the
Dallas Morning News. She totaled 890 kills and 191 blocks in high school.
"Jayla Jackson is another utility player that can contribute in a number of places on the court," Moronu Alstrup said. "She has spent the most time at the outside and right side positions, contributing a strong arm and good vision. Jayla has great scoring ability, work ethic and grit. We have no doubt that Jayla will come in and help push the program in our continued upward trajectory."
Smith reached the OSSAA 4A state championship each season at Community Christian School, capturing the title both this past season and in 2023. She achieved 136 total wins with the Royals to just 14 losses. Smith collected 932 assists, 217 digs and 33 blocks as a senior.
"Pierson Smith is our last signee for this class at the setter position," Moronu Alstrup said. "Pierson is a setter that has the potential to run a 5-1 with her size and contributes a great block within her position. She has a very high volleyball IQ, which helps her run an efficient offense. She also began setting later in her career, so we are excited to see her continue to develop her skills as a setter and help her reach her full potential as a Wildcat."
