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Women's Volleyball

LMU Women's Volleyball Add Six Newcomers Ahead of 2026 Campaign

LOS ANGELES, Calif. - The LMU women's volleyball program has officially announced the addition of six student-athletes to its 2026 roster, highlighted by a strong blend of incoming freshmen and Division I transfers.

The Lions welcome Ayanna Henry, Amanda Mikuzis, Gianna Perez, Anya Santrac, Maria Tabacuks, and Aleksandra Stojanovic, a class that brings a combination of youth, collegiate experience, international success, and academic excellence to the Bluff.

"We're really excited about this incoming class," said head coach Kolby O'Donnell. "We were able to add a great mix of youth, experience, and talent from a variety of backgrounds, and we believe this group will have an immediate impact on our program. We've added competitors who will raise the level of our gym from day one and push for playing time as soon as they arrive on campus.

"Just as importantly, these are seven outstanding people who embody what we want LMU Volleyball to be about. They bring tremendous character, work ethic, and passion for the game, and we're confident they'll help strengthen the culture we're building while playing an important role in the future of LMU Volleyball."

Ayanna Henry | Freshman | Outside Hitter
Henry joins the Lions from McKinney High School in Texas, bringing athleticism and versatility to LMU's outside hitter group. A dynamic pin hitter, she has the ability to impact the match in multiple ways and arrives ready to continue her development at the Division I level.

Drawn to LMU by the opportunity to grow both academically and athletically, Henry plans to major in Psychology while beginning her collegiate career on the Bluff.

"I chose LMU because it felt like the best fit for me academically and athletically," Henry said. "The volleyball program, team environment, and campus community really stood out to me."

Amanda Mikuzis | Freshman | Middle Blocker
A native of Glenview, Illinois, Mikuzis arrives from Glenbrook South High School after helping lead her team to multiple conference and regional championships. A two-time Central Suburban League champion and two-time regional champion, she established herself as one of the conference's top middle blockers.

Mikuzis brings size, athleticism, and a strong presence at the net that will strengthen LMU's front row on both offense and defense. She plans to major in Political Science.

"I chose Loyola Marymount because I really connected with the values and the opportunity to be part of a close-knit community while competing at a high level," Mikuzis said.

Gianna Perez | Junior Transfer | Libero/Defensive Specialist
Perez arrives from California Baptist after emerging as one of the Lancers' top defensive players. During her sophomore season, she led the team with 237 digs and 2.60 digs per set while adding 14 service aces. As a freshman, she tied the program's NCAA-era single-match record with seven aces.

The Glendora native brings proven Division I experience and a steady defensive presence to the Lions' back row. Perez plans to major in Health and Human Sciences and follows in her mother's footsteps as a member of the LMU community after her mother competed in rowing for the Lions.

"LMU stood out to me because everything about it felt intentional," Perez said. "The competitiveness of the program, the culture the coaches are building, and the overall environment made it feel like the right next step for me."

Anya Santrac | Sophomore Transfer | Outside Hitter
Santrac joins the Lions from Wake Forest after competing at both the Power Four and international levels. The Belgrade, Serbia native owns an impressive international résumé that includes a Serbian national championship, a U19 title in Italy, MVP honors at the 2024 Athens Tournament, and selection to the Belgrade All-Star Team.

An outside hitter with experience competing against elite talent across Europe and Division I volleyball, Santrac will add depth, athleticism, and versatility to the Lions' attack. She plans to study Entrepreneurship at LMU.

"LMU was everything I was looking for in one place," Santrac said. "The entrepreneurship program, the opportunity to compete at a high level, and the environment around the university made it an easy decision."

Maria Tabacuks | Sophomore Transfer | Outside Hitter
Tabacuks arrives from Oregon with one of the most accomplished international résumés in the incoming class. Representing Germany at the 2025 FIVB U19 World Championships, she ranked among the tournament's leading scorers with 104 kills and was later named to Germany's preliminary Volleyball Nations League roster.

Prior to her collegiate career, Tabacuks helped Volero Le Cannet capture two French U18 championships while developing into one of Europe's top young outside hitters. She plans to pursue a degree in Business at LMU.

"I chose LMU because I want to grow both academically and as a volleyball player in a competitive and positive environment," Tabacuks said.

Aleksandra Stojanovic | Junior Transfer | Middle Blocker
Stojanovic comes to LMU following a standout sophomore season at Iowa, where she started all 30 matches and led the Hawkeyes with a .370 hitting percentage. She totaled 161 kills, 88 blocks, and 19 service aces while earning Academic All-Big Ten, CSC Academic All-District, and Dean's List honors.

A native of Belgrade, Serbia, Stojanovic brings valuable Big Ten experience and a proven ability to impact matches on both sides of the net. Her offensive efficiency and blocking presence are expected to provide an immediate boost to the Lions' middle blocker unit as she pursues a degree in Information Systems.

"LMU stood out to me because of its great location, outstanding coaching staff, and the opportunity to continue developing as a player," Stojanovic said.

With representation from the United States, Brazil, Serbia, France, and Germany, LMU's newest class brings a diverse blend of talent, experience, and championship pedigree to the program. The seven newcomers are expected to strengthen the Lions both on and off the court as LMU prepares for the 2026 season.
 
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Players Mentioned

Aleksandra Stojanovic

Aleksandra Stojanovic

6' 3"
Junior

Players Mentioned

Aleksandra Stojanovic

Aleksandra Stojanovic

6' 3"
Junior