Tennessee Volleyball Bolsters 2026 Roster with ACC all-Freshman Standout Kennedi Rogers
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Tennessee volleyball continues to build momentum for the 2026 season with the addition of Kennedi Rogers, a highly-regarded transfer who earned ACC All-Freshman Team honors in 2025. the Lady Vols are assembling a roster poised for important competition, and Rogers’ arrival signals a commitment to elevating the program’s performance.
A Rising Star Joins the Lady Vols
The University of Tennessee announced Rogers’ commitment on Thursday, with head Coach Eve Rackham Watt expressing strong enthusiasm. “We are realy excited to add kennedi to our program,” watt stated. “she is a point scorer with great intangibles and she will continue to develop her total game within our system.” Watt emphasized Rogers’ proven ability, noting she “proved to be one of the best freshmen in the country last season, and will bring valuable experience.” The coaching staff anticipates beginning training with Rogers this spring.
Extraordinary Freshman Campaign
Rogers distinguished herself during her first collegiate season, finishing with 175 kills on a .272 hitting percentage. She also contributed considerably to her team’s defense, recording 30 blocks and 53 digs. Rogers consistently demonstrated her offensive prowess, achieving double-digit kills in seven matches, including a season-high 21 against NC State on November 29.
Her strong finish to the 2025 season was particularly noteworthy, as she recorded double-figure kills in five of her final six matches. During this stretch, Rogers amassed 83 kills at a rate of 3.95 kills per set, maintaining a .296 hitting percentage. This performance solidified her status as just the fifth player from her previous institution to receive conference All-Freshman recognition.
Versatility and All-Around performance
Rogers showcased her all-around skills with two double-double performances throughout the season. Her first came in a road contest against Louisville on October 17, were she tallied 10 kills and 10 digs. She repeated this feat against NC State, also tying her season-high of 10 digs in that match. Rogers also reached her season-best in blocks against NC State, with six, and recorded three or more blocks in five separate matches.
High School Recognition
Prior to her collegiate career, Rogers excelled at Ridge Point high school in Texas. She was recognized as a Top-150 Prospect by PrepVolleyball.com and a Top-15 prospect by PrepDig.com. Rogers further distinguished herself as a 2025 AVCA Phenom Top 8 Outside Hitter for the state of Texas and earned First Team all-District honors. She was named District Most Valuable Player during her junior year and set a new school record for single-season aces.
Building a Competitive Roster
Rogers is the fourth transfer addition for the Lady Vols in readiness for the 2026 season. She joins Marta Lazzarin, the Sun Belt Conference Libero of the Year, Jalyn Stout, an NCAA triple-double record holder from Coastal Carolina, and Nia Hall, an Outside Hitter transferri
