ST. LOUIS – The Saint Louis University volleyball program has added three newcomers for the 2023 season, head coach Andrea Beaty announced Thursday.
Joining the Billikens this season are freshmen Trinity Luckett and Josie Newcom and transfer Addie Lyon who will be a redshirt sophomore during SLU's 2023 campaign.
"We are beyond thrilled to be adding Addie, Trinity and Josie to our squad this fall," said Beaty. "All three will play pivotal roles and have expressed their passion for not only volleyball, but also the opportunity to be Billiken. Their combination of grit on the court, and in the classroom, embodies our values and their abilities will push our program to the next level."
Luckett comes to the Billikens from Bentonville, Ark., where she attended Bentonville West High School. In 2022, Luckett was part of a team that compiled the most wins in school history culminating in All-Tournament, All-Conference and All-State honors. She was also selected as an All-Star Game honoree during the same season. During her four seasons with the Wolverines, Luckett played 106 sets and recorded 21 solo blocks while assisting 56 others. She also tallied 59 digs and 303 kills. Luckett competed for the Ozark Juniors during the club season, as well.
Beaty on Luckett:
"Trinity will be a crucial piece to our defensive schemes. Her length, ability, and attitude will instantly help our defensive players in the backrow, as well as challenge our offensive players in the front row. Trinity is hungry for blocks and has a defensive mindset that will translate great in the A10. She has a high ceiling with a work ethic that will get her there, and then push it even further. On top of her ability, she also brings a great energy to our program, always smiling, and caring for her teammates immensely."
Fellow freshman Newcom comes to SLU after spending her high school years at Daviess County High School in Owensboro, Kentucky, where she played in 80 career games. She capped her high school campaign with a senior season in which she appeared in 30 matches recording 400 kills, 171 digs and 32 blocks. She was named a district player of the year in 2021 and 2022 and Region 3's player of the year in 2022. Newcom also competed for the Southern Kentucky Elite Volleyball Academy.
Beaty on Newcom:
"Josie is a fiery competitor that's passion and effort will catch everyone's eye. Her athleticism paired with her fast arm will have an immediate impact on our offense, and her tactical mindset will increase our team's competitive edge right off the bat. We knew from the moment we saw her play, that her aggressive style was going to be a great fit and addition to our gym. She is going to be a fun player to watch compete, and we are confident that our fans will agree."
Lyon returns to her hometown of St. Louis to join the Billikens after spending two seasons at the University of Missouri where she appeared in 25 matches during her freshman campaign and tallied the second-most assists on the team (410). Prior to her collegiate career, Lyon was a standout at Christian High School where she tallied more than 1,500 assists, 150 kills and 70 aces. Her efforts helped lead her high school team to its first ever state championship in 2020 and landed her as the No. 116 recruit in the class of 2021.
Beaty on Lyon:
"We love bringing players back home, and that case runs true with Addie Lyon. She is a standout setter from the area, that can run a consistent fast offense to the pins, and force middles in tough scenarios. Addie is a resilient young woman who has faced and conquered many obstacles in her journey, and we are grateful that all those moments have led her here. Her years' experience, dedication to growth, and leadership will have great influence on our program."
The Billikens will kick off their 2023 campaign with an exhibition against Southern Illinois in Carbondale, before traveling to Tuscaloosa, Ala., to compete in the Crimson Tide Invitational Aug. 25-26.
