Courtesy of LA Tech Athletic Communications
Louisiana Tech volleyball head coach Scott Mattera announced the addition of four players to the 2025 team on Wednesday.
The Bulldogs signed setters Sydnee Carter and Emerson Traylor, along with outside hitter Ryan Rusher and middle blocker Molly Muller.
“It’s always nice to come into a program and find out that you’ve already got good kids coming in,” Mattera said. “One of our first priorities when we got here was connecting with our current signees, and that connection was easy because of the high character of these families!”
Carter comes to Ruston from Houston High School in Germantown, Tennessee. During her four years at Houston, the 5-7 setter helped her team to a 116-46 record with over 3,000 assists. Houston made appearances in the state tournament all four years, including a semifinal appearance in her sophomore season. Carter is a four-time Daily Memphian All-Metro and All-Region team member and the regular season MVP during her senior season. She is also a Houston HS Leadership Academy Council member and an All-District Academic Team member.
“I chose LA Tech because it felt like a place where I could truly thrive-both on and off the court,” said Carter. “The program offered the competitive environment and strong team culture I was seeking in athletics while also supporting my goals in academics and community impact. The welcoming atmosphere and dedication of the coaches and players made me confident that LA Tech would be the perfect place to pursue my passion for volleyball and a great place to call home.”
Traylor is from Bryant High School in Bryant, Arkansas, which gives LA Tech another option for the setter position. Traylor and Bryant increased their win total each of her four years, culminating in 19 wins during her senior season, more than double from her freshman year. She is a three-time First Team All-Conference selection. Traylor maintained a 3.9 GPA throughout her high school career.
“I knew as soon as I left the prospect camp, the summer going into my junior year, that LA Tech is where I wanted to be,” Traylor said. “I loved what the graphic design department had to offer. But what I loved the most was the home-like atmosphere about the school. I could tell Louisiana Tech truly is a community and knew I needed to be a part of it!”
“With only one returning setter in the program, that position was a real need in this class, and I’m very excited about Sydney and Emerson,” Materra said. I know they both have gotten high-level training through their clubs, and both are super athletic with lots of upside left to gain.”
Rusher is a 5-10 outside who out of Baptist Preparatory High School in Little Rock, Arkansas. During her two seasons with Baptist Prep, Rusher led them to a 50-9 record with a state championship during her junior season and a semifinal appearance during her senior season. She is a two-time All-State and All-Conference member. Rusher is also a member of the Principal’s Honor Roll.
“I was drawn to Louisiana Tech initially because of the atmosphere of the University and the town,” Rusher said. “But I fell in love with this school after attending Louisiana Tech’s Prospect Camp and meeting the team. I felt so at home and welcomed by the players. They showed great character in the way they helped run the camp and make connections with the prospects. I loved hearing them share more about their personal experiences at LA Tech during our Q&A session. I know this team has the potential to do great things!”
The final member of the 2025 class, Muller is a 6-2 middle blocker from Acellus Academy in Gulfport, Mississippi. Muller was an All-District and All-Star player during her high school career. She is an honor roll student in the classroom and plans on majoring in Biology.
“I chose Louisiana Tech because of the amazing players and culture,” said Muller. “All of the players are so nice and supportive of one another. The campus is beautiful, and the people in Ruston are so welcoming. Having a team that also feels like a family is rare.”
“Ryan and Molly will add valuable depth and athleticism to our gym,” said Mattera. “Ryan is a dynamic outside that could also see some back row duty. Molly is long, moves well, and works with her whole heart!”
“In getting to know these ladies and their families, I feel that they will fit into the culture we are building. Athletic, high character, high academic, high energy grinders that the Tech Community will love cheering for!”
