Troy University Athletics
Volleyball Signs Four to 2026 Class
11/12/2025 1:18:00 PM | Volleyball
TROY, Ala – Troy volleyball signed four future Trojans to its 2026 recruiting class on Wednesday, head coach Josh Lauer announced. Troy added Kenzly Foote, Emmi Merhi, Haley Nash, and Isabella Ruether to next year's roster.
"Our 2026 class is full of grit and every one of them has won at a high level during their high school careers," Lauer said. "One of the things I am most excited about is the competitive attitude and energy that this group will bring to our team environment. They are an energetic and fun group to be around and will bring out the very best in our team each and every day when they arrive in Troy."
Kenzly Foote | DS/Libero | 5-6 | Alabaster Ala. | Thompson HS
Kenzly Foote joins the Trojans after an illustrious high school career, finishing with over 1,500 digs and 257 aces. A versatile player, she also added 302 kills and 229 assists at Thompson HS.
The 16th ranked player in the state of Alabama, Foote was named to the 2024 AVCA Phenom Watch List. Foote was named to Shelby County's First Team, with her high school team finishing as Alabama 7A state runners-up this season.
Lauer on Foote:
"Kenzly will add toughness and defensive tenacity to our defensive specialist position group. Kenzly's mindset and love for volleyball will continue the tradition of gritty hard-working players that have made our program so competitive. Kenzly's experience at Thompson high school here in Alabama has prepared her for this next level. She is a winner and a great addition to our Troy volleyball family."
Emmi Merhi | OH | 6-0 | Boca Raton, Fla. | St. Thomas Aquinas
Emmi Merhi, an outside hitter from Florida, was named all-region during both her sophomore and junior seasons and recently wrapped up her senior year.
She helped lead St. Thomas Aquinas to a 24-7 record during the 2025 season, following a state championship title in 2024.
Lauer on Merhi:
"Emmi is a skilled all-around player. She is a versatile attacker, and her ability to pass and read defensively will make her a great asset to our team at the pin and in the back row. Emmi also brings a great competitive energy and a winning mentality to the court that her future teammates will love."
Haley Nash | DS/Libero | 5-5 | College Station, Texas | College Station, Texas
Haley Nash, a defensive specialist from College Station, Texas, also joins the Trojans. Nash finished her high school career with 1,310 digs, 430 assists, and 208 aces.
Nash was named College Station High School's Defensive Player of the Year in 2024 and earned First Team All-District honors the same season. She helped lead her team to the 5A State semifinals after capturing the 5A Region III Championship.
Lauer on Nash:
"Haley was the final commit in our 2026 class, and we could not be more excited that she decided to come to Troy. Haley will bring great passing skill and athleticism to our defensive specialist group. Haley has incredible drive and work ethic both on and off the court and our team is going to absolutely love her competitive effort day in and day out."
Isabella Ruether | OH | 6-0 | St. Francis, Wis. | Oak Creek HS
Isabella Ruether, an outside hitter from Wisconsin, comes to Troy following an impressive high school career, finishing with more than 1,000 kills at Oak Creek High School. Ruether also holds the school record for most kills in a career.
Ruether played club volleyball for Milwaukee Sting, the same club where current Trojans Olivia Kwiatkowski and Madison Marx also played before coming to Troy.
Lauer on Ruether:
"Isa was our first commitment in the 2026 class. She is a tremendously athletic player, is extremely competitive and comes from a strong winning tradition with both her high school and club teams. Her physicality and ability to be offensive at that net will be a great addition to our pin attacking group. But just as important is that Isa is a great teammate."
