BEAUMONT, Texas — Lamar University added four high school standouts to its roster for the 2027 season.

The signing class features talent from across Texas, with two student-athletes from the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, one from the Austin area and one from the San Antonio area.

"We are not only bringing a class of student-athletes with tremendous skillset on and off the court," said head coach Ariel Apolinario. "We are bringing student-athletes that believe in the vision and direction of our program.

"All four student-athletes will raise the expectations of Lamar volleyball. I am excited to see the level of competition increase."

Julia Hudgins, 6-1, OH/MB — Wylie, Texas / Wylie HS (Club team: Arete Athletics / AA 18 Navy Telos)

Hudgins, a three-year letterwinner, has recorded 1,316 kills in 366 career sets while adding 179 total blocks, 127 service aces, 699 digs, 35 assists and a .325 hitting percentage.

As a senior, Hudgins has totaled 566 kills while averaging 4.7 kills per set.

Hudgins helped lead Wylie High School to a 35-6 overall record, a perfect 14-0 mark in District 9-6A and a berth in the area round of the 2026 Class 6A Division II playoffs.

During her varsity career, Hudgins helped Wylie compile a 99-28 overall record and a 47-1 mark in district play. She led the Pirates to the regional semifinals in 2024 and consecutive area-round appearances in 2025 and 2026.

Apolinario on Hudgins: "Intelligent volleyball player with a great feel for the game. Versatile athlete with a chance to add great value to a position that has produced multiple all-conference performers the last few years. Julia has the tools and skillset to become an impactful player at Lamar."  

Kennedy Hangartner, 5-11, OH/RS/DS — Celina, Texas / Celina HS (Club team: Madfrog Volleyball Club)

Hangartner has recorded 377 kills during her senior season while adding 50 service aces, 23 total blocks and 398 digs.

She helped lead Celina High School to a berth in the Class 5A Division II regional finals, finishing one win shy of the state semifinals.

Celina posted a 31-12 overall record and finished second in District 9-5A with a 14-2 mark.

As a sophomore, Hangartner led Celina in kills and helped guide the program to its third state tournament appearance.

She overcame a torn ACL that sidelined her for her entire junior season before returning for a standout senior campaign.

Apolinario on Hangartner: "Fierce competitor and a self-determined athlete that has faced big setbacks during her high school career. Kennedy has developed abilities and skillsets that go beyond volleyball. Kennedy will add tremendous value to a position that has been extremely successful at Lamar."

Lauren Magnus, 5-6, S/DS — Boerne, Texas / Boerne HS (Club team: 18 Adidas / San Antonio Juniors)

Magnus, a three-year varsity letterwinner, has recorded 1,563 career assists in 242 sets played while adding 505 digs, 116 service aces, 96 kills and 28 total blocks.

Named a San Antonio Express-News Athlete of the Week on Oct. 3, Magnus has totaled 614 assists during her senior season, averaging 8.3 per set. She also has recorded 38 service aces, 208 digs and 10 total blocks in 74 sets played.

Magnus helped lead Boerne High School to the Class 5A Division II regional semifinals, finishing the season with a 31-7 overall record.

Boerne also placed second in District 26-5A with a 10-2 record.

Apolinario on Magnus: "A rockstar in her own way. Impressive human with a kind heart. Blue collar athlete. Lauren will add great value to a position of athletes that aren't strangers to sacrifice. She fits right in with her position group. Primarily a setter, however she's another versatile athlete that plays multiple positions. Fortunate to add another student-athlete that will raise the standard."

Kelsey Stallworth, 6-3, MB/OH/OPP — Georgetown, Texas / Gateway College Preparatory School (Club team: Texas Heat VBC)

Stallworth has recorded 438 kills, 66 service aces, 94 total blocks and 208 digs in 117 sets played.

Named one of the Austin American-Statesman's 75 Central Texas volleyball players to watch entering the season, Stallworth helped guide Gateway College Preparatory School to an area-round appearance in the Class 4A Division II playoffs.

Gateway finished the season with a 24-19 overall record and a third-place finish in District 24-4A with a 6-4 mark.

As a junior, Stallworth helped lead Gateway to the Class 4A Division II regional finals.

She recorded 148 kills, 21 service aces, 24 total blocks and 25 digs in 41 sets played, while the program finished 28-8 overall and placed second in district play with a 10-2 record.

Apolinario on Stallworth: "Enormous untapped upside. If everything goes as envisioned, Kelsey should be able to see the fruits of her investment in the next year or so. Physically gifted athlete with a chance to push for valuable time on the court. Another versatile athlete with the ability to play multiple positions."