NORFOLK, Va. – Old Dominion Volleyball Head Coach Fred Chao announced on Thursday a six-player signing class for 2026. The group of future Monarchs includes Abby MacMillan, Ashlyn Gent, Erica Duffy, Leilani Lawrence, Avery Thiessen and Emma DiRocco.
"We are so excited to welcome our 2026 class. They all come from strong volleyball programs and have high-level experience in their positions. We expect them to have a significant impact on the performance and competitiveness of our program," said Chao.
Abby MacMillan | Outside Hitter | Glen Mills, Pa. | Garnet Valley High School
An outside hitter from Glen Mills, Pennsylvania, MacMillan plays at Garnet Valley High School and earned All-Central League honors in 2023 and 2024. She also plays club ball for the East Coast Power 18 black team.
“Abby is an outside who brings a powerful arm and size at the net. She has a high ceiling and will develop quickly. She competes at a high level, and her work ethic and commitment to improvement make her a great fit for our program.”
Why ODU?
“The volleyball program as a whole (coaching staff, Sun Belt, facility), ODU has a ton of majors that interest me, and the location (warm and near the beach).”
Ashlyn Gent | Libero | Calgary, Alberta, Canada | National Sport School
A libero from Calgary, Alberta, Canada, Gent attends the National Sport School and trained at the Canada’s National Excellence program, in Richmond, British Columbia. She also played for the Canuck Volleyball Club growing up and helped her team win four provincial championships. Gent competed in the U17 NORCECA Continental Championship, the U17 World Championships, the U19 Pan-American Cup, and the U19 World Championships.
“Ashlyn is a very skilled libero with exceptional court awareness and defensive instincts. Her experience competing in the U17 and U19 World Championships has prepared her to perform at a high level and lead with composure under pressure. Ashlyn has also been with Canada’s National Excellence Program for multiple years. She brings intensity and a relentless mindset that will elevate our backcourt,” said Chao.
Why ODU?
“I chose to come to ODU because of the incredible coaching staff and the welcoming, family-like environment that the coaches and players have created. From the moment I connected with the program, I could feel the passion, trust, and sense of belonging that everyone shares. The culture at ODU pushes athletes to grow not only as players but also as people, and I knew it was the right place for me to continue developing both on and off the court.”
Erica Duffy | Setter | St. Augustine, Fla. | Beachside High School
A setter from St. Augustine, Florida, Duffy has helped her Beachside High School team capture two District titles. She is also a three-time First Team All-County selection, a two-time All-First Coastal Second Team honoree, and a two-time beach volleyball District champion. Duffy is also her school’s record holder for assists and plays club ball for Jacksonville Juniors Volleyball Association.
“Erica is an athletic and creative setter who runs the offense with speed and rhythm. She has a great feel for the game and puts her hitters in positions to score. She comes from a family of athletes and understands the demands of training and competition. Erica has a strong leadership presence both on and off the court,” said Chao.
Why ODU?
“I chose ODU because of the dedicated coaching staff and program culture!”
Leilani Lawrence | Outside Hitter | Tampa, Fla. | Tampa Prep
An outside hitter from Tampa, Florida, Lawrence is a three-sport athlete at Tampa Prep, lettering in volleyball, track, and flag football. On the volleyball court, she garnered MVP honors as a sophomore and helped her team capture a District title in 2024. She also led her team to a Florida 2A state championship title on Nov. 5. At the club level, she plays for OTVA where she has made all-tournament teams, triple qualified two years in a row, and has gone to nationals three years in a row.
“Leilani is an explosive and confident outside who plays with great rhythm and control. She is a consistent six-rotation player with a fast arm and strong backrow play. Her intensity and competitive mindset helped her high school team win a state championship and will make an immediate impact on our team dynamic,” said Chao.
Why ODU?
“I love the school environment and the coaches!”
Avery Thiessen | Middle Blocker | Calgary, Alberta, Canada | All Saints High School
A middle blocker from Calgary, Alberta, Canada, Thiessen attends All Saints High School and also plays club ball for the YYC Eagles. Her team won a provincial championship this past season and she is also training with the National Excellence Program alongside Ashlyn Gent.
“Avery is a strong, athletic middle who excels as both an attacker and blocker. Her club training and experience with Canada’s National Excellence Program has helped her develop a high-level understanding of the game and a strong technical foundation,” said Chao.
Why ODU?
“I chose to come to ODU largely because of the coaching staff. Coach Fred, Coach Shane, and Coach Becca consistently pursued me and I really enjoyed getting to know them! As well, the ODU volleyball values and goals aligned very well with mine.”
Emma DiRocco | Middle Blocker | Pittsburgh, Pa. | Fox Chapel Area High School
A middle blocker from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, DiRocco is a four-year varsity letterman and was her team’s captain this year at Fox Chapel Area High School. She has been named a First Team All-Section honoree for the Big 56 conference the past two years. She was also a First Team Class 4A Section 4 All-Star in 2024 and 2025, and a Second Team-All Section for her conference and a Second Team Class 4A Section 4 All-Star in 2023. In 2022, she was an All-Conference Honorable Mention and a Third Team Class 4A Section 4 All-Star. DiRocco was named Class 4A Player of the Week by the Pittsburgh TribLIVE High School Sports Network in 2023 and is a four-time recipient of her school’s Scholar Athlete Award.
DiRocco plays club ball for Pittsburgh Elite Volleyball Association and was part of the AVCA Phenom List in 2024 and was port of the JVA Watchlist in 2024 and 2025. She was also invited to play in the UA NEXT camp, but was unable to attend due to an injury.
“Emma is a dynamic and disciplined middle who plays with composure and purpose. She brings a strong blocking instinct and a big offensive range. Her drive and competitiveness will elevate the standard in our gym and strengthen our net play,” said Chao.
Why ODU?
“The coaches and the volleyball team were all very welcoming, and I felt right at home when touring the campus. The strength and conditioning program also stood out to me, and I could tell the girls had the grit to win.”