Editor’s note: This story is published in the Austin Sports Journal’s 2025 Austin Volleyball Preview™, only available to subscribers. It is part of the 20-page college preview inside the magazine that previews all major Division I and Division II colleges in the state.
By Chuck Licata
Austin Sports Journal contributing writer
Fourth-year head coach Sam Erger and the SMU Mustangs will re-tooled to follow up on their record-setting 2024 season.
Erger was voted AVCA Southwest Region Coach of the Year after leading the program (25-8, 16-4 ACC) in its first season in the Power 4, earning a No. 2 seed in the NCAA Tournament and host-site honors for the opening two rounds for the first time in program history.
After graduation hit SMU (27-7, 16-4 in 2024), Erger and her staff prioritized the NIL transfer portal and landed a gold mine, that includes six transfers with three returning to the DFW area.
The biggest get may be setter Averi Carlson, who had 787 assists for Texas last year. Carlson helped nearby Lucas Lovejoy to three UIL Class 5A state titles. Carlson will team with up-and-coming freshman Hannah Beauford at the setter position. Beauford has great hands and can also block and hit up front.
The other DFW diamonds are USC transfers Favor Anyanwu, a sophomore who had 133 kills in just 24 matches in 2024 and Jadyn Livings (219 kills and 123 digs in 21 matches).
Anyanwu was a record-setting middle blocker at nearby Garland Sachse High School,, while Livings won two state titles at Prestonwood Christian Academy.
In the middle, look for Anyanwu (6-foot-2) as well as sophomore Natalia Newsome (5-11) to provide a solid net defense, with freshman Maggie Croft (5-10) pushing for a starting spot.
Jordyn Schilling (5-11) leads the look at libero but will be challenged by sophomore Mia Silva (5-9), who saw good playing time in a two-libero rotation at the end of last season. Also on the radar is freshman Sarah Frazee (5-6) who played well in the spring.
Handling the pins, Colorado State graduate transfer Malaya Jones will have a huge impact to an already stacked outside hitter room. Jones is an AVCA All-American honorable mention and AVCA west region first team honoree, averaging 4.69 kills/set which was 13th in the country.
Livings (6-1) has been tremendous in spring play; senior Jentry Lamirand (5-11) has good all-around skill; and Auburn transfer senior Madison Scheer (6-1) offers a lot of experience.
Besides Beauford, incoming freshman from Fort Bend Ridge Point Kennedi Rogers (5-10) offers more depth up front. She was named a 2025 AVCA Phenom Top 8 outside hitter.
Projected starters
OH — Jentry Lamirand (#13), 5-11, Sr., Decatur, Texas
OH — Jadyn Livings (#42), 6-1, So., The Colony, Texas
OPP — Malaya Jones (#1), 6-0, Gr., El Dorado Hills, Calif.
MB — Natalia Newsome (#12), 5-11, So., Arlington, Texas
MB — Favor Anyanwu (#21), 6-2, So., Rowlett, Texas
S — Averi Carlson (#9), 5-11, Sr., Lucas, Texas
L — Jordyn Schilling (#14), 5-11, Sr., Newport Beach, Calif.
Breakout player
Favor Anyanwu, soph., OH
Anyanwu was a monster middle blocker at Sachse (Garland) High School, setting program records with 454 career blocks (including a record 167 her senior year), a single-season record hitting percentage (.507) and kills in a match (37). She did play 24 matches for USC in 2024, tallying 133 kills and 85 blocks. However, the Texas high school legend felt she has more potential – and SMU coach Sam Erger totally agrees. Look for Favor to become a Fan Favorite as Erger will integrate Anyanwu into the SMU system and play to her skill potential.
Our take
SMU has the talent and leadership to be a factor this season. Much will depend on how quickly the new transfers integrate and whether the team can establish consistent ball control. If the Mustangs can stay healthy and find offensive balance, they have the potential to return to the postseason. A top-tier finish in the conference is within reach, with the ceiling being an NCAA Tournament berth if all the pieces click.
