BILLINGS, Mont. — Entering his second season at the helm of the Montana State University Billings volleyball program, head coach Scott Keister has announced the addition of nine student-athletes who will join the Yellowjackets for the 2026 season. The class features five freshmen and four transfers, bringing a blend of collegiate experience, championship pedigrees, and accomplished prep talent to MSUB.
 
"Over the past year, we have made significant changes to our roster to better align with our program's goals, culture, and standards of excellence," said Keister. "We are extremely excited about the group of student-athletes who have chosen to join us as we continue our pursuit of sustained growth and competitive success. This incoming class embodies the characteristics, work ethic, and commitment we value, and they will help establish a strong foundation for long-term success both on and off the court."
 
The signing class spans six states and one Canadian province, with student-athletes from Montana, Wyoming, Minnesota, Oregon, Utah, California, and Saskatchewan. The group adds depth across every position, highlighted by accomplished setters, dominant middle blockers, versatile outside hitters, and experienced opposites with all-state, all-conference, and regional accolades.
 
"One of our most notable improvements comes at the setter position," Keister said. "We have added Aaliyah Gaylord, an All-State standout, along with Avery Starr, a two-time unanimous NWAC Conference MVP. Their talent, experience, and leadership will elevate our offensive system and provide stability at a critical position."
 
Leading the transfer class is junior setter Avery Starr, who returns to her home state after two standout seasons at Centralia College. The Polson native was named the 2025 NWAC West Region Most Valuable Player after totaling 1,108 assists while averaging 9.98 assists per set. Starr earned First Team All-West Region honors in each of her two collegiate seasons and finished her career at Centralia with more than 2,200 assists, 576 digs, 91 service aces, and 108 total blocks. Before college, she was a two-time First Team All-State and a three-time First Team All-Conference selection at Polson High School.
 
Junior middle blocker Laina Whitney joins the Yellowjackets following two successful seasons at Central Wyoming College. Whitney earned Freshman of the Year honors in 2024, was a two-time All-Region selection, and landed on the Region All-Tournament Team as a sophomore. She finished her junior college career with 357 kills, 169 total blocks, 97 digs, and 64 service aces while also earning President's and Dean's List recognition. At Farmington High School, Whitney was a First Team All-Region selection as a senior, a Second Team All-Region selection as a junior, and was a 6A All-State Honorable Mention honoree.
 
"We have also strengthened our frontcourt with the addition of junior college transfer Laina Whitney from a highly respected Central Wyoming program," Keister said. "Laina brings a strong presence in the middle and will make an immediate impact on both sides of the net. Joining her is Addyson Quandt from Minnesota, who played a key role on a back-to-back state championship team. Addyson's ability to contribute in the middle will help diversify our offense, create more balance across the court, and reduce the burden on our pin hitters."
 
Junior outside hitter Emma Fairbairn arrives from Biola University after appearing in 35 matches over two seasons. Fairbairn recorded 171 career kills and produced five double-digit kill performances during her freshman campaign. At Roseburg High School, she earned All-Conference honors all four years, was named Southwest Conference and State MVP as a senior and helped lead the Indians to three postseason appearances.
 
Sophomore opposite Ruby Grisdale rounds out the transfer class after one season at Minot State University. The Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, native served as team captain throughout her prep career at Centennial Collegiate and was honored with her school's Spirit Award following four varsity seasons.
 
"In addition, we are excited to welcome NCAA transfers Emma Fairbairn and Ruby Grisdale," Keister said. "Both athletes bring valuable collegiate experience, leadership, and a high level of competitive play that will strengthen our program and positively influence our team culture."
 
The Yellowjackets also welcome a talented five-player freshman class led by Montana setter Aaliyah Gaylord from Belt High School. One of the most accomplished setters in Montana history, Gaylord became just the third player in state history to eclipse 4,000 career assists while also surpassing 1,000 career digs. She was a four-time All-Conference selection, two-time All-State honoree, two-time Northern C All-Star, and earned Academic All-State recognition in volleyball, basketball, and track and field.
 
Billings native Mikayla Champlin will stay close to home after an outstanding career at Billings Senior High School. A middle blocker and opposite hitter, Champlin earned All-State and All-Conference honors while helping lead the Broncs. She also excelled in track and field, earning Best Field Athlete honors in both 2024 and 2025 while receiving Academic All-State recognition.
 
Middle blocker Addyson Quandt arrives from Lakeville South High School in Minnesota after helping lead her team to back-to-back Class AAA state championships. She was a First Team All-Conference selection, set the school's single season blocks record with 83 during her senior year, and earned the Minnesota Volleyball Coaches Association All-State Academic Award.
 
Another addition in the middle is Karsyn France from Rawlins High School in Wyoming. A three-year letterwinner in volleyball and basketball, France served as team captain, earned All-Conference honors, and finished her prep career as her team's leading blocker. She also received the Wyoming Scholastic Achievement Award, Wyoming Coaches Association Academic Award, Servant Leadership Award, and Unsung Hero Award.
 
Rounding out the class is opposite hitter Grace Lingle of Kalispell, Montana. A graduate of Glacier High School, Lingle was a four-year letterwinner who earned First Team All-State and First Team All-Conference honors while helping lead the Wolfpack to the 2023 Class AA State Championship. She also competed in basketball and was recognized as an All-Academic student-athlete.
 
"We have also added several outstanding freshmen, including local standout Mikayla Champlin, Glacier High School standout Grace Lingle, and Rawlins, Wyoming native Karsyn France," Keister said. "Each of these athletes brings unique strengths and tremendous potential, and together they will help elevate the level of competition in our gym every day. Overall, this recruiting class represents an important step forward for our program. We believe these student-athletes not only address key areas of need but also reflect the vision and standard we are building."
 
The 2026 signing class brings a balanced mix of experience, athleticism, and depth as the Yellowjackets prepare for the upcoming season. With four accomplished transfers and five decorated freshmen joining the program, MSUB has added a group capable of making an immediate impact while helping lay the foundation for continued success under Keister.