In an exciting move that has stirred up enthusiasm among fans and experts alike, the University of Tennessee’s volleyball program has officially announced its 2025 recruiting class. The Lady Vols have secured three standout athletes who are set to bring immense talent and promise to the team. This class is particularly significant, as it includes the highest-ranked high school signee to join the program in more than a decade—outside hitter Maggie Dostic.
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Under the leadership of head coach Eve Rackham Watt, Tennessee’s volleyball program is positioning itself for a bright future with this dynamic group of players. Dostic, along with middle blocker Alaina Jarrett and defensive specialist Alexa Stutzman, will be joining the Lady Vols in the 2025 season. Each of these athletes brings unique skills to the table, ensuring that Tennessee will remain a formidable force in collegiate volleyball.
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Maggie Dostic: The Crown Jewel of the 2025 Class
The headline of this recruiting class is undoubtedly Maggie Dostic, who is ranked No. 31 overall in the nation by PrepVolleyball.com. This makes her the highest-ranked high school signee to commit to Tennessee volleyball since 2013, a full decade ago. Dostic’s arrival is expected to be a game-changer for the Lady Vols, as she brings with her an impressive track record of success at the high school and club levels.
Dostic hails from Plant High School in Tampa, Florida, a school renowned for its volleyball program and consistent success. During her time at Plant, she helped lead the Panthers to four consecutive 7A state title matches, clinching championships in both 2021 and 2023. Her leadership and prowess on the court have earned her numerous accolades, including being named the 2024 MaxPreps Player of the Year in Florida. Additionally, she was selected as a MaxPreps second-team All-American, further solidifying her status as one of the top players in the country.
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Over the course of her high school career, Dostic accumulated impressive statistics, totaling 1,427 digs, 1,320 kills, 197 aces, and 113 blocks. Her well-rounded game has made her one of the most complete outside hitters in the 2025 class. In club volleyball, Dostic has continued to shine, playing for OTVA Tampa. She helped her team secure first-place finishes in the 17 Open competition at both the 2024 Nike MEQ and 2024 Big South Tournaments.
Coach Eve Rackham Watt has praised Dostic for her versatility and ability to perform under pressure. “Maggie is a great addition to our program as one of the most complete outside hitters in the class,” Rackham Watt said in a statement. “She has been the go-to attacker for her high school and club teams, as well as a primary passer. She has good range and vision, which make her highly effective in the front row. What I really like is Maggie is used to winning and understands what it takes. Her game will continue to improve at the next level, and we are excited about her development here.”
Dostic’s arrival at Tennessee is expected to have an immediate impact, not just because of her skill set, but also due to her winning mentality. Her leadership and experience in high-pressure situations will be invaluable as the Lady Vols look to build on their recent successes and push for greater achievements in the SEC and beyond.
Alaina Jarrett: A Versatile Player with a High Motor
Joining Dostic in the 2025 class is Alaina Jarrett, a 6-foot middle blocker from Charleston, South Carolina. While Jarrett is primarily known for her abilities as a middle blocker, her versatility on the court has made her a highly sought-after recruit. In addition to her role as a blocker, Jarrett has demonstrated her skills as an attacker, making her a well-rounded player who can contribute in various positions.
Jarrett’s impressive high school career at Academic Magnet High School has been highlighted by her selection as the 2024 South Carolina AA Player of the Year. Over the course of her career, she recorded 636 kills, 308 digs, 178 blocks, and 114 aces, showcasing her all-around capabilities. Her senior season alone saw her log 239 kills, 203 digs, 78 aces, 52 blocks, and 39 assists, underscoring her impact on both offense and defense.
Coach Rackham Watt has expressed her excitement about Jarrett’s potential and her ability to fill multiple roles for the Lady Vols. “The best part of her game may be her aggressiveness and understanding of blocking,” Rackham Watt said. “That is what first stood out to our staff. She is a high-motor player who brings a ton of energy to the floor. I know people will love playing with her and believe she will help us right away.”
Jarrett’s tenacity and high-energy playstyle are qualities that will undoubtedly make her a fan favorite in Knoxville. Her versatility will also allow Tennessee to utilize her in various lineups, giving the coaching staff more flexibility when it comes to setting up rotations and matchups.
Alexa Stutzman: A Steady and Reliable Defensive Presence
The third signee in Tennessee’s 2025 class is Alexa Stutzman, a defensive specialist from Buffalo, New York. Stutzman has been a standout player at Williamsville East High School, where she earned recognition as a two-time All-New York State Team honoree. She also received All-Western New York First Team honors three times and was a three-time All-ECIC First Team selection, cementing her status as one of the top defensive players in the region.
Over the course of her high school career, Stutzman recorded over 1,300 career kills, showcasing her ability to contribute offensively as well. However, it is her defensive skills that have truly set her apart. Stutzman’s quickness, court awareness, and platform control make her a reliable asset in the back row, where she excels in passing and serve receive.
Coach Rackham Watt has praised Stutzman for her work ethic and her ability to adapt to whatever role the team needs. “Alexa is a steady player who is a great athlete,” Rackham Watt said. “She is quick, reads the game well, and is committed to being whatever the team needs. I like her platform control and believe her serve will help us score points. She will add depth to the libero position and has potential to really improve in our program.”
Stutzman’s ability to contribute in multiple areas of the game will make her an invaluable addition to the Lady Vols. As Tennessee continues to build its depth at every position, Stutzman’s steady presence will help provide stability to the team’s defense.
Looking Ahead: A Promising Future for Tennessee Volleyball
With the addition of Dostic, Jarrett, and Stutzman, Tennessee volleyball is positioning itself for continued success in the coming years. These three athletes represent the future of the program, and their arrival will help elevate the Lady Vols to new heights in the SEC and on the national stage.
Coach Eve Rackham Watt has already made a significant impact on the program since taking over as head coach, and this recruiting class is a testament to her ability to attract top-tier talent. As the Lady Vols continue to develop and grow, the 2025 class will play a crucial role in shaping the team’s future and solidifying Tennessee’s place among the nation’s elite volleyball programs.
For fans of Tennessee volleyball, the 2025 class represents a bright and exciting future. With players like Maggie Dostic, Alaina Jarrett, and Alexa Stutzman joining the ranks, the Lady Vols are poised to remain a dominant force in collegiate volleyball for years to come.
