NASHVILLE – The Lipscomb University Volleyball team has announced that four new signees will join the 2026 roster during the first National Signing Day on Wednesday.
Grace Jones, Makenna Kirlin, Madyson McCarthy and Charlotte Routh have signed to join the LUV family.
"We are extremely excited about the 2026 recruiting class. The addition of Makenna, Grace, Charlotte and Mady will continue to put LUV at the forefront of competing for ASUN Championships," said head coach
Brandon Rosenthal.
"Individually, they are all incredible players who have played at the highest levels in both high school and club. They have competed for championships, both nationally with their club teams and locally with their high school teams, and have been record-setters for their respective programs. Beyond the court, they are incredible individuals that will bring a fire and energy that Lipscomb Volleyball has grown to love. There is no doubt that this class will be talked about for years to come on and off the court. These four will make an immediate impact in our program and there are some very exciting times ahead for Lipscomb Volleyball."
Below is more information on each signee.
Grace Jones | Cincinnati, Ohio | Defensive Specialist/Libero | Seton High School | Tri-State Elite 18 Blue
Accolades:
Member of two state championship teams (2024, 2025)
1st team All-State
1st team All-Conference in 2025
2nd-team All-District
913 career digs
2024 state champion
League Honorable Mention 2024
Why she chose Lipscomb:
I knew Lipscomb was the school for me when I walked on campus for the first time. The coaches and girls feel like home.
Makenna Kirlin | Loveland, Ohio | Setter | Loveland High School | Elevation Volleyball Club 18-1
Accolades:
All-Conference Offensive Player of the Year
All-State
All-District
Loveland High School assist record holder with 2,750
Why she chose Lipscomb:
I chose Lipscomb because of the people. They have a positive community and culture that I wanted to be a part of.
Madyson "Mady" McCarthy | San Diego, California | Outside Hitter | Cathedral Catholic High School | Wave Volleyball Club 18-1
Accolades:
Wolverine JV Premier Invitational Tournament team 2022
CCHS girls JV volleyball 2022 MVP
Redondo/Costa JV Invitational 2022 All Tournament Team
2023 Dave Mohs Tournament Division 1 Tournament Champions
CCHS Girls Varsity Volleyball 2024
3 Musketeer Award
Certificate of Achievement 2024
All CIF San Diego Girls Volleyball First Team
CIF State Champions Open Division Volleyball 1st Place
2025 Volleypalooza Outstanding Hitter
Why she chose Lipscomb:
I chose Lipscomb because it immediately felt like home. The faith community, strong academics, and competitive volleyball program create the perfect place to grow.
Charlotte Routh | Middle Blocker | Columbus, Ohio | Worthington Kilbourne High School | Mintonette Sports M.81
Accolades:
Lettered 4 years at Worthington Kilbourne High School under Coach Meladee Hopkins
2X District Champs (2024,2025)
2x All-State 2nd team, 2x All-District 1st team and 2x All-Conference 1st team selection
Led District in Blocks, Led Conference in Blocks & Aces, 2nd for Hitting %
Ended senior year with 287 Career Blocks, ranking #7 in Ohio
Named to AVCA 2025 All America Watch List
Nominated for Columbus Dispatch Central Ohio Player Of The Year
4X Scholar Athlete
With Mintonette Club Team: 2024 Central Zones and Windy City Qualifier Champs, 2025 Sunshine and OVR Qualifier Champs
270-315 Sports 2025 inaugural volleyball Player of the Year
Why she chose Lipscomb:
The supportive, yet competitive culture that the coaches and team have built at Lipscomb amazes me and I'm thrilled to be a part of it!
