Northwest Missouri State University head volleyball coach Amy Woerth has announced the addition of four signees for the 2026 Bearcat recruiting class.
 
"We couldn't be more excited about our 2026 signing class," Woerth said. "Each of these four incredible athletes was our first and only offer, and to land all our #1 recruits speaks volumes about the future of Bearcat volleyball. Not only do they represent Bearcat volleyball with their character, they also bring a high level of athleticism and competitiveness. This group represents the foundation for something truly special."
 
Ava Plassmeyer              6-3          MB          Laramie, Wyo. (Laramie HS)
Plassmeyer is a 6'3", middle blocker from Laramie, Wyo. She earned AVCA all-region (Region 8) honors and was a two-time all-state player for head coach Erin Wedemeyer. She started every match of her varsity career and totaled 770 kills. She had the highest hitting percentage in the state of Wyoming in 2024 (.453) and in 2025 (.435). She posted 237 career blocks. She notched 475 digs and recorded 107 service aces. She earned an academic letter all four years with a 4.0 GPA. She is a member of National Honor Society. She is the daughter of Curt and Katie Plassmeyer.
 
Londyn Smith                   5-9          S               Sioux Falls, S.D. (Bishop O'Gorman HS)
Smith is a 5'9", setter from Sioux Falls, S.D. She served as captain for head coach Cale Hect. She has played seven years on top club team for Kairos Elite Volleyball Club. She helped the squad win a national championship in 2021 (13 Club). She surpassed 1,000 career assists. She is a member of National Honor Society. She is the daughter of Tricia and Tracy Smith.
 
Grace Thorne                    6-1          RS           Cleburne, Texas (Cleburne HS)
Thorne is a 6'1", right side hitter from Cleburne, Texas. She is a two-time first-team all-district player and tallied second-team all-district as a sophomore. She posted the No. 3 hitting percentage (.309) in Class 5A Region 1 District 8. She has collected 845 kills and 138 blocks as a prep player for head coach Timmi Blackshear. She is the daughter of Jeffrey and Diann Thorne.
 
Lily Zimmerman             5-5          L/DS      Gretna, Neb. (Gretna HS)
Zimmerman is a 5'5", libero/defensive specialist from Gretna, Neb. She earned first-team all-state in Class B in 2024 for head coach Wendy Loberg. She finished her prep career with 1,310 digs, 115 service aces and 276 assists. She gained honorable mention all-Eastern Midland Conference honors in 2024. She is the daughter of Michelle and Phil Zimmerman.