West Liberty, W.Va. — The West Liberty University volleyball program is reloading with talent and promise as Head Coach Makenzy Johnson enters her second season at the helm. The Hilltoppers are excited to announce the addition of five dynamic freshmen for the 2025 season, each bringing unique strengths and championship pedigrees to the Black and Gold.
"This class reflects everything we want to build on here at West Liberty—toughness, versatility, high character, and a commitment to excellence on and off the court," Johnson said. "These five young women come from strong programs and will add depth and competition across every position."
Meet the Hilltoppers' Incoming Class:
Amira DuPree
Outside Hitter / Defensive Specialist | 5-9 | Toledo, Ohio | Notre Dame Academy
DuPree arrives on the Hill following a standout career at Notre Dame Academy in Toledo, Ohio. A consistent contributor throughout her high school years, she climbed the ranks to earn First-Team All-District and Honorable Mention All-Ohio recognition as a senior. A versatile player capable of playing six rotations, DuPree also picked up All-Catholic League honors as a junior and multiple All-TRAC mentions during her career.
Lily Brinker
Right Side Hitter / Defensive Specialist | Wheeling, W.Va. | Wheeling Park High School
A familiar name to local volleyball fans, Brinker stays close to home as she joins the Hilltoppers from Wheeling Park High School. A two-time All-Valley honoree, Brinker capped off her prep career with more than 700 kills, 125 aces, 87 blocks, and 850+ digs. She was a standout in the OVAC All-Star Game and represented the North in the West Virginia 4A All-Star matchup. Her all-around skillset and court awareness will make her a key addition to the WLU roster.
Emilee Fitzgearld
Middle Blocker / Right Side Hitter | 5-8 | Bourbonnais, Ill. | Bradley Bourbonnais Community HS
Fitzgearld brings size, athleticism, and two-way potential to the Hilltoppers' front line. Hailing from Bradley Bourbonnais Community High School in Illinois, she was a staple in the program's middle and right-side rotations. With strong instincts at the net and a competitive motor, Fitzgearld is poised to develop into a key piece of the Hilltoppers' blocking and attacking schemes.
Sidney Keni
Middle Blocker / Right Side Hitter | 5-10 | Kahuku, Hawaii | Kahuku HS
Keni brings an impressive résumé from the islands of Hawaii. A three-time Honorable Mention All-State selection, she was also the captain of the 2022 OIA Champion team and helped repeat as champions in 2023. Off the court, Keni excelled in academics—earning the Kahuku Volleyball Program's Scholar-Athlete Award and ranking No. 1 in her graduating class. A recipient of the prestigious Lindsey Vonn Scholarship and a district finalist in National History Day, she brings elite leadership and drive to the Hilltoppers. Sidney also reunites with her sister Dakoda, a returning player for WLU.
Erin Blackston
Outside Hitter | 5-10 | Goode, Va. | Jefferson Forest High School
Blackston joins the Hilltoppers after a decorated career at Jefferson Forest High School in Virginia. Her accolades include multiple First-Team All-District and All-Region selections, capped off with Seminole District Player of the Year honors and a Second-Team All-State nod as a senior. A dynamic and powerful outside hitter, Blackston's ability to terminate rallies and play in high-pressure moments will translate well at the collegiate level.
With a blend of regional and national talent, Coach Johnson's 2025 freshman class is poised to make an immediate impact as the Hilltoppers continue their climb in the Mountain East Conference.
"We're excited to get in the gym and start building chemistry," Johnson added. "This is a group that's hungry to grow and help push our program forward."
