Kats sign six to 2026 roster

HUNTSVILLE – The Sam Houston volleyball program and head coach Brenda Gray announced the signing of six student-athletes to play for the Bearkats for the 2026 season.

The signing class consists of outside hitters Annika Brooks, Brenlin Garlitz, Justice Rachal, Kameron Rector, Lauren Pyle and Sarah Odell.

"All of these young ladies bring a passion and energy that Sam Houston Volleyball thrives upon," head coach Brenda Gray said. "They all come with numerous accolades both on the court and in the classroom."

Annika Brooks • 6-3 • RS • Halletsville, Texas • Sacred Heart Catholic School / Blinn College
Blinn College
- 2025 second team all-conference selection

Ovilla Christian School
- 2021 second team all-district selection as freshman
- 2022 first team all-district selection as a sophomore
- 2022 honorable mention all-area
- 2023 first team all-district selection as a junior
- 2023 TAPPS first team all-state selection
- 2023 honorable mention all-area selection
- 2023 TAPPS academic all-state selection
- 2024 first team all-district selection as a senior
- 2024 TAPPS first team all-state selection
- 2024 TAPPS academic all-state selection

Texas Tornadoes (Club)
- 17s bid to nationals
- 18s bid to nationals

Gray on Brooks …
"Annika brings size and a blocking presence to our game on the right side. We are so fortunate to have her join us this spring."

Brenlin Garlitz • 5-10 • S • Waxahachie, Texas • Ovilla Christian School
Ovilla Christian School
- 2022 TAPPS second team all-district selection as freshman
- 2023 TAPPS first team all-state
- 2024 TAPPS first team all-state
- 2024 Ellis County All-Star Team
- 4-time state champion

Texas Advantage Volleyball (Club)
- NRG 15s bid to nationals
- NRG 16s bid to nationals
- TAV 18s Black: 5th at nationals

Gray on Garlitz …
"We are excited to bring in a dynamic setter to help run our floor. Brenlin runs a quick offense and brings a passion and love for the game that is undeniable."

Justice Rachal • 5-8 • OH • Cypress, Texas • Bridgeland HS
Bridgeland HS
- 2-time first team all-district selection
- District Offensive Player of the Year
- AVCA Phenom Watch List
- 2-time academic all-district selection
- GHVCA postseason second team choice
- 2023 honorable mention all-district selection

TAV Houston (Club)
- GJNC 16U all-tournament team (Liberty)
- GJNC Third place 17 American
- GJNC 17U all-tournament team (American)

Gray on Rachal …
"Justice will be a crowd favorite from the start. She has a contagious energy and a vertical leap that will add to the excitement on the outside position."

Kameron Rector • 5-11 • OH • Midlothian, Texas • Midlothian HS
Midlothian HS
- 2023 District Utility Player of the Year
- 2024 Academic All-District selection
- 2025 district MVP

Mad Frog (Club)
- Girls Junior National Championship
- All-Tournament team
- 16 & Under USA Tournament

Gray on Rector ...
"Kameron is just so solid all around and will bring a defensive prowess and ball control that a team always needs to continue their success."

Lauren Pyle • 5-8 • S • Longview, Texas • Hallsville HS / Tyler JC
Tyler JC
- 2025 Region XIV Setter of the Year

Hallsville HS
- 2021 first team all-district selection
- 2021 honorable mention all-state
- 2022 District Setter of the Year
- 2022 all-state selection
- 2023 District MVP
- 2023 All-East Texas Player of the Year
- 2023 all-state selection
- 2023 academic all-state selection

East Texas Alliance (Club)
- 17s bid to nationals
- Won Lonestar Classic

Gray on Pyle …
"It is good for us to get an experienced floor leader on the roster and we are excited to have her join us in the spring to begin running our offense and bring her expertise that she delivered in junior college".

Sarah Odell • 5-11 • OH • Tomball, Texas • Tomball HS
Tomball HS
- 2023 first team all-District 15-6A selection
- 2024 and 2025 District 15-6A Outstanding Offensive Player of the Year
- 2024 and 2025 first team all-District 15-6A
- 2024 and 2025 academic all-District 15-6A
- Played club at North Houston Elite Volleyball

Gray on Odell ...
"There is an explosiveness to the outside that is needed in this league, which Sarah immediately gives us as a complete, six-rotation player who will help balance our offense."

Kats sign six to 2026 roster

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