11/12/2026 10:58:00 AM | Women's Volleyball
HUNTSVILLE — Sam Houston volleyball head coach Brenda Gray announced the addition of Peighton Purser and Mariah Akinsola to the Bearkat program on Thursday.Â
The pair of Texas products will join the Kats for the 2027 season, with Purser arriving from Farmersville High School and Akinsola from Reedy High School in Frisco.Â
Peighton Purser • 6-1 • Outside Hitter • Farmersville, Texas • Farmersville HSÂ
Purser earned honorable mention recognition on the Blue Bell/Texas Sports Writers Association Class 4A all-state team following her junior season at Farmersville. Named the District 13-4A Offensive Player of the Year, she led the Lady Farmers with 505 kills, 85 aces and 45 blocks in 2025 while adding 351 digs and 35 assists.Â
She helped Farmersville finish 29-13 and reach the playoffs for the 12th consecutive season. Purser also surpassed 1,000 career kills, 500 digs and 200 aces during her junior campaign, breaking the school record for aces in a season.Â
As a senior, she registered 20 kills in a sweep of Spring Hill to help the Lady Farmers advance to the regional semifinals of the Class 4A Division II playoffs.Â
Gray on Purser ...Â
"We are excited to add Peighton Purser to our program," Gray said. "A dynamic six-rotation athlete, Peighton brings the fire, toughness, and versatility that define our outside hitter position. Her outstanding ball control, competitive drive, and winning mindset will strengthen our team on both sides of the ball and elevate those around her."Â
Mariah Akinsola • 6-0 • Right-Side Hitter/Middle Blocker • Frisco, Texas • Reedy HSÂ
Akinsola joins the Bearkats with a résumé that includes three first-team all-district selections at Reedy High School, along with 2023 Newcomer of the Year honors and honorable mention recognition on The Dallas Morning News all-area team.Â
She has competed for Texas Advantage and Drive Nation, with her club career including two Open national championships, two additional bronze-medal finishes at nationals and four Triple Crown championships. Akinsola was also named to the 2025 Junior Volleyball Association Watch List.
Gray on Akinsola ...Â
"We are thrilled to add Mariah Akinsola to our program," Gray said. "Mariah brings a powerful presence on the right side and possesses the determination and offensive skill set to score points whenever the opportunity presents itself. Her competitive nature and winning mindset make her a perfect fit for our culture, and we look forward to seeing her thrive at Sam Houston."Â
