Mansfield Adds Six During Fall Signing Period
Nov 13, 2024 | Volleyball
MANHATTAN, Kan. – K-State head volleyball coach Jason Mansfield announced the addition of Alex Klukvin, Lauren Latham, Cadence Lundgren, Sydney McDermott, Caleigh Ponn, and Avery Stones for the 2025 season during the fall signing period Wednesday.
"We are thrilled to officially introduce the 2025 class," Mansfield said of the 2025 signing class. "Each of these six student-athletes exemplifies the qualities we value at K-State: strong character, ambition, leadership, academic excellence, and a deep passion for volleyball. We can't wait to support them as they develop both as individuals and as players, reaching their full potential on and off the court."
The Cats (9-12, 7-5 Big 12) will take on No. 17 Baylor (17-6, 9-3 Big 12) Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. at Morgan Family Arena before hosting No. 18 TCU Friday. Both matches can be seen on ESPN+ and the ESPN app.
Alex Klukvin
Klukvin is a four-time All-League Sunflower Athletic Team honoree, helping Olathe Northwest to three Sunflower League Championship titles and third-place finishes at the 6A KSHSAA State Championships in 2021 and 2023. A four-time letterwinner, the 5-foot-7 defensive specialist and libero was selected to the USA Volleyball All-Tournament National Team in Las Vegas this year.
"Alex is a fierce competitor who gives her all on every play," Mansfield mentioned. "Her passion and focus for the game were evident to me the more I watched her, and her improvement over the past year has been phenomenal. Alex's ability to inspire and connect with her teammates is special and a quality we deeply value in our program. It's especially exciting to welcome another local player from Kansas – Alex is exactly the type of player and person we want in our program."
Additionally, Klukvin helped her club team to a third-place finish at the USAV Nationals 16U Division in 2023, as well as finishing fifth in the 17U National Division in 2024. She has accumulated over 950 digs during her high school career, including over 400 in her senior season while she was named to the Metro Sports MoKan All-Star Team. The Olathe, Kansas native is the daughter of Nicholas and Carla Klukvin and sister to Cannon and Charli, and plans to major in nutritional science – Pre Med and Pre-PA at K-State.
"I chose Kansas State because everything about attending there is right for me," Klukvin said. "The coaches and athletes as well as the supportive athletic and academic staff are beyond amazing. I feel welcomed and valued to be a part of the K-State family. I'm excited and looking forward to competing in the Big 12."
Lauren Latham
Latham, a 5-foot-9 setter out of Hot Springs, Arkansas, is a three-sport athlete at Lakeside high School. At Lakeside, Latham was a three-time All-State player in volleyball, earned All-state recognition in soccer and received all-conference honors in tennis. She was named to the AVCA All-Region team as well as earned Arkansas Prep First Team recognition.
"Lauren was our first verbal commit in the 2025 class, and we are thrilled to have her," Mansfield stated on Latham. "A born leader, Lauren is highly focused and incredibly hardworking. With her mom being a standout collegiate tennis player, it's clear where Lauren gets her competitive fire. As an elite athlete, she has developed into a skilled setter, and what excites me most is her relentless determination to continue improving when she arrives in Manhattan."
With the Rams, she accumulated 1,800 assists in her career while totaling 71 aces, 210 digs, and 31 blocks during her senior campaign. She is the daughter of Mary and Christian Latham and has two siblings: Ryan and Libby. Her mother was a collegiate tennis player at Central Arkansas. Latham plans to major in kinesiology at K-State.
"I chose K-State because it felt like home, and I felt very valued," Latham said. "I'm looking forward to getting on the court with the girls and making lifelong friends."
Cadence Lundgren
Lundgren lettered all four years at Gallatin High School in Bozeman, Montana. The 6-foot-4 middle blocker has eclipsed over 650 kills, 250 blocks and 100 aces over the last three seasons. A 2024 Gatorade Player of the Year nominee, Lundgren has earned First Team All-State and First Team All-AA Conference recognition as a junior and senior.
"Cadence is one of the hardest-working and most focused players I've encountered in my years of recruiting—few players in the 2025 class have improved as much as her," Mansfield commented. "Growing up with her mom, a respected player and coach in Montana, Cade's passion for the game has only intensified in recent years. She's a great athlete, fierce competitor, and strong leader. I'm incredibly excited for her to contribute to our program from day one."
A two-sport athlete, Lundgren also lettered twice for the Raptors basketball team. Lundgren was awarded First Team All-Conference and Second Team All-State honors following her sophomore campaign. She is the daughter of Shannon and Randall Lundgren and is the sister to Regan. Lundgren plans to study criminology while attending K-State.
"I chose K State because of the supportive sports community and amazing volleyball coaches. I am looking forward to playing high level volleyball and having new experiences," said Lundgren.
Sydney McDermott
McDermott makes her way to the United States from Pickering, Ontario, Canada, where she plays volleyball and tennis for Dunbarton High School. The 6-foot outside hitter has helped her teams to three provincial championships, two national championships for indoor and beach volleyball, two LOSSA Championship titles, along with a runner-up finish at the Canadian Nationals (18u).
"Sydney joins us from Canada, bringing with her a humble, hardworking mindset, an elite arm, and an impressive all-around game," commented Mansfield. "She's played at the highest levels in Canada during her high school and club career, and her competitive nature and focus on the court are second to none. What has impressed me the most about Sydney since she committed is her unwavering drive to improve. I'm excited to help her reach her full potential."
She has garnered two All-Star Provincial honors with all-star recognition at nationals, as well as voted the MVP at the national tournament. McDermott has helped her beach team to two national championships in the U.S. She is the daughter of Alan and Jessica McDermott and is the sister to Jenna. She plans to study business while attending K-State.
"I chose Kansas State for the people, the atmosphere, the volleyball, and the academic program. I am looking forward to playing highly competitive volleyball and being in a community that feels like a family," McDermott said.
Caleigh Ponn
A 5-foot-6 libero from Roanoke, Virginia, Ponn is a four-time team captain at Hidden Valley High School where she has been recognized as the River Ridge District Player of the Year three times. In 2022, she was named the State Player of the Year and went on to earn the 2023 Timesland Player of the Year award. In August, Ponn was labeled the best player in Virginia by MaxPreps.
"Caleigh has been immersed in volleyball her entire life, with her mom being a respected player and coach in Virginia," Mansfield said on Ponn. "That deep love for the game has been a part of her for as long as she can remember. Caleigh has had an outstanding high school career as an outside hitter, earning numerous accolades and a state championship. Her aggressive, fearless style of play, combined with her leadership and maturity on the court, will make an immediate impact on our program."
In her career at Hidden Valley, she has compiled 2,216 kills, 343 aces, and 1,315 digs. She has earned First Team All-State honors three times during her career as well as three First Team All-Region honors. Caleigh is the daughter of Carla Ponn and plans to major in kinesiology during her time at K-State.
"I chose K-State because of the amazing culture and connection I formed with the coaching staff," Ponn said. "I'm looking forward to competing every day and forming connections with my teammates and coaches."
Avery Stones
Stones is a 6-foot-2 outside hitter from Queen Creek, Arizona, where she competes for Perry High School. In 2023, she was named First Team 6A All-State, First Team Premier Region, and was named the CUSD Offensive Player of the Year, as she helped her team to a 6A State Tournament runner-up finish.
"Avery has also grown up surrounded by volleyball, with her mom being a successful player and coach in Utah, and with her entire family deeply involved in the game," said Mansfield on Stones. "Avery possesses a high volleyball IQ and is an all-around player, qualities that stood out to me as I watched her play. Her maturity, humility, and genuine love for the game have fueled her growth over the past few years, and I'm confident she'll elevate our program in many ways during her career at K-State."
Last season she was named to the USA Volleyball Girls Junior National Championship All-Tournament Team as her club team finished second in the USA GJNC American Division. Stones is the daughter of Rachel and Curtis and has three siblings: Bailey, Dax, and Ellie. Her mother played volleyball at BYU. She plans to join the nursing program during her time at K-State.
"I chose K-State for its high level of competition, the family environment, and the team's commitment to academics," Stones commented. "The K-State program and coaches have an emphasis on character, competition, and connection which is the type of culture that I love. I am looking forward to competing at the next level while playing with girls who strive for success."
2025 K-State Volleyball Signing Class
"We are thrilled to officially introduce the 2025 class," Mansfield said of the 2025 signing class. "Each of these six student-athletes exemplifies the qualities we value at K-State: strong character, ambition, leadership, academic excellence, and a deep passion for volleyball. We can't wait to support them as they develop both as individuals and as players, reaching their full potential on and off the court."
The Cats (9-12, 7-5 Big 12) will take on No. 17 Baylor (17-6, 9-3 Big 12) Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. at Morgan Family Arena before hosting No. 18 TCU Friday. Both matches can be seen on ESPN+ and the ESPN app.
Alex Klukvin
Klukvin is a four-time All-League Sunflower Athletic Team honoree, helping Olathe Northwest to three Sunflower League Championship titles and third-place finishes at the 6A KSHSAA State Championships in 2021 and 2023. A four-time letterwinner, the 5-foot-7 defensive specialist and libero was selected to the USA Volleyball All-Tournament National Team in Las Vegas this year.
"Alex is a fierce competitor who gives her all on every play," Mansfield mentioned. "Her passion and focus for the game were evident to me the more I watched her, and her improvement over the past year has been phenomenal. Alex's ability to inspire and connect with her teammates is special and a quality we deeply value in our program. It's especially exciting to welcome another local player from Kansas – Alex is exactly the type of player and person we want in our program."
Additionally, Klukvin helped her club team to a third-place finish at the USAV Nationals 16U Division in 2023, as well as finishing fifth in the 17U National Division in 2024. She has accumulated over 950 digs during her high school career, including over 400 in her senior season while she was named to the Metro Sports MoKan All-Star Team. The Olathe, Kansas native is the daughter of Nicholas and Carla Klukvin and sister to Cannon and Charli, and plans to major in nutritional science – Pre Med and Pre-PA at K-State.
"I chose Kansas State because everything about attending there is right for me," Klukvin said. "The coaches and athletes as well as the supportive athletic and academic staff are beyond amazing. I feel welcomed and valued to be a part of the K-State family. I'm excited and looking forward to competing in the Big 12."
Lauren Latham
Latham, a 5-foot-9 setter out of Hot Springs, Arkansas, is a three-sport athlete at Lakeside high School. At Lakeside, Latham was a three-time All-State player in volleyball, earned All-state recognition in soccer and received all-conference honors in tennis. She was named to the AVCA All-Region team as well as earned Arkansas Prep First Team recognition.
"Lauren was our first verbal commit in the 2025 class, and we are thrilled to have her," Mansfield stated on Latham. "A born leader, Lauren is highly focused and incredibly hardworking. With her mom being a standout collegiate tennis player, it's clear where Lauren gets her competitive fire. As an elite athlete, she has developed into a skilled setter, and what excites me most is her relentless determination to continue improving when she arrives in Manhattan."
With the Rams, she accumulated 1,800 assists in her career while totaling 71 aces, 210 digs, and 31 blocks during her senior campaign. She is the daughter of Mary and Christian Latham and has two siblings: Ryan and Libby. Her mother was a collegiate tennis player at Central Arkansas. Latham plans to major in kinesiology at K-State.
"I chose K-State because it felt like home, and I felt very valued," Latham said. "I'm looking forward to getting on the court with the girls and making lifelong friends."
Cadence Lundgren
Lundgren lettered all four years at Gallatin High School in Bozeman, Montana. The 6-foot-4 middle blocker has eclipsed over 650 kills, 250 blocks and 100 aces over the last three seasons. A 2024 Gatorade Player of the Year nominee, Lundgren has earned First Team All-State and First Team All-AA Conference recognition as a junior and senior.
"Cadence is one of the hardest-working and most focused players I've encountered in my years of recruiting—few players in the 2025 class have improved as much as her," Mansfield commented. "Growing up with her mom, a respected player and coach in Montana, Cade's passion for the game has only intensified in recent years. She's a great athlete, fierce competitor, and strong leader. I'm incredibly excited for her to contribute to our program from day one."
A two-sport athlete, Lundgren also lettered twice for the Raptors basketball team. Lundgren was awarded First Team All-Conference and Second Team All-State honors following her sophomore campaign. She is the daughter of Shannon and Randall Lundgren and is the sister to Regan. Lundgren plans to study criminology while attending K-State.
"I chose K State because of the supportive sports community and amazing volleyball coaches. I am looking forward to playing high level volleyball and having new experiences," said Lundgren.
Sydney McDermott
McDermott makes her way to the United States from Pickering, Ontario, Canada, where she plays volleyball and tennis for Dunbarton High School. The 6-foot outside hitter has helped her teams to three provincial championships, two national championships for indoor and beach volleyball, two LOSSA Championship titles, along with a runner-up finish at the Canadian Nationals (18u).
"Sydney joins us from Canada, bringing with her a humble, hardworking mindset, an elite arm, and an impressive all-around game," commented Mansfield. "She's played at the highest levels in Canada during her high school and club career, and her competitive nature and focus on the court are second to none. What has impressed me the most about Sydney since she committed is her unwavering drive to improve. I'm excited to help her reach her full potential."
She has garnered two All-Star Provincial honors with all-star recognition at nationals, as well as voted the MVP at the national tournament. McDermott has helped her beach team to two national championships in the U.S. She is the daughter of Alan and Jessica McDermott and is the sister to Jenna. She plans to study business while attending K-State.
"I chose Kansas State for the people, the atmosphere, the volleyball, and the academic program. I am looking forward to playing highly competitive volleyball and being in a community that feels like a family," McDermott said.
Caleigh Ponn
A 5-foot-6 libero from Roanoke, Virginia, Ponn is a four-time team captain at Hidden Valley High School where she has been recognized as the River Ridge District Player of the Year three times. In 2022, she was named the State Player of the Year and went on to earn the 2023 Timesland Player of the Year award. In August, Ponn was labeled the best player in Virginia by MaxPreps.
"Caleigh has been immersed in volleyball her entire life, with her mom being a respected player and coach in Virginia," Mansfield said on Ponn. "That deep love for the game has been a part of her for as long as she can remember. Caleigh has had an outstanding high school career as an outside hitter, earning numerous accolades and a state championship. Her aggressive, fearless style of play, combined with her leadership and maturity on the court, will make an immediate impact on our program."
In her career at Hidden Valley, she has compiled 2,216 kills, 343 aces, and 1,315 digs. She has earned First Team All-State honors three times during her career as well as three First Team All-Region honors. Caleigh is the daughter of Carla Ponn and plans to major in kinesiology during her time at K-State.
"I chose K-State because of the amazing culture and connection I formed with the coaching staff," Ponn said. "I'm looking forward to competing every day and forming connections with my teammates and coaches."
Avery Stones
Stones is a 6-foot-2 outside hitter from Queen Creek, Arizona, where she competes for Perry High School. In 2023, she was named First Team 6A All-State, First Team Premier Region, and was named the CUSD Offensive Player of the Year, as she helped her team to a 6A State Tournament runner-up finish.
"Avery has also grown up surrounded by volleyball, with her mom being a successful player and coach in Utah, and with her entire family deeply involved in the game," said Mansfield on Stones. "Avery possesses a high volleyball IQ and is an all-around player, qualities that stood out to me as I watched her play. Her maturity, humility, and genuine love for the game have fueled her growth over the past few years, and I'm confident she'll elevate our program in many ways during her career at K-State."
Last season she was named to the USA Volleyball Girls Junior National Championship All-Tournament Team as her club team finished second in the USA GJNC American Division. Stones is the daughter of Rachel and Curtis and has three siblings: Bailey, Dax, and Ellie. Her mother played volleyball at BYU. She plans to join the nursing program during her time at K-State.
"I chose K-State for its high level of competition, the family environment, and the team's commitment to academics," Stones commented. "The K-State program and coaches have an emphasis on character, competition, and connection which is the type of culture that I love. I am looking forward to competing at the next level while playing with girls who strive for success."
2025 K-State Volleyball Signing Class
| Name | Pos. | Height | Hometown / High School / Club |
| Alex Klukvin | DS/L | 5-7 | Olathe, Kan./Olathe Northwest/Adidas Dynasty |
| Lauren Latham | S | 5-9 | Hot Springs, Ark./Lakeside /501 Volley |
| Cadence Lundgren | MB | 6-4 | Bozeman, Mont./Gallatin /Big Sky |
| Sydney McDermott | OH | 6-0 | Pickering, Ontario/Dunbarton /Pakmen Gold |
| Caleigh Ponn | L | 5-6 | Roanoke, Va./Hidden Valley/River Valley Juniors |
| Avery Stones | OH | 6-2 | Queen Creek, Ariz./Perry /Club One |
– k-statesports.com –
How to follow the Cats: For complete information on the K-State Volleyball, visit www.kstatesports.com and follow the team's social media channels on X (formerly Twitter), Instagram and Facebook.
How to follow the Cats: For complete information on the K-State Volleyball, visit www.kstatesports.com and follow the team's social media channels on X (formerly Twitter), Instagram and Facebook.
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