The Butler Volleyball team led by head coach Kyle Shondell added four new players to the 2026 recruiting class on National Signing Day. 

"We are really excited about this class," said Head Coach Kyle Shondell. "It is one of the best recruiting classes we have ever had here at Butler and we are excited to welcome them to campus in the fall"

Chase Lemming 
5'11" I Outside Hitter I Attica Indiana 

Chase Lemming is a 5-11 outside hitter from Attica, Indiana, who attends Seeger High School. Lemming holds eight school records, including most kills in a season, most kills in a career (1,893), most kills per set in a season, most kills in a set in a career, highest kill efficiency in a season, highest kill efficiency in a career, most service aces per set in a season, and most service aces in a career.

Coach Kyle Shondell on Lemming Signing- "Beyond the high rankings and hype, Chase Lemming is a true dawg. We are excited to be getting the player she is now, but even more excited to add a player and a human that has stayed humble, patient, and hungry throughout her prep career. She will make an immediate impact on Butler Volleyball."

Why Lemming Chose Butler- I chose Butler because of the positive atmosphere, the culture, and the coaches. It is also close to home. 

Taylor Wathen 
6'3" I Outside Hitter/Middle Blocker I Louisville Kentucky

Taylor Wathen, a 6-3 outside hitter/middle blocker from Louisville, Kentucky, attends Whitefield Academy. A three-time KHSAA Athletic Excellence Award winner and two-time varsity Offensive MVP, Wathen has earned multiple All-District and All-Tournament honors. She was nominated for Athlete of the Year, Rookie of the Year, and Courier Journal High School Volleyball Player of the Year (Louisville, 2025) and earned National Volleyball Player of the Week recognition. Wathen is currently ranked the No. 8 overall high school volleyball player in the country.

Coach Kyle Shondell on Wathen Signing- "Taylor is the longest outside hitter we've ever recruited at Butler, but beyond her size and contact point is a heavy arm and a fierce competitor. She will work hard to develop into a complete player once she steps foot in Hinkle, and it's that work ethic mixed with her proven abilities to score and be a defensive presence that should have our fans excited."

Why Wathen Chose Butler- I choose Butler University because of the immediate sense of community by how the coaches and team welcomed me and how they all interacted with each other. Butler is also a great fit for everything I'm looking for academically, starting with the top tier business program and the beautiful campus. Overall Butler is the perfect fit for me where I can grow on and off the court and I cannot wait to start there in the fall and be a DAWG!

Lucy Gray
6'2" I Outside Hitter I Milwaukee Wisconsin  

Lucy Gray is a 6-2 outside hitter from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, who attends Rufus King High School. She was First Team All-Conference from 2022 through 2025, served as team captain in 2024 and 2025, and was named Milwaukee City Conference Volleyball Player of the Year in 2025.

Coach Shondell on Gray Signing-  "Lucy is an ideal cultural fit with massive upside. Her length and athleticism alone will make her stand out in almost any DI gym, but she's a high character and elite academic addition to our program that does nothing but make us better."

Why Gray Chose Butler- I chose Butler because I love the campus and the culture on the volleyball team. I can really see myself thriving here on and off the volleyball court.

Karen Dutro 
6'1" I Middle Blocker I Columbus, Ind

Karen Dutro, a 6-1 middle blocker from Columbus, Indiana, attends Columbus North High School. A three-time captain and team MVP, she is a four-time All-Conference and three-time Republic All-Area honoree. Dutro holds school records for career kills (1,118) and blocks (482) and was named IHSVCA South All-District and Academic All-State Gold Award winner.

Coach Shondell on Dutro- "Karen epitomizes The Butler Way. She has made a name for herself by dominating bigger and higher rated middles throughout her career and she plays with a fire that fits right into this era of Butler Volleyball. We can't wait for Karen to be in the building."

Why Dutro Chose Butler- I chose Butler because of the wonderful academics and opportunities that are available through the university. I also love the girls and coaches in the volleyball program, and their culture centered around hard-work, passion, and striving for excellence. The Butler family made me feel at home right away, and I am so excited to be on campus!