Indiana University Athletics
Freeman, Jackson Join Historic Recruiting Class
12/18/2024 9:00:00 AM | Women's Volleyball
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. – Head coach Steve Aird and the Indiana volleyball program added the final two pieces to the highest-ranked prep recruiting class (No. 14 by Prep Dig, TBD by Prep Volleyball) in school history on Wednesday (Dec. 18) evening. All five players will join the team this summer.
The Hoosiers signed a pair of back row pieces – both ranked inside the top-150 of Prep Dig's Class of 2025 rankings – that will provide instant impact in service reception and defense. The two players join previously signed outside hitters Charlotte Vinson and Jaidyn Jager and middle blocker Victoria Gray as part of IU's five-player freshman class.
"Our 2025 class has been considered one of the nation's best for some time and we are incredibly proud to welcome them to IU," Aird said. "They each bring unique skills to the table, but they are all fantastic human beings and great teammates. We want to keep building the program with selfless athletes that care deeply about this university and each other. Our staff has worked incredibly hard to recruit amazing young people and we can't wait until this group arrives in Bloomington."
Avery Freeman, a 5-4 defensive specialist from Bloomington, Indiana is the first homegrown player (Bloomington North) to sign with the Hoosiers since All-American Ashley Benson (Bloomington North) in 2007. Freeman is considered one of the best defensive specialists in the entire class and will provide depth in the back row alongside All-Big Ten libero Ramsey Gary. Freeman was ranked No. 73 overall in the class of 2025 by Prep Dig.
As a high school player, Freeman was a three-time All-Conference Indiana selection and was named an IHSVCA Second Team All-State selection in 2024. She was teammates with Vinson (Yorktown) in the 2024 IHSVCA 3A/4A All-Star team. Freeman racked up over 1,200 digs during her varsity career and also tacked on over 200 service aces.
Audrey Jackson, a 5-11 outside hitter and defensive specialist from Flower Mound, Texas, was a late addition to the signing class but provides versatility with a big arm and great ball-handling skills. A decorated beach player, Jackson made the late switch to play indoor volleyball in college. She can score points from all over the court but also has the ability to serve as a three-row defensive specialist for the Hoosiers.
Jackson was the 5-6A District MVP at Flower Mound High School in Texas after racking up over 300 kills as a senior. She helped lead her prep program to over 57 wins in the last two seasons including 34 in 2023. Jackson spent time with the USA National Team Development Program on both the indoor and beach side. She played her club volleyball at Texas Advantage (TAV) – the same illustrious program that produced former Hoosiers Isa Lopez and Savannah Kjolhede.
Avery Freeman • 5-4 • Defensive Specialist • Bloomington, Ind./Bloomington North (Circle City)
• No. 73 Overall Recruit by Prep Dig, No. 11 Defensive Specialist
• Career Stats: 1,230 Digs, 213 Service Aces, 190 Assists
• Three-time All-Conference Selection
• 2024 IHSVCA Second Team All-State
• 2024 Indiana 3A/4A All-Star Team
• USA Volleyball National Development Program Selection
• First Bloomington native to sign with IU since Ashley Benson (2007)
• One of five top-150 recruits by Prep Dig to sign with Indiana (No. 14 Overall Recruiting Class)
Freeman – Why IU: "I chose IU because I've grown up around the program since I was little and it's been my dream to play in my hometown at IU."
Aird on Freeman: "We have watched Avery for years and have always appreciated her for so many reasons. First, she is a fantastic volleyball player. Her ball control and footspeed are elite. We feel she will make an impact on the program immediately. Second, she is a tough competitor. She is not afraid of a challenge and will compete every day of her career. Finally, she loves Indiana. She had many options to continue her career but always loved IU and truly wanted to be here. Finding people who believe in your vision is crucial. Her heart has been at IU for as long as she can remember, and in many ways, she was destined to wear the cream and crimson.
Audrey Jackson • 5-11 • Outside Hitter/Defensive Specialist • Flower Mound, Texas/Flower Mound (TAV)
• No. 142 Overall Recruit by Prep Dig
• Career Stats: 510 Kills, 382 Digs
• Helped lead Flower Mound High School to 57 wins over the last two seasons
• 2024 District 5-6A MVP and 1st Team All-District Selection in Texas
• USA Volleyball National Development Program Selection in Indoor and Beach
• Accomplished Beach Volleyball Player
• 2022 and 2023 Under Armour All-American
• One of five top-150 recruits by Prep Dig to sign with Indiana (No. 14 Overall Recruiting Class)
Jackson – Why IU: "When I saw the team culture and the level of play, I immediately wanted to be a part of it. The coaching staff is amazing and I like how they develop their players. I feel like IU will bring out the best in me as a player and a person."
Aird on Jackson: "Audrey is a fantastic young volleyball player that has taken an untraditional path IU. She was on our radar early in her club volleyball career but chose to pursue beach in college, so that was the end of our recruitment. When she reopened her options, we were excited to connect with her again and thrilled she chose to continue her career here. She is a dynamic athlete that has a great feel for the game and exceptional ball control. She is competitive and has plenty of tools that can our program in a variety of ways. Audrey is excited about the opportunity and she will do great things at IU."
The Hoosiers signed a pair of back row pieces – both ranked inside the top-150 of Prep Dig's Class of 2025 rankings – that will provide instant impact in service reception and defense. The two players join previously signed outside hitters Charlotte Vinson and Jaidyn Jager and middle blocker Victoria Gray as part of IU's five-player freshman class.
"Our 2025 class has been considered one of the nation's best for some time and we are incredibly proud to welcome them to IU," Aird said. "They each bring unique skills to the table, but they are all fantastic human beings and great teammates. We want to keep building the program with selfless athletes that care deeply about this university and each other. Our staff has worked incredibly hard to recruit amazing young people and we can't wait until this group arrives in Bloomington."
Avery Freeman, a 5-4 defensive specialist from Bloomington, Indiana is the first homegrown player (Bloomington North) to sign with the Hoosiers since All-American Ashley Benson (Bloomington North) in 2007. Freeman is considered one of the best defensive specialists in the entire class and will provide depth in the back row alongside All-Big Ten libero Ramsey Gary. Freeman was ranked No. 73 overall in the class of 2025 by Prep Dig.
As a high school player, Freeman was a three-time All-Conference Indiana selection and was named an IHSVCA Second Team All-State selection in 2024. She was teammates with Vinson (Yorktown) in the 2024 IHSVCA 3A/4A All-Star team. Freeman racked up over 1,200 digs during her varsity career and also tacked on over 200 service aces.
Audrey Jackson, a 5-11 outside hitter and defensive specialist from Flower Mound, Texas, was a late addition to the signing class but provides versatility with a big arm and great ball-handling skills. A decorated beach player, Jackson made the late switch to play indoor volleyball in college. She can score points from all over the court but also has the ability to serve as a three-row defensive specialist for the Hoosiers.
Jackson was the 5-6A District MVP at Flower Mound High School in Texas after racking up over 300 kills as a senior. She helped lead her prep program to over 57 wins in the last two seasons including 34 in 2023. Jackson spent time with the USA National Team Development Program on both the indoor and beach side. She played her club volleyball at Texas Advantage (TAV) – the same illustrious program that produced former Hoosiers Isa Lopez and Savannah Kjolhede.
Avery Freeman • 5-4 • Defensive Specialist • Bloomington, Ind./Bloomington North (Circle City)
• No. 73 Overall Recruit by Prep Dig, No. 11 Defensive Specialist
• Career Stats: 1,230 Digs, 213 Service Aces, 190 Assists
• Three-time All-Conference Selection
• 2024 IHSVCA Second Team All-State
• 2024 Indiana 3A/4A All-Star Team
• USA Volleyball National Development Program Selection
• First Bloomington native to sign with IU since Ashley Benson (2007)
• One of five top-150 recruits by Prep Dig to sign with Indiana (No. 14 Overall Recruiting Class)
Freeman – Why IU: "I chose IU because I've grown up around the program since I was little and it's been my dream to play in my hometown at IU."
Aird on Freeman: "We have watched Avery for years and have always appreciated her for so many reasons. First, she is a fantastic volleyball player. Her ball control and footspeed are elite. We feel she will make an impact on the program immediately. Second, she is a tough competitor. She is not afraid of a challenge and will compete every day of her career. Finally, she loves Indiana. She had many options to continue her career but always loved IU and truly wanted to be here. Finding people who believe in your vision is crucial. Her heart has been at IU for as long as she can remember, and in many ways, she was destined to wear the cream and crimson.
Audrey Jackson • 5-11 • Outside Hitter/Defensive Specialist • Flower Mound, Texas/Flower Mound (TAV)
• No. 142 Overall Recruit by Prep Dig
• Career Stats: 510 Kills, 382 Digs
• Helped lead Flower Mound High School to 57 wins over the last two seasons
• 2024 District 5-6A MVP and 1st Team All-District Selection in Texas
• USA Volleyball National Development Program Selection in Indoor and Beach
• Accomplished Beach Volleyball Player
• 2022 and 2023 Under Armour All-American
• One of five top-150 recruits by Prep Dig to sign with Indiana (No. 14 Overall Recruiting Class)
Jackson – Why IU: "When I saw the team culture and the level of play, I immediately wanted to be a part of it. The coaching staff is amazing and I like how they develop their players. I feel like IU will bring out the best in me as a player and a person."
Aird on Jackson: "Audrey is a fantastic young volleyball player that has taken an untraditional path IU. She was on our radar early in her club volleyball career but chose to pursue beach in college, so that was the end of our recruitment. When she reopened her options, we were excited to connect with her again and thrilled she chose to continue her career here. She is a dynamic athlete that has a great feel for the game and exceptional ball control. She is competitive and has plenty of tools that can our program in a variety of ways. Audrey is excited about the opportunity and she will do great things at IU."
Players Mentioned
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