Women’s Volleyball Adds Kyler Birkelbach, Emma Garnder In November Signing Window
12/3/2025 3:05:00 PM | Women's Volleyball
The two offensive players will help Long Beach State continue their push towards the top of the Big West.
LONG BEACH, Calif. – Women's Volleyball head coach Natalie Reagan and her staff went big in their 2026 recruiting class, adding two 6-3 impact players to the attack from the high school class of 2026.
Kyler Birkelbach | Middle Blocker | Frisco, Texas
Kyler Birkelbach is a 6-3 middle blocker from Frisco, Texas. Playing with Lone Star High School, Birkelbach was a six-rotation middle blocker who averaged over a block per set on the way to earning district Blocker of the Year honors while averaging over two kills per set in each of the last two seasons. She played club volleyball with Texas Advantage Volleyball.
Reagan on Birkelbach:
"We are so excited to welcome Kyler to the Beach! Kyler brings physicality and a competitive edge that will raise our level at the net. Her energy and drive align perfectly with our relentless standard."
Emma Gardner | Opposite/Outside Hitter | Edmond, Okla.
An opposite hitter from Edmond, Okla., Emma Garner closed out her high school career at Bishop McGuinness High School on a high note, winning the Oklahoma 5A state championship. A 6-3 pin hitter, Gardner played club with Oklahoma Charge.
Reagan on Gardner:
"It is such a joy bringing Emma to the Beach! Emma is an explosive scorer who can impact the game from multiple spots on the court. Her work ethic and values make her a great fit for our gym culture."
Long Beach State finished the 2025 season with the program's second 20-win season in the last three years, finishing the year 22-9 overall and reaching the Big West Championship semifinals for the third straight season.
Kyler Birkelbach | Middle Blocker | Frisco, Texas
Kyler Birkelbach is a 6-3 middle blocker from Frisco, Texas. Playing with Lone Star High School, Birkelbach was a six-rotation middle blocker who averaged over a block per set on the way to earning district Blocker of the Year honors while averaging over two kills per set in each of the last two seasons. She played club volleyball with Texas Advantage Volleyball.
Reagan on Birkelbach:
"We are so excited to welcome Kyler to the Beach! Kyler brings physicality and a competitive edge that will raise our level at the net. Her energy and drive align perfectly with our relentless standard."
Emma Gardner | Opposite/Outside Hitter | Edmond, Okla.
An opposite hitter from Edmond, Okla., Emma Garner closed out her high school career at Bishop McGuinness High School on a high note, winning the Oklahoma 5A state championship. A 6-3 pin hitter, Gardner played club with Oklahoma Charge.
Reagan on Gardner:
"It is such a joy bringing Emma to the Beach! Emma is an explosive scorer who can impact the game from multiple spots on the court. Her work ethic and values make her a great fit for our gym culture."
Long Beach State finished the 2025 season with the program's second 20-win season in the last three years, finishing the year 22-9 overall and reaching the Big West Championship semifinals for the third straight season.
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