OTHER MSU SPORTS Volleyball Signing Day Hub 2024

[Kevin Knight]

EAST LANSING, Mich. - Michigan State head volleyball coach Leah Johnson announced the third signing class of her tenure Wednesday on National Signing Day. The Spartans covered all of their bases in the Class of 2025 signing a setter, libero, middle blocker and outside hitter. MSU once again tapped into its overseas contacts with the additions of setter Kalea Norton (Auckland, New Zealand) and outside hitter Caroline Formankova (Slany, Czech Republic), in addition to domestic signees libero Olivia Durst (Brookfield, Wis.) and middle blocker Leela Ormsby (Billings, Mont.).
Olivia Durst
5'9" | Libero | Brookfield, Wis. | Milwaukee Sting

Durst is a three-time Wisconsin state champion at Divine Savior Holy Angels, a two-time All-State honoree, a two-time All-State tournament selection and a three-time Wisconsin Volleyball Coaches Association academic honoree … Durst was named All-Region by the American Volleyball Coaches Association in 2024 … Ranked as the No. 3 player in Wisconsin for 2025.
“Liv is such a fun athlete," said Johnson. "She’s played most of her career as an outsider hitter while playing competitive soccer, so she’s got fast feet and makes pretty spectacular defensive moves. We knew pretty quickly when she made the transition to libero that she was going to be elite. She’s won at the highest level every step of her career, a mentality that will serve her well.”

I chose Michigan State because the coaches and players treat me like family and not just a volleyball player. Stepping on campus felt natural and like home. I love that this program pushes you to be your best but also understands your limits.

Olivia Durst
Kalea Norton
5'10" | Setter | Auckland, New Zealand | Rengitoto College

Norton was the U19 Player of the Year in New Zealand is 2023-24 … Played with the New Zealand Junior Women's National Team … At 16 years old played with the top women's team in New Zealand “Volley Ferns” on an international tour in Chile … Also an accomplished beach volleyball player in New Zealand in the same mold as current Spartan Taylah Holdem … Played for the New Zealand A Women's beach volleyball squad and on the New Zealand women's pro tour.
“We first heard about Kalea through our current Spartan Taylah Holdem,” said Johnson. "She was playing in high-level women’s leagues at the age of 15 in New Zealand. She’s a superb athlete, having played a variety of sports throughout her career. Kalea is a fast mover and competitive as can be. She does all the little things you need to do to be great.”

I chose MSU because they believed in a girl from New Zealand and offered me an incredible opportunity. Right from our first conversation I felt their passion and dedication to volleyball. The MSU volleyball culture thrives on excellence, growth and unity which is exactly where I want to be. Surrounded by people who push each other to improve.

Kalea Norton
Leela Orsmby
6'3" | Middle Blocker | Billings, Mont. | Big Sky VBC

Ormsby is the all-time record holder in Montana for career blocks with 421 as of Oct. 31 breaking a record that stood since 2003 … Finishes interscholastic career as the all-time leader in blocks and hitting percentage at Billings Senior High School … A two-time first team All-State selection (with 2024 All-State teams yet to be announced) … Led Billings Senior to a state champion ship in 2022 … Four-time blocks per set leader in Montana … Invited to the USA Volleyball National Development program on four occasions as one of three players from the state of Montana to ever attend.
“Leela is one of the most natural blockers I have recruited," said Johnson. "She’s got great instincts at the net. She’s played just about every position along the net. She’s going to bring a heavy arm and versatility to the gym. Leela has an elite maturity and mindset about her that’s going to make adapting to the B1G a smoother transition for her.”

I chose MSU because of the immediate connection I felt to the entire coaching staff. I'm beyond excited for the program being built with them and I can't wait to be a part of it. I believe in this program and feel blessed because they believe in me. The campus already feels like home, and I'm ready to serve for these coaches, grow with my future teammates and honor MSU.

Leela Orsmby
Caroline Formankova
6'3" | Outside Hitter | Slany, Czech Republic | VK Dukla Liberec

Formankova played with the Czech Republic U20 and U23 teams at the 2024 European Championships where she played against current Spartan Karolina Staniszewska at U23s … Currently playing for VK Dukla Liberec in the Czech Republic Extraliga … Also played for VK Selmy Brno.
“Caroline bleeds green," said Johnson. "She’s a dual citizen, with her mother being from right here in East Lansing. She’s played on the international scene for quite some time and is strong, fiery and powerful. She’s got a ton of experience at the opposite position and puts up a big block. This has been a long time in the making and we are so excited to officially welcome her to the Spartan family.”

It has always been my dream to play college volleyball and ever since I first talked to the coaching staff I knew I was going to choose MSU. Stepping on campus felt like coming home, just on the other side of the world.

Caroline Formankova

Release courtesy of MSU Athletics.