PRIOR TO CARSON-NEWMAN: From right down the road in Maryville, Akard joins the Eagles as a middle blocker after racking up over 600 kills during her time at Maryville High School. Guiding the Rebels to a pair of state tournament appearances as a junior and senior, she led the team to two regional titles and three district championships. The four-year starter opened her career as the Rookie of the Year before being named thrice to the all-county team highlighted by being named to the 2020 Region II MVP. Joining her parents as college athletes, her mother, Tammy, played volleyball at Middle Tennessee State while her father, Keith, played football at Mossy Creek.