Former St. James Academy volleyball standout Messer transfers to KU from USC

Kansas City-area native Reese Messer, who earned first-team all-Big Ten honors as a freshman last season at USC, has decided to transfer to Kansas, KU volleyball coach Matt Ulmer has announced.

Messer, a 5-foot-11 former Saint James Academy standout setter from Olathe, who was the 2024-25 Kansas Gatorade player of the year, totaled 1,261 assists last season. That number ranked second in the league. She was eighth nationally with 10.78 assists per set.

Messer was one of two USC players to have played in every set for the Trojans, totaling 267 digs, 75 kills, 75 blocks and 15 service aces for a total of 131.0 points scored. Messer recorded 11 double-doubles and directed USC’s offense to 11 matches of hitting .300 or better. She has three years of eligibility remaining at KU.

Messer earned AVCA all-Pacific region team honors. She was a two-time Big Ten setter of the week and a two-time Big Ten freshman of the week.

“We are very excited to welcome Reese home,” Ulmer said in a release. “She is an elite competitor and makes our gym better. She has high expectations for herself and the program. We can’t wait to get to work.”

Messer led Saint James Academy to a 32-7 record and Class 5A state semifinal appearance as a senior. She was named the 2024 Kansas Class 5A volleyball player of the year and earned All-America first-team honors from the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA), while being chosen as a finalist for AVCA girls high school player of the year.

The three-sport standout won state track titles as a member of St. James’ 400 and 1,600 relay teams. She also helped St. James place third in basketball at the state tournament. She also played for Dynasty VBC.

Messer’s dad, Brian Messer, played football and baseball for New Mexico (1995-98) and minor league baseball in the Pittsburgh Pirates organization (1991-2001). Messer’s mother, Katie Messer ran track for South Florida

Gary Bedore

The Kansas City Star

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Gary Bedore covers KU basketball for The Kansas City Star. He has written about the Jayhawks since 1978 — during the Ted Owens, Larry Brown, Roy Williams and Bill Self eras. He has won the Kansas Sportswriter of the Year award and KPA writing awards.