Loyola Athletics Pursuit of Excellence Spotlight: Tyler Alcorn

NEW ORLEANS – Loyola University New Orleans Athletics is proud to recognize women's volleyball student-athlete and law student Tyler Alcorn as the latest feature in the Pursuit of Excellence Spotlight, a series that highlights Wolf Pack student-athletes who embody Jesuit values through leadership, service, and a commitment to excellence.
 

For Alcorn, her journey to Loyola began with a love for New Orleans and a desire to continue playing the sport she wasn't quite ready to give up. A Louisiana native, Alcorn had visited New Orleans throughout her life and grew fonder of the city. When she decided to attend Loyola Law School, her twin sister was also beginning medical school at nearby Tulane University, making New Orleans an ideal fit for both.
 

Before reaching out to the Loyola volleyball coaching staff, Alcorn believed her collegiate playing career was over. After speaking with the coaches and hearing their vision for the Wolf Pack program, however, she knew she wasn't ready to walk away from volleyball.
 

"Loyola's mission to care for the whole person's mind, body, and spirit is something that really resonated with me," Alcorn said. "Coming from a bigger program where I sometimes felt that I was only valued for what I could do on the court, I knew I wanted to be somewhere that valued me as more than just an athlete."
 

That decision has taken on even greater meaning during Alcorn's time with the Wolf Pack, as she has spent the last two seasons away from competition while recovering from injuries.
 

What began as what Alcorn described as a "fluke" or "freak accident" became an unexpected test of perseverance. She would end up missing the entire 2024 season because of a preseason injury. After working through her first recovery, Alcorn returned to competition in 2025 only to suffer another injury in her first game back, forcing her to begin another lengthy rehabilitation process.
 

The second recovery proved much more difficult mentally, but Alcorn refused to allow the setback to determine her future.
 

"These last two years have taught me perseverance at a level I never thought I would have to navigate," Alcorn said. "I knew the time would pass anyway. I knew that in the future I would thank myself if I put in the hard work even when it felt futile."
 

At times, Alcorn considered medically retiring from volleyball because of her fear of suffering another injury. Ultimately, she chose not to let that fear dictate her decision.
 

"I think that my main motivation has been to prove to myself that I can do it," she said. "There have been a few times when I considered medically retiring out of fear of reinjury, but I don't want fear to rule me."
 

Her faith has also played a significant role throughout her recovery.
 

"I trust that God has a purpose for me and my life even when the path doesn't look like the one I expected," Alcorn said.
 

Now, after two years away from competition, Alcorn has made her return to the court. In seven matches and 24 sets, she has recorded 55 kills (2.13 per set) and 20 blocks (0.83 per set). 
 

For Alcorn, stepping back onto the court represents more than a return to volleyball. It's a tangible reminder that she refused to give up on herself.
 

"I was most looking forward to finally getting to play with my teammates," she said. "The competition, adrenaline, nerves, and excitement are all things that I used to take for granted, so I'm excited to really take it all in for my last season. Most of all, I'm looking forward to playing freely. For so long I've been reminded of what I can't do, so I'm very excited to finally get the moment when I can stop thinking about my injury and just be an athlete again."
 

While working toward her return to the court, Alcorn has also pursued her law degree, preparing for a career that will let her combine her education with her passion for athletics. Her decision to pursue law was inspired by her mother, who is an attorney and Alcorn's "biggest inspiration" and "best friend." Alcorn hopes to follow in her mother's footsteps while creating her own path in the legal profession.
 

"I knew that I wanted to be like her, and I guess that included being an attorney as well," Alcorn said. "I also knew that whatever profession I picked, I wanted it to be one where I could make a meaningful difference in someone's life, and I think being an attorney gives me a way to do that."
 

Following law school, Alcorn plans to sit for the Texas Bar Examination and pursue a career in sports law and athlete representation, giving her an opportunity to advocate for athletes in a profession she knows firsthand.
 

Her experiences as both an athlete and a law student have shaped her understanding of what it means to pursue excellence.
 

"Right now, pursuing excellence in my life means refusing to settle for the easiest version of myself," Alcorn said. "I'm committed to continuing to grow even when it's uncomfortable and holding myself to a high standard while also understanding that excellence is a process and I can still find joy in that."
 

For Alcorn, that pursuit has looked different over the past two years. As an athlete, it has meant showing up through difficult days of rehabilitation and continuing to grow mentally and physically even when progress was slow. As a law student, it has meant embracing opportunities to grow professionally and using her education to prepare for a career centered around helping others.
 

Ultimately, Alcorn believes excellence is most meaningful when it extends beyond oneself.
 

"Pursuing excellence with and for others means understanding that what I accomplish matters most when I can use it to encourage, support, and create opportunities for the people around me," Alcorn said.
 

As she prepared to return to the volleyball court and eventually begin her career in sports law, Alcorn's journey reflects the heart of the Pursuit of Excellence Spotlight: continuing to grow through adversity, trusting the path forward, and using one's talents and experiences to make a difference in the lives of others.
 

Through her perseverance, faith, and commitment to excellence both in the classroom and on the court, Alcorn continues to embody the spirit of Loyola Athletics and the mission of the Pursuit of Excellence Spotlight.
 

"Tyler truly exemplifies what it means to pursue excellence and live a life with and for others," Loyola volleyball head coach Jenna Ibieta said. "Even before she was cleared to compete, her teammates voted her as a team captain. This speaks to the impact of her leadership, encouragement, and genuine support of those around her.
 

"Her determination to grow, persevere, and continue serving her teammates through her injuries showed that her commitment to excellence extends beyond what happens on the court. She has remained dedicated to her academics, her team, and her journey back to competition, continually choosing to invest in those around her even when she could not physically contribute on the court. Tyler embodies what it means to use her gifts not only for her own growth, but to make those around her better every day."
 

The Pursuit of Excellence Spotlight recognizes Loyola student-athletes who strive to live out Jesuit values by using their talents to serve, inspire, and make a meaningful impact in their communities.
 

Please submit your nominees with specific examples of how your nominee exemplifies these characteristics - https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfLSU9L3RIq7rytJzmj9_XQZa8knsut8u96cb_jZ_vpMgppFw/viewform?usp=header
 

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