Sports
Volleyball Adds Six to 2025 Roster
BOONE, N.C. – App State head volleyball coach Chad Sutton announced the addition of six student-athletes to the Mountaineers’ 2025 roster on Monday.
“My staff and I are super excited with our signing class this spring,” said Sutton. “This staff has done an incredible job coming on board and immediately getting to work to keep this roster competitive and full of great people. We have added five transfers this spring and one incoming freshman, all of which have championship history, all-conference awards or ability to their credit. Moreso, these players are great people and immediately bonded with our staff players.”
Maria Contreras | Setter | Tepic, Mexico | Preparatoria Del Valle HS | Santa Fe College
Maria Contreras, who hails from Tepic, Mexico, comes to the High Country as a setter after two seasons at Santa Fe College. While with the Saints, she appeared in 45 matches and 156 sets and was a First Team All-FCSAA Conference selection. During the 2024 campaign, Contreras averaged 7.29 assists per set.
Prior to her collegiate career, Contreras competed on the U21 Mexican National Team at the Women’s NORCECA and made appearances in the FIVB U18 World Championships and U19 Pan American Cup. Contreras plans on studying exercise science while at App State.
Why Contreras Chose App State: “I chose App State because I was looking for a competitive program with a strong support system to help me grow as a player and person. I think App State has a great community for student-athletes, which made me feel confident in making this decision.”
Sutton on Contreras: “Maria is an exciting player with her unique length and skill at the setting position. She will be a matchup nightmare and bring different skill sets to the position group. I fully expect big things from Maria during her time here and believe she has the potential to be a game changer for us during her time here.”
Bella Dafforn | Defensive Specialist/Libero | Indianapolis, Ind. | Hamilton Southeastern HS
Hailing from Indianapolis, Ind., Bella Dafforn will join the Mountaineers as a freshman defensive specialist/libero. Dafforn led a decorated career at Hamilton Southeastern, where she was a three-time Defensive Player of the Year selection, three-time all-conference honoree, and two-time all-county player. She also earned the all-captain award and was named to the USA High School Preseason Team. Additionally, she placed for the Circle City club team under the direction of Payton Perry. Dafforn helped the team to a fifth-place finish at nationals on two occasions. Academically, Dafforn was named Biomedical Student of the Year.
Dafforn plans on majoring in biology while at App State. She enjoys spending time with her church group and hanging out with friends, as well as babysitting and playing pickleball.
Why Dafforn Chose App State: “I chose App State because of the volleyball coaching staff, the beautiful campus, and education.”
Sutton on Dafforn: “Bella is a great addition to our program. Bella is a defensive specialist from Indiana with multiple back row position experiences. She has a great platform, a nasty serve, and hails from an area that just produces top-tier defensive specialists year after year. She is no stranger to high expectations or success. She will fit in seamlessly and have a very bright career here at App State.”
MeMe Davis | Defensive Specialist/Libero | Gainesville, Fla. | Gainesville HS | Mercer
Gainesville, Fla. native MeMe Davis will join the Mountaineers as a defensive specialist/libero after a stop at Mercer. Davis helped the Bears to a SoCon regular season title, an undefeated record at Hawkins Arena, an appearance in the SoCon Championship match, and the program’s first postseason appearance in the NIVC Tournament. Individually, Davis collected Second Team All-SoCon, SoCon All-Freshman Team, and SoCon All-Tournament Team honors. She totaled 619 digs, averaging 5.03 digs per contest, and appeared in 33 matches for the Bears.
Davis intends on studying healthcare management while at App State. She enjoys shopping, hanging out with friends, and binge-watching shows. She also used to majorette dance.
Why Davis Chose App State: “I chose App State for athletics.”
Sutton on Davis: “MeMe is a star. She is one of the most exciting players I have ever been able to coach. Having served as her coach this past year, I can assure you there is nothing she can’t do on a volleyball court. She is a first contact specialist with the ability to score from the libero position. I am beyond thrilled to still be able to coach her.”
Lou Johnson | Middle Blocker | Ocala, Fla. | Trinity Catholic HS | Mercer
Ocala, Fla. native Elayna “Lou” Johnson will join the Mountaineers as a sophomore middle blocker after competing for Mercer. While with the Bears, she started all 32 matches and appeared in 112 sets during the 2024 campaign. She averaged 1.66 kills per set with a hitting percentage of .304. Additionally, Johnson made 76 blocks (11 solo, 65 assists) for the Bears. Alongside Davis, Johnson helped lead the Bears through a historic campaign during the 2024 season, which included a conference regular season title, undefeated home record, an appearance in the league’s championship match, and the program’s first postseason appearance.
Johnson plans on studying business management while at App State. Johnson loves the beach, traveling, weightlifting, skateboarding and animals. She also has three brothers, one of which is her twin brother, and all three play NCAA Division I football.
Why Johnson Chose App State: “I chose App State because of the location and because of the team atmosphere.”
Sutton on Johnson: “Lou is an absolute beast. She’s one of the hardest hitting players I have ever coached and the only player I have ever seen deflate a ball on contact. Lou personifies hard work on the court, in the gym, and in the classroom. She only knows one speed and that’s all out. I am very excited to add Lou to this program and can’t wait for her to get to work.”
Keionna Mackey | Outside Hitter | Tallahassee, Fla. | Florida State University HS | Santa Fe College, Polk State College, Georgia State
Joining the Mountaineers as an outside hitter, is Tallahassee, Fla. native Keionna Mackey. Mackey’s collegiate career has included stops at Santa Fe College, Polk State College, and Georgia State. During the 2024 season at Georgia State, Mackey appeared in 30 matches and led the Panthers with 351 kills on the season, averaging 3.03 kills per set. She also tallied 195 digs, 36 aces, and 52 blocks for the Panthers. In 2023, the Tallahassee, Fla. native competed at Polk State, where she was named a NJCAA All-American, collected First Team All-Citrus Conference honors, and was a FCSAA State All-Tournament Team selection. She also slammed down a career high 27 kills against Daytona State. In 2022, Mackey spent her freshman season at Santa Fe College, where she appeared in 70 sets and 21 matches. She tallied 211 kills on the year, averaging 3.01 per set.
Mackey plans on pursuing a degree in communications while at App State. She enjoys outdoor activities, going to the beach, listening to music, going on adventures, and trying new things.
Why Mackey Chose App State: “I chose App State because I want to be part of a winning program with a strong, driven culture. This team is built on hard work, discipline, and real support and that’s exactly the kind of environment I thrive in. I know I’ll be free to be myself here, and when I’m fully myself, I dominate. Choosing App State is more than just a decision – it’s a power move. It’s the next stepping stone toward greatness and exactly where I need to be to keep leveling up and chasing everything I know I’m capable of.”
Sutton on Mackey: “Keionna “Air” Mackey is a high-flyer with the ability to change the scoreboard from anywhere on the court. She is a player I have watched compete for a long time dating back to high school and someone I have always wanted to coach. She has big time ability and will immediately make her presence known as a senior pin. Big things are coming to Boone this fall and “Air Mack” is one of them.”
Ali Morris | Outside Hitter | Knoxville, Tenn. | Grace Christian Academy | Western Carolina
Hailing from Knoxville, Tenn., Ali Morris will join the Mountaineers as an outside hitter after three seasons at Western Carolina. While with the Catamounts, Morris appeared in 84 matches and 265 sets. She led WCU in kills during the 2024 campaign, averaging 3.20 kills per set in addition to 3.66 digs per set. Additionally, she tallied 28 double-doubles while in Cullowhee.
While at App State, Morris plans on studying health sciences. She enjoys golfing and can juggle. She also has a farm.
Why Morris Chose App State: “I chose App State because of the coaching staff and environment.”
Sutton on Morris: “Ali is a fantastic senior talent coming to Boone. She is a player I have coached against the past two years and have great respect for. She is a steady but fiery competitor who adds experience, versatility, and dynamic playmaking to our roster. Ali will make an immediate impact upon her arrival.”
BABSON PARK, Mass.— After a 2025 spring season that was highlighted by four All-East region selections and one athlete competing at the NCAA Championships, Babson College veteran head men’s and women’s track & field coach Russ Brennen officially announced the 2026 schedule on Monday.
For the second year in a row, the Beavers will open the season in Myrtle Beach, S.C., at the Alan Connie Shamrock Invitational on March 19-21. The Green and White come back to New England for the UMass Dartmouth Corsair Invitational on March 28.
Babson starts a busy month of April at the Coast Guard Invitational in New London, Conn., on April 4. The Beavers will be in Medford, Mass. the following weekend, beginning with day one of the Tufts Multi-Meet on April 10 and day two as part of the Tufts Invitational on April 11. The Green and White will wrap up the regular season at MIT’s annual Sean Collier Invitational on April 18.
The post-season begins with the New England Women’s and Men’s Athletic Conference (NEWMAC) Championships at Coast Guard on April 24-25. The Division III New England Championships are slated for May 1-2 in Springfield, Mass.
Top qualifying competitors will go to the Farley Inter Regional Meet at Williams College on May 8-9. Selected Beavers will compete in the Last Chance qualifying meet at MIT on May 14, attempting to qualify for the NCAA national championships, which are at Veteran’s Memorial Field Sports Complex in La Crosse, Wisc. on May 21-24.
IRVINE, Calif. – The University of Hawai’i men’s volleyball team was picked second in the preseason Big West coaches’ poll while a trio of Rainbow Warriors were named to the seven-member preseason team – setter Tread Rosenthal, outside hitter Adrien Roure, and opposite Kristian Titriyski.
UH received 22 total points and trailed preseason favorite Long Beach State (24 points, 4 first-place votes). UC Irvine (21 points) was third followed by a three-way tie for fourth between CSUN (9), UC San Diego (9), and UC Santa Barbara (9).
Hawai’i returns five starters — Tread Rosenthal, Adrien Roure, Kristian Titriyski, Justin Todd, and Louis Sakanoko — and 12 lettermen from last year’s squad that finished 27-6 and advanced to the NCAA Championship semifinals. Rosenthal and Roure were AVCA first-team All-Americans while Titriyski was named to the second team.
LBSU had two players on the preseason team – Alex Kandev and Skyler Varga – while UCSB (George Bruening) and CSUN (Jalen Phillips) both had one.
The Rainbow Warriors, who captured their fourth Big West Championship title last season, were picked No. 2 in the AVCA Preseason Top 20 Coaches poll behind UCLA. Hawai’i garnered seven first place votes, two more than Long Beach State, who was third.
2026 Big West Preseason Coaches’ Poll
Rk. Team – Points (1st Place Votes)
1. Long Beach State – 24 (4)
2. Hawai’i – 22 (2)
3. UC Irvine – 17
T4. CSUN – 9
T4. UC San Diego – 9
T4. UC Santa Barbara – 9
2026 Big West Preseason Coaches’ Team
George Bruening, R-So., Outside Hitter, UC Santa Barbara, Newport Beach, Calif.
Alex Kandev, So., Outside Hitter, Long Beach State, Sofia, Bulgaria
Jalen Phillips, R-Jr., Opposite Hitter, CSUN, Anaheim, Calif.
Tread Rosenthal, Jr., Setter, Hawai’i, Austin, Texas
Adrien Roure, So, Outside Hitter, Hawai’i, Lyon, France
Kristian Titriyski, So., Opposite Hitter, Hawai’i, Sofia, Bulgaria
Skyler Varga, R-Sr., Opposite Hitter, Long Beach State, Muenster, Saskatchewan
#HawaiiMVB
Phillips earned a nod to the preseason team for the first time, joining George Bruening of UC Santa Barbara, Alex Kandev and Skyler Varga of Long Beach State, along with Tread Rosenthal, Adrien Roure, and Kristian Titriyski of Hawai’i on the Preseason Coaches’ Team.
Phillips, a first-team AVCA All-America and first-team All-Big West selection in 2025, became the first Matador named to the AVCA first-team since Kevin McKniff and Jacek Ratazczak in 2010. He was a three-time Big West Offensive Player of the Week (Jan. 20, Feb. 24, Apr. 14) last season, leading CSUN with a career-high 456 kills, while averaging 4.22 kills per set, which ranked second in the Big West and fourth in the nation. Phillips also finished his sophomore season ranked third in the Big West in points, averaging 4.81 per set, and was 13th in hitting percentage at .293.
In the Preseason Poll, the Matadors received nine points from the conference’s head coaches and were predicted to tie for fourth with UC San Diego and UC Santa Barbara, which also received nine points.
Defending national champions Long Beach State earned the top spot in the poll for the second straight season, picking up four first-place votes and 24 total points in the voting. Hawai’i earned the other two first-place votes and 22 total points for second, with UC Irvine earning 17 points for third. With nine points, the trio of the Matadors, Tritons, and Gauchos round out the polling in the vote by the league’s six head coaches.
“I’m sure the Big West will be exactly what we expect it to be; it’s the best volleyball conference in the country,” said head coach Theo Edwards. “All six Big West teams are ranked in the preseason top-20 of the AVCA national poll, so I know the guys on this team will embrace the challenge ahead and are poised to make some noise in the Big West this season.”
As they’ve done 21 times in the last 22 seasons, the Matadors open the season at the annual UCSB Invitational at Robertson Gym. CSUN will meet Maryville University, Harvard, and Kentucky State over the three-day tournament, which runs from Jan. 8-10.
In addition to Phillips, CSUN returns a host of starters in 2026, including outside hitter Joao Avila, middle blockers Joao Favarim and Shane Nhem, and libero Chris Karnezis. The Matadors also welcome a talented group of newcomers in 2026, including redshirt sophomore setter Owen Douphner, who steps in for departed senior All-American Donovan Constable.
The Hawaiian Islands presents the 2026 Outrigger Big West Men’s Volleyball Championship at the Bren Events Center on the campus of UC Irvine from April 23-25, 2026. All six conference members will vie for The Big West’s automatic berth into the national postseason bracket.
#GoMatadors
LA JOLLA, Calif. — UC San Diego men’s volleyball was picked to finish in a tie for fourth in the 2026 Big West Men’s Volleyball Preseason Coaches’ Poll, the conference announced today.
The loaded Big West also sees all six of the conference’s teams ranked in the national AVCA preseason poll. The Tritons are No. 10 nationally.
Long Beach State was picked to win The Big West by the conference’s head coaches after winning the national championship last season. UC San Diego’s projected fourth place finish is the same as the Tritons’ actual finish in 2025 after they went 18-12 overall and 3-7 in Big West play.
The 2026 Triton men’s volleyball season begins at home on January 6 against Jessup. The team’s Big West opener will also be at home as the Tritons host CSUN on March 3. Season and single game tickets are both on sale now.
The Tritons will face each Big West opponent home and away this season with the exception of Hawai’i, who will play in La Jolla twice. The Hawaiian Islands presents the 2026 Outrigger Big West Men’s Volleyball Championship will be April 23-25 on the campus of UC Irvine.
| 2026 Big West Men’s Volleyball Preseason Coaches’ Poll | ||
| Rank | Institution | Points |
| 1. | Long Beach State | 24 (4) |
| 2. | Hawai’i | 22 (2) |
| 3. | UC Irvine | 17 |
| T-4. | UC San Diego | 9 |
| CSUN | 9 | |
| UC Santa Barbara | 9 | |
About UC San Diego Athletics
After two decades as one of the most successful programs in NCAA Division II, the UC San Diego intercollegiate athletics program has begun a new era as a member of The Big West in NCAA Division I. The 24-sport Tritons earned 30 team and nearly 150 individual national championships during its time in Divisions II and III and helped guide 1,400 scholar-athletes to All-America honors. A total of 83 Tritons have earned Academic All-America honors, while 39 have garnered prestigious NCAA Post Graduate Scholarships. UC San Diego scholar-athletes exemplify the academic ideals of one of the world’s preeminent institutions, graduating at an average rate of 90 percent, the highest rate among public institutions in NCAA Division I or II. For more information on the Tritons, visit UCSDtritons.com or follow UC San Diego Athletics on social media @UCSDtritons.
IRVINE, Calif. – The Big West Conference released its 2026 Men’s Volleyball All-Conference Preseason Team on Monday, with UC Santa Barbara’s George Bruening earning preseason honors. Bruening was named to the team alongside players from No. 2 Hawai’i, No. 3 Long Beach State, and No. 11 CSUN.
Bruening exited the 2025 season with a spot on the All-Freshman team as well as a First Team Honorable Mention. He was also recognized as the SBART Men’s Volleyball Athlete of the Year. He averaged 2.97 kills per set and hit .299, the highest on the team.
Additionally, UC Santa Barbara was voted to finish fourth in the conference. Their first match of 2026 will take place on Jan. 8 at 2:00 p.m. versus Kentucky State in Rob Gym.
The Big West Preseason Coaches’ Poll
| Rank / Institution | Points (First Place Votes) |
| 1. Long Beach State | 24 (4) |
| 2. Hawai’i | 22 (2) |
| 3. UC Irvine | 17 |
| T-4. CSUN | 9 |
| T-4. UC San Diego | 9 |
| T-4. UC Santa Barbara | 9 |
The Big West Preseason Coaches’ Team
| Student-Athlete | Institution | Position | Year | Hometown |
| George Bruening | UC Santa Barbara | OH | R-So. | Newport Beach, Calif. |
| Alex Kandev | Long Beach State | OH | So. | Sofia, Bulgaria |
| Jalen Phillips | CSUN | OPP | R.-Jr. | Anaheim, Calif. |
| Tread Rosenthal | Hawai’i | S | Jr. | Austin, Texas |
| Adrien Roure | Hawai’i | OH | So. | Lyon, France |
| Kristian Titriyski | Hawai’i | OPP | So. | Sofia, Bulgaria |
| Skyler Varga | Long Beach State | OPP | R.-Sr. | Muenster, Saskatchewan |
Lindsey has served as an Academic Advisor at SIUE since 2008 and graduated from OVC member institution UT Martin, where she was a standout volleyball student-athlete and helped the Skyhawks to two regular season conference championships. She was named the Most Valuable Player of the 2002 OVC tournament.
“This is heartbreaking for all who knew Lindsey,” said Andrew Gavin, Vice Chancellor and Director of Athletics. “She has long been a beloved member of our athletics family, because of her infectious energy, positive attitude, and incredibly helpful and loving heart. She has provided so much support and love to countless current and past Cougar student-athletes.”
Lindsey was a member of the student-athlete success team at SIUE, working hand in hand with Deputy AD Jaci DeClue for nearly two decades. Lindsey’s support and passion helped student-athletes at SIUE achieve incredible results academically, with 39 consecutive semesters posting a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or higher. In November, SIUE was recognized as having the top Graduation Success Rate nationally among Division I public institutions.
“Lindsey was a source of light and warmth to all who knew her, with the remarkable ability to make everyone feel seen, valued, and special through her kindness, humility, and genuine care for others,” DeClue shared. “During her 17 years at SIUE, she played a vital role in building an academic support program that served thousands of student-athletes, leaving behind a legacy of compassion, excellence, and lasting impact.
“It was truly an honor to work alongside Lindsey for the past 17 years and to witness firsthand the difference she made every single day. She will be deeply missed by her colleagues, students, and all whose lives were made better by knowing her, and SIUE Athletics will not be the same without her.”
In 2024, she was awarded the Thurston Banks Award by the Ohio Valley Conference, an award that recognizes individuals for their outstanding contributions to OVC student-athletes’ academic success and learning and development.
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