The Pioneers, who posted the second-highest win total in program history last season with a 21-10 mark, will be led by seniors pins Haley Taka '26 and Nicole Mlynski '26, middle Kylie Snell '26 and defensive specialist Gabby Choy '26. Taka – the MWC Newcomer of the Year in 2022 - averaged 1.95 kills and 1.04 digs a set last season, Mlynski added 0.54 kills per set, Snell had 0.65 blocks a set and Choy averaged 0.39 aces a set, 14th-best in the league.

 

"They really stepped up as leaders last spring and have continued that this fall," said Grinnell coach Eric Ragan, whose squad was 7-1 in the MWC last season and advanced to the league tournament title match. "They are all going to contribute on and off the court. They can play a lot of different positions and allow us to attack from all three positions at the net."

 

The junior class is also experienced with pins Millie Leonard '27 and Keira Sullivan '27, along with setter Kylie-Ann Smith '27. Leonard, a first-team All-MWC selection last season, ranked second in the league last season in hitting percentage (.275), seventh in blocks (0.63 a set) and eighth in kills and points (2.52 and 2.99 a set, respectively). Sullivan was 10th in the league with 2.25 kills per set and 12th in points at 2.48, while Smith averaged 3.84 assists.

 

"The experience they gained last year has paid huge dividends," said Ragan. "They all stepped up to play meaningful roles and will take on a lot of the load offensively, allowing us to run a fast and efficient offense."

 

The second-year class consists of defensive specialist Gracie Lim '28 and setter Marlowe Hurst '28. Lim averaged 1.47 digs a set and Hurst 4.70 assists. "They developed a lot as players in their first years and I'm looking for both to contribute more this season," said Ragan.

 

First-years include pins Leticia Machado '29 and Kinsey Carrigan '29, as well as defensive specialists Emilee Appel '29 and Molly Kuhn '29. "We've definitely added depth at both positions," said Ragan. "These players will have the ability to impact the team in different ways. It's nice to see them jump in and mesh with the team from Day 1 and I'm excited to see them contribute right away."

 

All of that leads Ragan to expect another big season from the Pioneers. "I think our versatility and depth will be our strengths," he said. "We will be very well-rounded and it could be anybody's match on a given night. We'll have the ability to adjust our lineup for different matchups and will rely heavily on the experience of our third-and fourth-year classes."

 

Ragan added the Pioneers will again be a factor in the MWC. "We definitely expect to compete for the conference championship again," he said. "Being at the conference tournament in recent years has been a great experience and, as always, our goal is to win it."