GRINNELL, Iowa – With a top-grade and experienced senior class leading the way, Grinnell College's volleyball team is looking for a successful campaign in 2026.
 
All three seniors were All-Midwest Conference selections last year, with pin Millie Leonard '27 earning first-team honors and pin Keira Sullivan '27 and setter Kylie-Ann Smith '27 collecting second-team recognition.
 
Sullivan led Grinnell with 3.06 kills per set while also hitting at a .331 clip and averaging 0.37 blocks. Sullivan posted 2.16 kills per set, while Smith was tops on the team in assists per set with 6.71 while ranking second on the team with 0.38 aces.
 
"They represent a lot of experience and talent and will lead the way both on and off the court," said Grinnell coach Eric Ragan. "Nine of our 14 players are first- and second-years, so the guidance of our seniors will be critical to their development with the team."
 
The junior class is represented by defensive specialist Gracie Lim '28 and setter Marlowe Hurst '28. "Both have grown a lot in their first two years and had a great off-season," said Ragan. "It'll be fun to see them step up into their own as upperclassmen in the program."
 
Lim was tops on the team last season in digs with 3.64 a set and Hurst dished out 3.83 assists per set while leading the team in ace serves at 0.43.
 
Second-years include pins Leticia Machado '29 and Kinsey Carrigan '29, along with defensive specialists Emilee Appel '29 and Molly Kuhn '29. Machado was second on the team with 2.37 kills per set.
 
"These four definitely came out of their shells last year and bring a lot of energy and intentionality into the gym," said Ragan. "They're working hard to improve and make an impact on the team."
 
Rounding out the team are pins Mia Meert '30 and Charlotte Sigler '30, middle blocker Ella Tulimieri '30, setter Paige Lundgren '30 and defensive specialist Sophia Ochoa '30.
 
"They bring depth and versatility to the team," said Ragan. "All come from successful programs and have jumped in from day one to figure out ways to contribute to the team."
 
Ragan also noted the addition of assistant coach Addyson Petig. "She's been great and brings a lot of energy and ideas," said Ragan. "It's nice seeing her connect with our players. She's been a wonderful addition to the program."
 
Ragan said the MWC will be a challenge in 2026. "This year is the strongest the conference has been," he said. "It'll be fun to have a lot of competitive matches against high-level teams. The team was disappointed to tie for fourth last year and not make the conference tournament, but it's provided motivation to get us back there and make a good run into the final weekend."