The University of Louisiana at Monroe volleyball program is preparing for a strong 2026 season by welcoming a signing class of 12 newcomers, combining both experienced transfers and promising high school recruits. Under second-year head coach Reid Gann, the Warhawks have strategically built their roster with eight players directly from high school and four transfers. The class features three athletes from Florida, while Texas, Georgia, Indiana, Nevada, Massachusetts, Arizona, Kentucky, Alabama, and Louisiana each contribute one. Returning from the 2025 season are key starters like Morgan Howard, Kenzie Behl, Aniya Hall, Eden Pietrzak, and Briana Raney, offering a foundation of consistency as the team integrates new talent.
Among the transfers joining the team is Marissa Kobelski, a 5'11 MB/OH from Massachusetts, who spent three seasons at Merrimack College. During her time there, Kobelski appeared in 82 matches, accumulating 228.5 points in her sophomore year and hitting .361 with 149 kills in 2024. She also recorded 55 service aces and 81 total blocks across her career, showcasing her offensive and defensive versatility. Also contributing to ULM's roster is Gracie DiNardo, a 6'0 RS/OH from Kentucky, who played for Sacred Heart University. DiNardo recorded 29 kills, 12 digs, and 11 blocks in her senior season, including a standout performance where she hit .500 in 12 attempts without an error. She previously played at USC Upstate but did not see any match time.
The incoming class also includes transfers from high-level collegiate programs. Bre Perrin, a 5'7 S from Alabama, began her college career at Mississippi State, where she appeared in seven sets and recorded a service ace against Texas A&M. Perrin was also recognized with multiple all-American watch lists during high school, indicating her potential as a versatile player. Another notable transfer is Abby Cunningham, a 5'11 RS/OH from Louisiana, who spent three seasons with the Ragin' Cajuns. Over that time, she played in 105 sets, recorded 92 kills as a sophomore, and tallied 81 career digs. Her ability to contribute at the net and on defense gives ULM a proven leader with Sun Belt experience.
The 2026 signing class also features several standout freshmen, including Kennedy Scott, a 5'11 R/S from Texas, and Taylor Reid, a 6'1 MB/RS from Georgia. Both were recognized for their high school achievements and club success, showing signs of making an immediate impact for the Warhawks. Kennedy Scott was a three-year letter winner at Melissa High School and served as team captain, earning MVP honors. She also played for the Skyline club team, which won a national championship in the American division. Additionally, Scott was ranked fifth in her club for hitting percentage, highlighting her offensive potential.
Taylor Reid, a four-year starter at Gainesville High School, earned two-time First Team All-Region and Second Team All-Region honors, along with a Team MVP award. Off the court, she led her high school team and played for elite volleyball clubs like A5 Gwinnett and M2 Volleyball. Reid's combination of leadership and physicality is expected to help her contribute across multiple positions, especially in the middle and right-side areas.
ULM's defensive depth is being significantly bolstered by Amelia Colon, a 5'6 L/DS from Florida. Colon holds the school record for most digs at Land O' Lakes High School and was part of the 2026 AAU U18 National Champions team through her club, the Florida Elite Volleyball Academy. She was a four-year letter winner and a district and regional champion in 2022, while also earning First Team All-Conference honors and a Gator MVP award. Colon's presence on the back row brings energy and defensive consistency, which are crucial to the team's overall performance.
With a mix of returning players and a strong influx of new talent, the Warhawks are building a roster that showcases depth and versatility. The addition of experienced transfers and high-achieving freshmen sets the stage for a competitive season in the Sun Belt Conference. Coach Gann has consistently emphasized the importance of balancing production with development, and the 2026 roster reflects that vision. The team is poised to grow in both skill and cohesion, with each player bringing unique strengths and potential for impact.
As the 2026 season approaches, the Warhawks are excited to integrate this new class into the program and continue building toward conference success. With a balanced approach to recruiting and player development, ULM volleyball looks to solidify its position in the Sun Belt and beyond.