Colorado Mesa University volleyball coach Austin Albers has secured commitments from three players for the 2026 season. The roster additions include two high school freshmen, libero Maya Grant and setter Ashlyn Persha, along with transfer student Bailee Tucker, a redshirt freshman from Alaska Anchorage. Grant and Tucker hail from Utah's Club V program, while Persha made her mark at Paradise Honors High School in Arizona. Each athlete brings a unique skill set and competitive experiences that aim to enhance the Maverick volleyball program.

By the Numbers
  • Maya Grant: 4-year varsity starter, region's defensive MVP in 2025, led team to state championship.
  • Ashlyn Persha: 4A Skyline Player of the Year with 1,250+ career assists.
  • Bailee Tucker: Recorded 36 kills and 12 blocks in 17 sets during sophomore year at Alaska Anchorage.
Yes, But

While the three recruits show promising potential, integrating them into a competitive collegiate environment poses challenges. They must adapt to a higher level of play while aligning with team dynamics and strategies already in place at CMU.

State of Play
  • CMU volleyball program looking to strengthen with new talent as they prepare for the upcoming season.
  • Returners will compete alongside the incoming recruits for starting positions, intensifying internal competition.
What's Next

The Mavericks will need to focus on integrating these new players effectively into their system during training sessions ahead of the 2026 season. Coaches will likely evaluate their performance closely in the preseason to finalize the roster strategies.

Bottom Line

The addition of Grant, Persha, and Tucker is a strategic move for CMU volleyball, emphasizing the program's commitment to competitive excellence and growth. Their diverse backgrounds and proven skills could significantly elevate the team's success in the 2026 season.