Western Carolina volleyball kicked off its 2026 season with the first practice on Thursday inside the Ramsey Center. The 17-player roster includes seven newcomers, consisting of five freshmen and two transfers. Preparing for their only exhibition match against Anderson (S.C.) on August 21, the Catamounts have nine returning letterwinners, including standout players Katie Boney and Tatum Sharp. The regular season starts on August 28 at the Big Orange Bash hosted by Clemson, with the home opener on September 8 against Gardner-Webb.

By the Numbers
  • 17 student-athletes on the 2026 roster, with 7 newcomers.
  • 9 returning letterwinners, including the reigning Setter of the Year and Freshman of the Year.
State of Play
  • Practice focused on adjustments and teamwork with a mix of veterans and new players.
  • Upcoming exhibition match on August 21 will serve as a key preparation step ahead of the regular season.
What's Next

Following the exhibition, the team will compete in a three-day tournament starting on August 28, facing Butler, Charleston Southern, and host Clemson. With 11 of the first 13 games away from home, early performance will be critical for team cohesion and confidence.

Bottom Line

Western Carolina's volleyball team is entering the 2026 season with a blend of experience and new talent, which is key to their success in the upcoming matches. The team's ability to integrate freshmen into gameplay and the performance of returning players will determine their trajectory early this season.