The Central Washington volleyball team kicks off a new era as they prepare for the 2026 season, buoyed by last year's GNAC championship run. With Lauren Herseth taking the helm as head coach, after previously serving as the associate head coach, the team aims to build upon their success with a mix of seasoned players and promising newcomers. Eleven returning players from the championship squad, including standout All-GNAC selections Ellie Marble and Kailey Willsey, form a strong backbone for the new season. Early practices show a healthy integration of fresh talent alongside experienced veterans, fueling championship aspirations. The upcoming schedule promises tough competition, with the Wildcats eager to capitalize on their strong foundation.

By the Numbers
  • 11 returning players from last year's championship team.
  • 3 All-GNAC selections returning: Ellie Marble, Kailey Willsey, and Kayleigh-Shay Chang.
State of Play
  • Fall camp has begun with high energy and team chemistry.
  • New head coach Lauren Herseth is implementing strategies to blend experience from returners with fresh talent.
  • The Wildcats' early schedule includes matches against San Francisco State and Point Loma among others.
What's Next

The team faces its first regular season challenge at the CWU Volleyball Invitational, setting the tone for conference play ahead. As they gear up for critical matches in September, expectations remain high for continued success under new leadership.

Bottom Line

The Wildcats are poised for another strong season, merging experience with youth amid championship aspirations. The leadership transition to Herseth appears promising as the team aims to sustain the momentum from last year鈥檚 success.