The Carroll Volleyball team is set to kick off their 2026 NAIA season this Friday at the Tigers Kick-Off Tournament in Illinois, after nearly a 10-month hiatus. With a seasoned roster featuring all players having prior game experience, the team aims to build on last year's struggles. Head Coach Moe Boyle emphasizes the importance of competition against unfamiliar teams, stating the need to win and properly prepare for their conference. The squad looks to leverage the leadership of returning upperclassmen, especially key players Lauren Heuiser and McKaila Balcom, who accounted for nearly half of the previous season's kills.

By the Numbers
  • Carroll finished the 2025 season with a record of 17-14 and placed No. 6 in the Frontier Conference.
  • Lauren Heuiser and McKaila Balcom combined for 507 total kills last season, representing 47% of the team’s offensive output.
State of Play
  • The Saints will play three matches this weekend, facing Grace, Freed-Hardeman, and Lindsey Wilson.
  • Carroll is looking to improve leadership dynamics following the departure of five seniors from the previous roster.
What's Next

As the season progresses, the team will focus on fostering team chemistry and overcoming early challenges to vie for their first Frontier title since 2016. The upcoming matches will be critical in setting the tone for their season.

Bottom Line

The Carroll Volleyball team enters the 2026 season with high hopes, experience, and a strong leadership core, aiming to transform their prior challenges into triumphs on the court.