The CAA has recognized three Camels volleyball players ahead of the 2026 season, with Hailey Heytvelt being named to the Preseason All-CAA team and Maddie Lambers and Emma McCartney receiving honorable mentions. The defending champion Camels are projected to finish fifth in the conference in the upcoming season. Heytvelt is coming off a standout sophomore year, having led the team with a .341 hitting percentage and 95 blocks. Lambers aims to bounce back after an injury last season, while McCartney joins from Northern Illinois, where she excelled with a strong kill rate. Coach Greg Goral, the CAA Coach of the Year, returns for his 14th season.

By the Numbers
  • Hailey Heytvelt recorded 158 kills last season, hitting .341.
  • Maddie Lambers had an average of 1.47 kills per set before her injury.
  • Emma McCartney posted 306 kills last season, averaging 2.86 kills per set.
  • The Camels finished the regular season with a 13-3 record.
State of Play
  • The Camels are the defending CAA champions after winning the title last season.
  • They received a fifth-place prediction in the preseason poll.
  • Greg Goral leads the team as head coach for the 14th year.
What's Next

As the season approaches, the Camels will aim to repeat their success, leveraging their key players' performances and navigating a competitive CAA landscape. Upcoming matches will be critical for establishing momentum and chemistry among the team.

Bottom Line

The recognition of Heytvelt, Lambers, and McCartney underscores the potential for the Camels to compete at a high level once again. Their success will hinge on key players staying healthy and replicating their past performances to make a push for another CAA title.