The West Liberty University volleyball team is gearing up for the 2026 season following a successful 18-win campaign and a Mountain East Conference North Division title last year. Head coach Makenzy Johnson, now in her third season, emphasizes establishing a strong team culture with an influx of newcomers and a solid group of returning players. Key veterans, including senior setter Dakoda Keni, are expected to lead and mentor younger teammates as they integrate new talent into the team dynamics. Johnson's focus is on fostering leadership, work ethic, and overall team enjoyment as they prepare for the upcoming challenges.

By the Numbers
  • West Liberty finished the previous season with an 18-13 overall record and a 10-4 mark in conference play.
  • Senior setter Dakoda Keni is the all-time assists leader at West Liberty with 2,575 assists.
State of Play
  • The Hilltoppers will open their season on August 28-29 at the University of Indianapolis Invitational.
  • Johnson is seeking to build upon last year鈥檚 success by advancing past the first round of the MEC tournament and returning to the NCAA Tournament.
What's Next

The team will continue to refine their strategies and chemistry over the next eight days of preseason. Early tests will be crucial, especially as they face various non-conference opponents. With a blend of returning veterans and skilled newcomers, they aim to solidify their roles and improve performance in the upcoming matches.

Bottom Line

Building a strong team culture is paramount for the Hilltoppers as they transition into a new season, with an emphasis on leadership, teamwork, and overall enjoyment of the game. Success this year will not only depend on talent but also on their ability to mesh and grow collectively.