Volleyball 2026 Season Preview
8/25/2026 12:05:00 PM | Volleyball
CHARLESTON, S.C. – Head coach Jason Kepner begins his 20th season leading the College of Charleston volleyball program as the Cougars begin its 52nd campaign in 2026. The year consists of 12 home matches, highlighted by the Steve Baumrind Invitational Sept. 11-13 which features contests against Northern Kentucky, Duquesne and Notre Dame. Kepner enters the year with an overall record of 387-201, good for a .658 winning percentage.
· Charleston welcomes back 12 returners from last year's roster, including 2025 CAA Rookie of the Year Caroline Noonan and All-CAA Second Team member Jumana Martin.
· The Cougars welcome back 71 percent of the kills, 97 percent of the assists, 85 percent of the digs and 80 percent of the blocks from the 2025 roster.
· Redshirt junior Rosa Brencic and senior Lauren Dow were selected as captains for the 2026 campaign.
· The Cougars added seven newcomers to the roster, including five freshmen.
· Defensive specialist Violet Poole, middle blocker Lucy Haywood, outside hitters Julie Nzambele and Laura Sarajarvi and right side Madison Hewitson make up the rookie class.
· Right side Gabby Tuiaana joins the squad after helping Central Arkansas win the ASUN last year. She is joined by setter Helena Vukovic as the upperclassmen newcomers.
· The Cougars have played seven of its non-conference opponents two-or-fewer times in school history. Charleston is set to face Duquesne, Lipscomb and Northern Kentucky and Vanderbilt for the first time.
The Cougars begin the 2026 campaign on Friday, Aug. 29 at Vanderbilt in the first night of the Carrie Yerty Classic from Nashville. Charleston also faces Lipscomb and Memphis during the opening weekend.
For complete coverage of Charleston volleyball, follow us on Facebook (/cofcvolleyball), X (@CofCVolleyball) and Instagram (@cofcvolleyball).
· Charleston welcomes back 12 returners from last year's roster, including 2025 CAA Rookie of the Year Caroline Noonan and All-CAA Second Team member Jumana Martin.
· The Cougars welcome back 71 percent of the kills, 97 percent of the assists, 85 percent of the digs and 80 percent of the blocks from the 2025 roster.
· Redshirt junior Rosa Brencic and senior Lauren Dow were selected as captains for the 2026 campaign.
· The Cougars added seven newcomers to the roster, including five freshmen.
· Defensive specialist Violet Poole, middle blocker Lucy Haywood, outside hitters Julie Nzambele and Laura Sarajarvi and right side Madison Hewitson make up the rookie class.
· Right side Gabby Tuiaana joins the squad after helping Central Arkansas win the ASUN last year. She is joined by setter Helena Vukovic as the upperclassmen newcomers.
· The Cougars have played seven of its non-conference opponents two-or-fewer times in school history. Charleston is set to face Duquesne, Lipscomb and Northern Kentucky and Vanderbilt for the first time.
The Cougars begin the 2026 campaign on Friday, Aug. 29 at Vanderbilt in the first night of the Carrie Yerty Classic from Nashville. Charleston also faces Lipscomb and Memphis during the opening weekend.
For complete coverage of Charleston volleyball, follow us on Facebook (/cofcvolleyball), X (@CofCVolleyball) and Instagram (@cofcvolleyball).
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/ VolleyballWednesday, August 12
Wednesday, July 29
Friday, July 17
Wednesday, June 17
