After finishing the 2025 season with a 17-14 record and a 4-3 mark in conference play, the Case Western Reserve University volleyball team is back on the court, preparing to build on last season’s foundation and make its mark in 2026.
The Spartans officially opened their season on Sept. 1 against Mount Union, losing 1-3, but gaining valuable experience as they begin to establish their identity and build momentum for the season ahead.
Although the Spartans graduated four influential seniors, they enter the new season confident in their returning talent and the depth of their roster. With new players stepping into larger roles, the squad is embracing the challenge of replacing key contributors while believing it has the pieces necessary to compete at a high level.
“It is no secret that we graduated some very strong players,” fourth-year co-captain and outside hitter Katie Yanni said. “However, I think we have built a good foundation of ball control and also of interpersonal relationships. We can build off of this to give us a strong start with love and trust.”
Above all else, the Spartans rely on the strong, close-knit team culture they have cultivated over the years. While individual skill and talent can make a difference, CWRU knows its greatest strength lies in its ability to work together. United by their trust in one another and commitment to the team, the Spartans believe they can accomplish anything when they play as one.
“The team is looking vastly different this year,” fourth-year co-captain and outside hitter Emily Goodpaster said. “We lost a few core players and are going to be running a fresh lineup. With that said, though, we did a fantastic job of building an incredible team culture and chemistry last year, so to see that carry over into this new season has been really special. Our younger players are stepping into larger roles with confidence, while our returners are helping to preserve the standards and values that define our program.”
With the departure of last season’s senior class, the Spartans welcome a wave of new talent to the roster. With seven first-years and 12 underclassmen overall, CWRU enters the season with a young but talented squad. While a young roster may be viewed as a disadvantage, Goodpaster remains confident in her team, particularly in the younger players stepping into new roles this season.
“Our new players carry a lot of confidence, and I have no doubts that they will perform in competition just as they have been in preseason,” Goodpaster said. “Their competitiveness has brought renewed energy to the team and, because of that, I expect that we will positively compete with each other to grow the team’s potential as a whole. Even though we are a young, underclassmen-heavy team now, I think we will carry ourselves like a veteran team, and we feel ready to go.”
As the 2026 season gets underway, Yanni hopes to make the most of her final season as a Spartan, embracing every moment and leaving a lasting impact on the program.
“As a senior, I am mainly hoping to have a fun season with my team,” Yanni said. “I have been lucky to be a part of a process that has strengthened and improved the team culture. I am hoping to continue to strengthen our bonds, which in turn can lead us to game success.”
Goodpaster shares those same sentiments, looking forward to spending her final season alongside her teammates and seeing what they can accomplish together.
“I am super excited going into this season,” Goodpaster said. “The biggest reason is seeing how much our team has already grown throughout preseason. We connected so quickly, both on and off the court, and it’s exciting to see that chemistry translate into how we play. I think we will have a strong start and accomplish a lot this season.”