Ohio kicked off its 2026 campaign Aug. 8 as it traveled to Lexington, Kentucky, to take on the third-ranked Kentucky Wildcats in a scrimmage. It was a tough early test for the Bobcats, but regardless of that match’s result, there is a lot to be excited about for Ohio Volleyball this season.
The Bobcats finished last season with a disappointing 14-17 overall record, but an inspiring 12-6 record in Mid-American Conference play helped them earn the third seed in the conference’s tournament. Although they were taken down by Bowling Green in four sets in the tournament’s opening round, the 2025 season laid the groundwork for a potential leap in 2026.
After being elevated from interim to permanent head coach just before last season’s MAC Tournament in November, Coach Kenzie Brinkman looks to build on last year’s positives in her first season with the permanent tag. Headlined by a bright list of returning contributors, Brinkman has fielded what looks to be a very competitive roster heading into 2026.
Last season’s MAC Freshman of the Year and All-MAC First Team honoree, middle blocker Bailey Blair, is back for what should be a standout sophomore year. As a freshman, she led the team with 360 kills and also tallied 51 total blocks. Returning to join Blair is senior middle blocker Emily Waddell, another 2025 All-MAC First Team member. Waddell laid down 250 kills last season alongside a monstrous 106 blocks.
Outside hitter Gentry Brown, who racked up the team’s third most total points last season, is also returning for her senior season. A star on both sides of the ball, Brown racked up 260 kills and 248 digs in 2025. Another big-time spiker, opposite hitter Torre Kildow, is also back for her senior year after racking up 242 kills last season.
Even further, a good core of last season’s production from all over the court will be returning. Two of the team’s top three in assists last season, setter Bryn Janke and defensive specialist/libero Kendall Hickey, are back to set the table for the likes of Blair and Brown. Hickey lived up to the specialist title in 2025, as she led the team in digs with 335.
Between a crew of experienced returners, newcomers and even some unproven returners ready to step up, the Bobcats head into this season with intriguing potential to make a further run into late November and potentially December this season.
High-major opponents will highlight the Bobcats’ non-conference slate this season, as opposed to the four they took on last fall. Butler, Stanford and Penn State will be the team’s toughest draws. However, considering the fact that a handful of returners got a taste of high-major competition last season, the Bobcats project to be much more competitive in these looming matchups.
As for the all-important MAC schedule, a team full of returners that was able to put together a 12-6 conference record last season looks primed to improve that win total. With several players ready to make leaps and build on last season’s in-conference success, the Bobcats should stay highly competitive and possess the talent to make a jump up from the third seed in the MAC Tournament come year’s end.
No matter the results, a tough non-conference schedule will prepare this team and have it in prime position to be at the top of its game come conference play in late September. Regardless of who is put in front of them, the Bobcats have a talented core of experienced players who will only improve as they head into whatever the 2026 season throws at them. This fall should be an exciting one for volleyball in Athens.
