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FHSU Volleyball: Why The 2026 Season Hinges On The New Head Coach Search

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The Fort Hays State University (FHSU) Volleyball program is currently navigating one of its most pivotal offseasons in recent memory. As of today, December 24, 2025, the team has just wrapped up a competitive 16-13 overall season but is now focused squarely on a major coaching transition and integrating a talented group of new recruits.

The Tigers’ 2025 campaign, which included a strong 10-7 home record, showed flashes of MIAA (Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association) competitiveness, culminating in a postseason appearance. The immediate future, however, is defined by the search for a new leader who will guide the FHSU Tigers into the 2026 season and build upon the foundation of recent academic and athletic successes.

The State of the Program: 2025 Season Review and Coaching Transition

The 2025 season for Fort Hays State Volleyball was a journey of ups and downs, ultimately finishing with a respectable 16-13 overall record, though the team struggled to gain ground in the highly competitive MIAA conference, posting a 5-11 league record.

The Tigers secured a spot in the postseason tournament, facing off against formidable opponents like third-ranked Nebraska-Kearney in a testament to the program's fighting spirit. Key matchups throughout the season against conference rivals such as Washburn and Emporia State provided crucial experience for the returning core of players.

Coaching Change: A New Era "To Be Announced"

The biggest news impacting the 2026 outlook is the departure of Head Coach Jessica Wood-Atkins. On December 1, 2025, FHSU Athletics announced that Wood-Atkins, who had been the program’s eighth head coach since 2018, would not be returning for the next season.

This decision immediately launched the search for the ninth head coach in FHSU Volleyball history. The official athletics page currently lists the Head Volleyball Coach position as "To Be Announced," making the hiring process the single most important factor for the program’s direction in 2026. The new coach will inherit a program with strong administrative support and a foundation built on academic excellence, but will face the immediate challenge of navigating the MIAA without a familiar leader.

Player Spotlight: Academic Excellence and Statistical Leaders

While the team’s overall record was solid, the FHSU Tigers truly excelled in the classroom, demonstrating the NCAA Division II commitment to the student-athlete model. This dedication to both academics and athletics provides a strong cultural foundation for the incoming coach.

The CSC Academic All-District Trio

A major highlight of the 2025 season was the recognition of three key players who earned College Sports Communicators (CSC) Academic All-District honors.

  • Kirsten Evans: A standout player and academic leader, Evans earned this prestigious honor for the second time in her career, signifying sustained excellence in both competition and coursework.
  • Carsyn Cormaney: A vital Middle Blocker on the court, Cormaney also secured the Academic All-District nod, proving her dedication as a top-tier student-athlete.
  • Peyton Bergschneider: The third member of the trio, Bergschneider's inclusion underscores the team's widespread commitment to academic rigor.

Key On-Court Entities and Performance

The 2025 season saw several players emerge as statistical leaders, driving the team's offensive and defensive efforts. The next head coach will rely heavily on these experienced players to lead the transition.

  • Nyia Anderson: A major offensive weapon, Anderson was consistently listed among the kill leaders in late-season matchups, providing significant firepower from the outside.
  • Boglarka Rady: Another key attacker whose performance was crucial in MIAA play, Rady’s ability to terminate rallies will be vital for the 2026 campaign.
  • Sydney Fiatte: Contributing heavily to the team's attack, Fiatte rounded out the core group of hitters who carried the offensive load against tough opponents like Emporia State and Pittsburg State.
  • Abrey Galt: Listed on the 2026 Spring Roster as a Setter, Galt is expected to be a central figure in distributing the offense and running the Tiger system.
  • Ella Goodwin: As a Rightside Hitter on the 2026 Spring Roster, Goodwin will be key in providing a balanced attack and defensive presence at the net.

The Future: 2026 Recruiting Class and Program Trajectory

Despite the coaching uncertainty, the Fort Hays State Volleyball program has successfully secured a promising foundation for the future through its recent recruiting efforts. The incoming talent, combined with the returning core, suggests a high ceiling for the 2026 season under new leadership.

The 2025 Signing Class: New Entities to Watch

Coach Wood-Atkins announced a five-person signing class that is set to join the FHSU Tigers, adding depth and new potential to the roster. This group represents the next wave of talent for the program:

  • Peyton Bergschneider (already recognized with CSC Academic Honors)
  • Lauren Clawson
  • Kaitlyn Cure
  • Annie Eaton
  • Kara Feist

These new entities, including outside hitters, defensive specialists, and setters, will be crucial in bolstering the Tigers' roster depth and providing a competitive atmosphere in practice and MIAA matches. Their development will be a key project for the incoming head coach.

MIAA and NCAA Division II Context

Fort Hays State competes in the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association (MIAA), widely regarded as one of the most challenging conferences in NCAA Division II volleyball. The MIAA features perennial national contenders, meaning the Tigers face a demanding schedule every year. The team's 16-13 record and postseason berth in 2025 demonstrates the program's ability to compete at a high level, especially with a 10-7 record at home in Hays, Kansas. The challenge for the new coach will be to convert those competitive results into more consistent conference wins and deeper runs in the MIAA Tournament.

The next head coach will need to be a proven recruiter and a tactical mind capable of navigating the high-stakes environment of the MIAA. The decision made by FHSU Athletics in the coming weeks will undoubtedly set the tone for the 2026 season and beyond, determining the trajectory of Fort Hays State Volleyball as they aim to climb the ranks of NCAA Division II. The search is on, and the Fort Hays State community is waiting eagerly for the announcement of the leader who will guide the Tigers into their next chapter.

FHSU Volleyball: Why The 2026 Season Hinges On The New Head Coach Search
fort hays state volleyball
fort hays state volleyball

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