The Francis Marion University volleyball program is set to commence its 2026 season this Friday, August 28, with a match against Valdosta State University. The opening game will take place at 2 p.m. in Hartsville as part of the Coker Cobra Classic.
The Patriots have a 26-match schedule planned for the fall, which includes two in-season tournaments and 11 home contests at the Smith University Center. The team’s home opener is scheduled for September 11 at 6 p.m. against Young Harris College.
Admission to games at the Smith University Center is $10 for adults and $5 for students. Francis Marion University faculty, staff, and students, along with children under five, receive free admission with identification.
Following the three-match tournament at Coker, the Patriots will travel to the Sunshine State for the Tampa Volleyball Classic, where they are slated to compete in four matches. The subsequent week, Conference Carolinas play will begin with a road match at Erskine College at 6:30 p.m.
Under the guidance of 10th-year head coach Lauren Baufield-Edwards, Francis Marion returns 10 players from last season’s 21-10 squad, which secured the Conference Carolinas East Division title. Seven of these returning players saw significant playing time. The Patriots were ranked second in the recently released Conference Carolinas Women’s Volleyball Coaches’ Preseason Poll for 2026.
Leading the returning athletes is senior outside hitter Madilyn Gartner, who was named the reigning Conference Carolinas Player of the Year. Gartner received an American Volleyball Coaches Association All-America Team honorable mention and ranked 15th in NCAA Division II with 488 total kills in 2025. She also contributed 219 digs, 68 blocks, and 16 aces. Gartner was also recognized as an Academic All-American and the league’s Scholar-Athlete of the Year.
Sophomore setter Aubrey Johnson is also among the key returners, having led the team with 780 assists in her freshman season, alongside 200 digs. The Patriots are confident in their serve receive, with the return of senior trio Alliso Miller (360 digs), Kayla Clayworth (347 digs), and McKenna Wiseman (281 digs). Graduate student middle blocker Vanessa Blake is expected to enhance her role at the net and provide impactful plays.
Coach Baufield-Edwards noted Gartner’s consistency and leadership, stating she performs the same way every day. She also praised Johnson’s summer work, highlighting her improved confidence and ball delivery, which energizes her teammates. Baufield-Edwards also mentioned Blake’s significant improvement and her blocking ability to create momentum in matches.
The 2026 roster includes seven newcomers: one transfer, 5-10 outside hitter Haleigh Kamech, and six freshmen. The freshmen class consists of 5-7 defensive specialist/libero Alyssa Whiteside, 5-9 outside hitter Marlee Beckwith, 5-7 setter/defensive specialist Gwen Stein, 5-11 outside hitter Gabby Humbles, 5-11 middle blocker Jaeda James, and 5-11 setter Ella Morstad.
The 2026 Conference Carolinas Women’s Volleyball Championship is scheduled to begin with preliminary rounds on November 6 or 7, followed by quarterfinals on November 10 or 11, both held at campus sites. The semifinals and final will take place on November 14-15 at Lumbee Guaranty Bank Court in Pembroke, North Carolina.
