As the new collegiate season approaches, the Iowa Hawkeyes women’s volleyball team is gearing up for action. Featuring a revamped roster that blends physical domestic talent with targeted international recruits, the Hawkeyes head into the 2026 campaign with clear ambitions.
Head coach Jim Barnes emphasizes that the team is on a distinct mission to make a national impact, stating at the Big Ten Volleyball Media Day: “We are making steps forward in Iowa, turning it into a volleyball school... We came to make people talk about volleyball, and we've got a great group of players.”
To maintain structural stability, the core of the team remains intact as 13 players from the 2025 squad make their return to Iowa City. The defensive back row is anchored by liberos Allison Berent (#0), Jaimie Marquardt (#13), Emily Lavin (#16), and Greta Schlichter (#17). The offense will be directed by setters Jenna Meitzler (#11) and the versatile hitters who can deploy across the net. 
This includes outside hitters Hallie Steponaitis (#6), Gabby Deery (#9), Carmel Vares (#15), Marichka Hoshalyk (#21), and Rosa Vesty (#22). At the net, middle blockers Peyton Young (#1) and Makena Rumple (#10), along with Hannah Whittingstall (#12), return to provide height and experience in blocking and central attacks.
These returning veterans are joined by a select group of new arrivals: libero Henlee Moszkowicz (#2), setter Nikolija Bulatovic (#7), middle blocker Liv Mogridge (#19) coming from Georgia Tech, and outside hitter Ksenija Tomic (#23) coming from Oregon. 
These fresh faces come to reinforce and elevate a roster that successfully secured 15 victories last season, bringing the depth needed to compete at the highest level of collegiate volleyball.
While Iowa enters the season with a well-balanced roster and solid on-court assets, their path forward will be highly demanding. The Big Ten Conference remains the most physical and ultra-competitive league in NCAA women’s volleyball. 
The Hawkeyes will have to battle national powerhouses like Nebraska, Wisconsin, and Penn State week in and week out. To turn their ambitions into breakthrough victories, Iowa must maintain high consistency and showcase a completely unified team effort.
Photos: Iowa Hawkeyes