Most Quotable from Big Ten Volleyball Media Day
Each volleyball team’s top notes coming into the 2026 season
The 2026 Big Ten Volleyball Media Day has wrapped, and teams are preparing to compete in “the toughest conference in the country.” Every coach, player, and fan knows that each match will be an absolute “dogfight”. But the programs are hungry, competitive, and ready to take on the quest for the regular season, tournament, and national titles.
We pulled the top quotes from each school as they gear up for the fall. Here’s what stood out from Monday’s media day.
In alphabetical order...
Illinois Prepped for Close Contests
“We had a lot of tough battles last year, and we’re looking forward to turning those battles around in the right way. I think we addressed some things amongst the team, and we’re able to get a few players on the roster... and we look forward to competing in the toughest conference in the country.”–Head coach Chris Tamas
“It eats at my soul when we’re that close. But you’re going to be in those battles a lot, and to have that experience and have these players return that have that experience that have been through it and understand that every single game [demands] your best is a big deal. So having one more year from them, adding the pieces that we added this year, I’m just really excited to be a part of it.” –Tamas, on turning tight loses into wins this season
“We had a lot of newcomers and people that had never played in the Big Ten, myself included. I think figuring each other out throughout the season and getting to work with them all spring has been awesome... Makes my life easy that there’s so many good attackers on our roster, so it’s fun.” –Kenna Phelan
Indiana Focuses Forward Following Historic 2025
“You get some kids who are tough and play hard, and you have a little bit of success, and the community and the volleyball community gets excited, and then you’re able to recruit on that, and the team has more success... We’ve got some traction. The recruiting classes over the next few years are exceptional, and I just think the pinwheel is starting to spin.” –Head coach Steve Aird, on building upon last year’s success
“The windshield is way bigger than the rearview mirror. I don’t spend a lot of time thinking about last year either. It’s about what’s next and what’s going to happen... I think everyone in the organization is more hungry.” –Aird, on moving forward after the Hoosiers’ historic 2025 season
“Our team loves playing in big arenas. And I think we’re excited to go back there for the Big Ten Tournament and hopefully have a little bit of a home court advantage with some of our Bloomington fans coming along.” –Sade Ilawole, on playing at Fishers Event Center for the first-ever Big Ten Volleyball Tournament
Iowa Climbing and Committed
“It’s such a talented league, and everybody around us is so dang good, and that’s what we aspire to. We wake up every day a little earlier, go a little harder to get to that level... There’s a lot of eyes on it, but ultimately, it’s how committed you are.” –Head coach Jim Barnes, on competing in the Big Ten
“[Jim’s] optimism is so infectious, and it’s really refreshing to have a smile when we walk into the gym... It’s good to be able to look at my coach and know that he just wants the best for me and every single one of my teammates.” –Liv Mogridge
“We drew it up like a ladder. The ladder started in January, and it ends in December. How do we climb it? How far can we climb up it? I know I got the right people to help us get as high as we can go.” –Barnes
Get every quote from the Hawkeyes .
Maryland Reloaded and Ready
“We went into the off season and just kind of hit it... A lot of good conversations about where we were. Huge change in staff, big change in roster, and in a lot of ways, I think one of the things this group did a really good job of was integrating the freshman... I think we did a really good job of stabilizing things and trying to let go of the past... We’re trying to create a new chapter.” –Head coach Adam Hughes, on preparation for the 2026 season
“Our practices have been extremely competitive. It’s so hard to score because everyone’s going all out. Everyone’s working their butts off to get every ball.” –Sydney Bryant
“We are really setting a standard for how we want to play and what’s acceptable in our gym and how we’re going to continue to push ourselves to grow... You have to be tough at times because we’re all connected... our competition and our skills just get better through keeping each other accountable and having those competitive practices.” –Annika Sokol
More from Maryland’s media day .
Michigan’s Energy High Heading into 2026
“Our team has always had a lot of energy, a lot of competitive drive, a very gritty team, and I think you’re just going to continue to see more of that... you’re going to see a lot of [our] key values still showing very strong this year.” –Sydney Schnichels, on the 2026 team
“[The coaches] just bring such great encouragement and feedback to the gym... They give us just enough so that we can work on things, but not think about it too much. I think they do a great job in the way that they coach us, and I think that’s showing through with the improvement in the program over the last couple years.” –Schnichels
“I’m seeing a higher level of play as a team in defense than I did a year ago, and then the same in passing. We’re taking leaps there." –Head coach Erin Virtue
More updates from the Wolverines .
Michigan State’s People-First and Powerful
“We talk a lot about wanting to be a winning program, but we can’t do that without our people... The people [coach] has brought into this program are so special. Yes, they raise the level of volleyball, but they also raise the level of our program as a whole and our Spartan family.” –Ky Clayton, on the growth of MSU under head coach Kristen Kelsay
“We’re so excited for an opportunity to compete in the Big Ten Tournament... The Big Ten is the most elite conference in college volleyball. Now to have this platform where we get to put all of these teams, 15 Big Ten teams in one place, from an attendance standpoint, from a quality of play standpoint, from national television, right? The country is ready for a Big Ten Tournament, and so are we.” –Kelsay
See the Spartans’ full recap .
Minnesota’s Ready for Gauntlet Schedule
“By design, [the schedule] starts with two exhibitions... and then jumps into five pretty intense matches to start the season. It was time. The team was ready to get back to a place where our schedule looks like that. Last year’s schedule was about playing winning programs across all conferences, but I thought this group was going to be the group that brought us back to a place where we’re playing top 10 teams and putting ourselves in a position to get a top eight or top four seed in the tournament, and make sure that we’re playing in front of the Gopher fans as much as possible. I think it says that I was ready. I believe in this group to take on that challenge.” –Head coach Keegan Cook, on the competitiveness of the Gophers’ schedule
“Seeing how much volleyball has grown... Teams are playing in MLB stadiums... and fans keep showing out, and viewership numbers are going up drastically... It’s awesome to be a part of it.” –Mckenna Wucherer, on Big Ten Volleyball Media Day and the growth of the sport
Watch the Gophers’ full highlights .
Nebraska Chasing Four Straight and More
“The pressure is definitely there, but we’ve earned the right to be in that position. We’ve worked really hard these last three seasons, and we know what it takes to win a Big Ten Championship. It’s not easy. It’s a really tough volleyball conference, and every game is going to be a dogfight... We know that we have a target on our back, and a lot of people want to beat Nebraska... We won the last three [Big Ten Championships]... our goal is to go four for four.” –Andi Jackson, on the Huskers having a target on their back
“We have to continue to work to combat getting complacent and letting that pressure hurt us... We love volleyball. I want players that love the game so that it doesn’t matter if you’re playing in front of zero people or 92,000. I want us to play with the same type of joy, and I’m going to come into the gym every day in a consistent manner where they can feel that." –Head coach Dani Busboom Kelly
“When you take a step back and really see the impact that we have on the sport and on women’s sports in general and on so many young girls, it’s all worth it... We’re doing this for all of those little girls, for all the people across Nebraska, across the nation, and now across the world that are watching us.” –Bergen Reilly, on being ambassadors for the sport
All the Huskers’ updates here .
Northwestern: Competitiveness and Culture
“Competitiveness is a really big piece of the puzzle for us. Then what type of teammate are you? Are you making the person next to you better? One of [Drew Wright and Gigi Navarrete’s] great superpowers is that they make the person next to them on the court better.” –Head coach Tim Nollan, on team culture and leadership
“We really rely on each other, and we support each other. We know it’s going to get hard and chaotic, but we also know we can always fall back on each other. I also think Northwestern does a really good job at giving us the resources and support that we need to succeed, and we are very grateful for all the support we get.” –Drew Wright, on facing the rigors of season
Ohio State on the Way Up
“The only way we know how is to attack it... It’s about creating a culture that’s gritty, that’s competitive, that is putting the team first. And we have the athletes and people that are willing to do that right now. I’m rejuvenated. I’m excited.” –Head coach Jen Flynn Oldenburg, on getting Ohio State back to where it wants to be
"Everyone’s competing really hard, and it just speaks for itself. We all just have that competitive mindset. Honestly, all the new people, all the new faces, I don’t doubt that there’s one day they’re not going to compete. They show up and give their 100% effort.” –Hannah Jones
Oregon’s Strong and “Hungry”
“The biggest thing that we were missing last year was spring and the value of an entire spring training block and six months with our strength coach... The physical development side was such a huge focus for us going into our winter and spring quarter last year. We’re lucky enough to have one of the legends in the industry in Coach Radcliffe.” –Head coach Trent Kersten, on what’s changed for this year’s squad.
“It’s a monster. It’s a challenge every single night. It’s what we all signed up for, and that’s what makes it beautiful as well... It’s really exciting. Every game’s a new challenge.” –Kersten, on what he learned his first year coaching in the Big Ten
“This season, when I come into the gym, I’m hungry to go after it.” –Alanah Clemente
See the latest Ducks coverage .
Penn State Reinforcing Its Standard
“We have a team of young women who want to be great in the sport, but also after volleyball and in life... I’m proud of what they’re doing and how they support each other, no matter how different we are.” –Head coach Katie Schumacher-Cawley, on her roster
“Obviously every single season is different. It’s new pieces, but it’s always the same standard in the gym at Penn State. It’s just about working hard and working for the girl next to you, and that’s one thing we pride ourselves on, and that’s the standard the moment you step in.” –Caroline Jurevicius, on the 2026 team
“The gym’s been super fun this summer. It’s super fiery, super competitive, and it’s also really great because we can get after each other in the gym, but we’ve also done a lot of work off the court in building relationships with each other so that we can come back to the court even stronger.” –Kennedy Martin
Purdue’s Squad “Considerably Better” in 2026
“I really love our team. It’s as athletic of a team as we’ve had. We may not have one individual that stands beyond everybody else... but we have a lot of really, really talented athletes. And as far as character and work ethic and toughness and unselfishness, we’re hitting home runs... I think we’re going to be considerably better than a year ago.” –Head coach Dave Shondell
“Volleyball is the ultimate sport of cohesion. It’s a team game. And if you’re not on the same page, then you’re not going to have any kind of success in this league.” –Shondell
“I would say that volleyball has definitely arrived... the trajectory is unlike anything I ever thought I would be able to see in my lifetime.” –Shondell, on the state of the sport
Check out the Boilers’ latest news .
Rutgers Playing with “No Fear”
“There’s no fear. I think we played with a lot of fear in the beginning... Lily [Bolen] has really elevated what it means to be a Big Ten competitor. That there is no fear... Lily and Aspen [Maxwell] have had the mindset that we will be better and we will improve year over year.” –Head coach Caitlin Schweihofer, on how her leaders have influenced the team’s growth
“We talk about [the Big Ten Tournament] in the gym almost every single day. So it’s definitely something that’s helped us set a lot of standards and added motivation.” –Bolen
“There’s no question that we’ve grown this program into a true Big Ten volleyball program, and it’s something that I’m really proud of. It’s at a point where I feel like it’s incredibly sustainable.” –Schweihofer, on Rutgers’ strong foundation
Watch Rutgers’ full highlights .
UCLA and Its New Headman
"It’s weird to say that UCLA women’s volleyball has been around for so long, but I’m only the fourth head coach. It makes you think. It makes me very humbled by the responsibility that comes with representing UCLA.” –Head coach Matt Werle, on his first year leading the Bruins
“[The coaches are] bringing a lot of good, consistent energy for us, and that really means a lot to the team because when we’re in difficult moments, that’s the energy that we need... What we want to do is [take it] day by day, one at a time. We’re not trying to do something that we don’t have control over. I think having that consistent energy from the staff means a lot.” –Maggie Li
Access the Bruins’ media day features .
USC Only Concerned with Competing
“Having a competitive preseason is what’s going to be best for our team. We’re ready for it, we’re ready to compete. We’re a really competitive group... We know the challenges that are coming for us, and we’re ready for them.” –Mia Tvrdy, on the Trojans’ tough preseason opponents
“I don’t care. We’ll compete.” –Head coach Brad Keller, on being picked seventh in the Big Ten Coaches' Poll
“I want to give props to Brad because I feel like he really helps us. He doesn’t restrict us from being ourselves. He really lets our personality and our goofy side come out... But practices, we know when it needs to be serious and when we need to turn it on.” –Tvrdy, on team culture
Washington Looking Forward
“We don’t make excuses, and we don’t spend much time looking backwards. Instead, we’ve taken the lessons from those seasons and used them to help shape where we’re going... Our focus has been on developing the daily habits that championship teams are built on.” –Head coach Leslie Gabriel, on bouncing back from last season
“We challenged our players to be intentional with their nutrition, recovery, sleep, strength training, and conditioning. I’m proud of the way they’ve embraced those challenges and reached the goals that they set for themselves, putting themselves in a position to begin this season healthy, strong, and prepared.” –Gabriel, on preparation for 2026
Get the Huskies' newest updates here .
Wisconsin’s Leaders Guiding Newcomers
“If you’re a competitive junkie, there’s no better place to be than the Big Ten Conference in volleyball... I’m not sure there is anything that I heard from [the other coaches] that got me more revved up than that.” –Head coach Kelly Sheffield
“You want people that want to get in the gym and compete with each other... You like the players that are hungry... They’re competing. They’re getting after it. They’re asking questions. They’re leaning into the learning. I think it’s going to be a group that Badger fans or people that just love volleyball are really going to enjoy watching.” –Sheffield
“[I'm trying to be] a ‘come with me’ teammate, and kind of be that bridge [between] the younger athletes... and what our standard is here at Wisconsin.” –Charlie Fuerbringer, on her leadership
“They have to be a sponge... and they just want to learn more.” –Grace Egan, on the newcomers
Check out Wisconsin’s full recap .
First Serve Up Next
College volleyball starts again at the end of August, kicking off a season full of epic matchups, including:
- The AVCA First Serve, featuring 10 of the nation’s top collegiate volleyball teams
- Spikes Under the Lights, where AT&T Stadium—home of the Dallas Cowboys—will host four iconic teams
- The first volleyball match ever played at Wrigley Field, capping off the Big Ten/SEC Volleyball Challenge
- The inaugural Big Ten Volleyball Tournament, a single-elimination contest with the conference’s top 15 teams that will usher in a new era of college volleyball
Based on media day, the coaches and players are ready. Mark your calendars and make sure you are too.