Nebraska Kearney head volleyball coach Rick Squiers today announced the addition of three transfers and four high school seniors to the Lopers 2026 roster.
The transfers are outside hitter Grace Schmedding (Fort Hays State), setter Callie Squiers (Iowa Western C.C.), and middle Sophia Thompson (Wichita State). Each will take part in winter and spring workouts with both Schmedding and Squiers having two years of eligibility remaining and Thompson four.
Next, joining the program this fall are outside hitter/defensive specialist Taryn Arbuthnot (Sumner-Eddyville-Miller), defensive specialist/libero Mia Brenner (Kansas City, Mo.), setter Ellie Eckman (Lincoln Southwest), and outside hitter Madeline Lamb (Omaha Westside).
Among those departing the 2025 roster are All-American setter Peyton Neff, All-American outside Emilee Lane, All-MIAA middle Abby Rose and DS Aleena Peterson.
“The future of Loper volleyball continues to look bright. We have addressed some important needs and assembled a roster we feel very optimistic about going forward,” said Loper head coach Rick Squiers. “I am also really encouraged to have our transfers on campus for spring volleyball.”
UNK is currently going through winter workouts with spring ball slated to begin in March. The Lopers are coming off a 30-4 season, a MIAA Tournament title, a piece of the MIAA regular season title, a 26th consecutive NCAA Tourney appearance and a final national ranking of seventh.
