Lamar University has added 6-foot-1 middle blocker Saida Maksoud to its volleyball roster ahead of the 2026 season. The team will kick off the season with a home exhibition against Houston Christian on August 15, followed by matches at the Wildcat Classic on August 28. Maksoud joins a recruiting class that now includes six freshmen and four transfers, strengthening the team's depth. Under head coach Ariel Apolinario, the Cardinals aim to build on their recent success, having achieved back-to-back winning seasons for the first time since 2008-2009.

By the Numbers
  • Lamar posted a 17-15 overall record and a 10-6 conference performance in 2025.
  • The current recruiting class features 10 new players: six freshmen and four transfers.
State of Play
  • Lamar's regular season will officially begin on the road in Abilene at the Wildcat Classic.
  • The Cardinals' home opener will take place on September 18-19 during the Lamar Invitational.
What's Next

As the season approaches, the team will focus on integrating Maksoud into their strategy and building on the momentum from last season. Expectations are high for this diverse class to make a significant impact on the team’s performance.

Bottom Line

The addition of Saida Maksoud signals a promising future for Lamar volleyball, with strong potential for growth and success under coach Apolinario's leadership. The team's commitment to enhancing its roster could lead to further achievements in upcoming seasons.