The University of West Alabama volleyball team has named junior transfer Ola Winiarek and incoming freshman Charlotte Kerscher to the 2026 Gulf South Conference Newcomers Watchlist. Winiarek comes from Central Arizona College, where she helped her team win a regional championship. Kerscher, hailing from Straubing, Germany, is recognized for her accomplishments as a libero and has extensive championship experience. Both players are expected to make an immediate impact in their new roles with the Tigers as they approach the 2026 season.

By the Numbers
  • Winiarek earned MVP honors at the Polish Junior Championship in both 2022 and 2023.
  • Kerscher was named MVP of the Bavarian Championship in 2022 and 2023.
State of Play
  • Winiarek has joined the Tigers with a strong background in championship play, including a regional title in college.
  • Kerscher's accolades include seven German Championships and significant success in the Bavarian circuit.
What's Next

As they prepare for the 2026 season, both Winiarek and Kerscher will look to leverage their championship backgrounds to enhance the team’s performance in the Gulf South Conference.

Bottom Line

With the addition of Winiarek and Kerscher, the Tigers are poised to strengthen their competitive edge in the upcoming season, benefiting from the proven track records of their new players.