The Western Carolina Catamounts’ 2026 volleyball season preview focuses on their setters, led by rising senior Katie Boney. Boney, a standout player, achieved over 1,000 assists last season, earning the Southern Conference Setter of the Year award, and is on track to reach 2,000 career assists. She is joined by sophomore Danielle Wheat, who returns after a year of growth, and freshman Leilani Ramos, known for her impressive prep performance. The team is gearing up for their upcoming matches, starting with an exhibition against Anderson University.

By the Numbers
  • Katie Boney recorded 1,066 assists in 2025, ranking among the national leaders.
  • Boney achieved a SoCon-best average of 10.25 assists per set.
State of Play
  • WCU’s preseason practice is in full swing, leading up to their exhibition match on Aug. 21.
  • The season opener is set against Butler at Clemson’s Big Orange Bash on Aug. 28.
  • 11 of the first 13 matches will be away games, challenging the team early on.
What's Next

The Catamounts are expected to lean heavily on Boney’s experience as they face a tough early schedule. The performance of the younger setters, Wheat and Ramos, will be critical in supporting the team’s overall strategy this season. As Boney nears her 2,000-assist milestone, her leadership will be essential in navigating tough matchups.

Bottom Line

The success of the Catamount volleyball team in 2026 will hinge on the effectiveness of their setters. Katie Boney’s pursuit of personal and program records, alongside the development of Wheat and Ramos, presents an exciting dynamic. The coming season holds promise, but strong performances in the challenging early matches will be key.