The 2026 Saint Michael's College women's volleyball team, under fourth-year coach Lauren Brough, is poised to build on recent successes after qualifying for the Northeast 10 Conference Championship for the past three years. Key players include senior Grace Almeida, the team captain, who led with 132 kills and earned NE10 All-Conference honors, and sophomore Rory Tower, recognized as part of the best blocking duo in the DII East Region. With 14 returning veterans and promising newcomers, the squad aims to improve on a strong fifth-place conference finish last season.

By the Numbers
  • 12 NE10 matches won in the last three years, the best performance since the mid-1990s.
  • 286 total blocks last season, its highest since 2011, with a regional ranking of 4th in blocks per set at 2.1.
State of Play
  • Team has 14 veterans returning and adds sophomore transfer Tessa LaFrenier from a strong Adelphi squad.
  • Home opener is on Aug. 29 against Felician University and Assumption University, with the NE10 opener on Oct. 3.
What's Next

The team looks forward to an exciting season beginning on Aug. 27, with a focus on qualifying for postseason play, starting with the NE10 Championship on Nov. 10.

Bottom Line

Saint Michael's College women's volleyball is poised for a season of growth and competitive spirit, building on prior achievements and a deep roster. Success will hinge on leveraging the talents of seasoned players like Almeida and Tower to achieve even greater results.