CANTON, Ohio - The Malone University volleyball team and first-year head coach Lauren Allaway have announced the incoming class of Pioneers before the 2026 season. There are six incoming freshmen who will be apart of the program for the upcoming year.
 
Alaina Auer is an outside hitter and defensive specialist from Lisbon, Ohio and Crestview High School. "I am so thrilled to welcome Alaina into the Malone volleyball family," Coach Allaway said. "Alaina is a great athlete from an athletic family. She brings a lot of dynamic energy and power into an already competitive pin hitting position on our team. Alaina is resilient both as an athlete and an individual, as she has made her way back from injury in recent times and is competitive in leading her team on the court. I'm looking forward to seeing how she will continue to thrive on and off the court during her time at Malone."
 
Ella Kresak comes to Malone from Galena, Ohio and Olentangy Berlin High School where she competed as a defensive specialist and libero. Coach Allaway had this to say about Kresak, "When meeting Ella, I knew that she would be an awesome addition to our team. Ella contains lots of joy for the game of volleyball and those around her. Her platform skills and reading abilities on defense and serve receive allow her to compete at a high level, while celebrating her teammates well. She has a heart to serve others, and is driven to make not only herself better, but her team. She is looking forward to growing in her faith, studies and volleyball over the next few years while at Malone."
 
Adidason Spivey is a middle hitter and blocker from Mineral City, Ohio and Tuscarawas Valley High School. "I am so happy to be adding Adidason to the 2026 Malone volleyball roster," Coach Allaway mentioned. "Adda" has developed many skillsets to being a successful middle blocker at a high level, and still has lots of room for potential growth. She brings great lateral speed in her defensive game along the net as well as being able to work different shots offensively. She is eager to grow in her faith and get involved in the community at Malone University. I am excited to see Adda grow into all that God has for her during her time on and off the court over the next few years."
 
Meryn Stacy joins the squad from Norton, Ohio and Copley High School. She is highly versatile as an outside hitter, opposite and defensive specialist. "Adding Meryn to our 2026 roster was the right decision - she is a competitor and dedicated athlete!" Coach Allaway beamed. "She is able to hit many different shots from both pins and is such an aggressive player on both the front and back parts of the court. I have greatly enjoyed getting to know Meryn over the last few weeks. Meryn has such a servant's heart as she has been working at different youth camps and serves on her worship team at church. I'm positive that she will continue to serve our team well as she not only interacts with members on our team, but uses her talents and skillsets on the court to push our team to play at a high level."
 
Kelsey Williams is a Pioneer after a successful career as a setter, defensive specialist and opposite from Aurora, Ohio and Twinsburg High School. "Kelsey is such a joy to be around," Coach Allaway pointed out. "She radiates a love for others and a love for the sport of volleyball. As a setter, she will be working on connecting with our hitters and running a fast, yet smooth, offense. Kelsey already brings a high volleyball IQ for the game and will push all players on offense and defense in their understanding of the game. Getting to know Kelsey over the last few weeks has been so wonderful, and I know that she has a bright future ahead with our team and beyond."
 
Cara Wolf rounds out the 2026 incoming class as a defensive specialist and libero from Ada, Michigan and Central Catholic High School. Coach Allaway had this to say about Wolf, "I am so thrilled to have Cara be a part of our Malone volleyball family. Cara is a competitive defensive player who moves quickly and well on the court, especially in her transitions. She's scrappy as a defender, which makes those around her better. Cara is eager to play volleyball at a high level and grow her love for the game, while building strong relationships with her teammates. I am thankful that God led her to Malone, and I am excited to see her thrive in all areas during her time as a Pioneer."