Bethune-Cookman University Women’s Volleyball will open the 2026 season with three matches at the Pirate Invitational in Greenville, North Carolina. Hosted by East Carolina, the event will take place at Williams Arena at Minges Coliseum and feature the Bethune-Cookman Wildcats against Hampton, East Carolina and Radford.
Bethune-Cookman was picked to finish sixth in the Southwestern Athletic Conference preseason poll. The Wildcats finished fourth in the SWAC last season for the second consecutive year and set a program record with nine consecutive wins during the campaign.
Kaleigh Williams highlights Bethune-Cookman
Sophomore Kaleigh Williams was named to the All-SWAC First Team and selected as the SWAC Preseason Blocker of the Year. Williams recorded 123.0 total blocks, including 105 block assists, and averaged 1.14 blocks per set last season. She also totaled 134 kills, 59 digs and 32 service aces.
Bethune-Cookman returns Taylor Ellis, Sienna Lawrence, Gianna Mora and Nola Hemphill from last season’s team. Transfer Alaya Rhodes also joins the Wildcats after being named the 2025 SWAC Freshman of the Year during her season at Mississippi Valley State.
Pirate Invitational schedule
- Hampton Pirates: Friday, Aug. 28, at 2 p.m. at Williams Arena at Minges Coliseum.
- East Carolina Pirates: Friday, Aug. 28, at 7 p.m. at Williams Arena at Minges Coliseum.
- Radford Highlanders: Saturday, Aug. 29, at 4 p.m. at Williams Arena at Minges Coliseum.
Hampton was picked to finish 11th in the 11-team CAA preseason poll after going 1-26 overall and winless in conference play last season. East Carolina was picked to finish eighth in the American Conference after posting a 12-15 overall record and a 4-12 conference record. Radford was selected sixth among eight teams in the Big South preseason poll after finishing 10-20 overall and 5-9 in conference play.
Source: Original report