Pictured top row left to right: Avery Nelson, Kawena Crowell, Greta Van Gemert, and Eliana Klos. Pictured bottom row left to right: Ellie Bartel, Lauryn Copeland, Gracee Robertson, and Racquel Gauna.

Women's Volleyball 6/29/2026 12:00:00 PM Clayton Messerle, Assistant Athletic Director

Large Incoming Class Highlights 2026 Recruiting Cycle for Corban Women’s Volleyball

SALEM, Ore. – Continuing to build upon its tradition of excellence, the Corban University Women's Volleyball team has announced its 2026 recruiting class, as head coach Kim McLain welcomes a talented and diverse group of newcomers set to join the Warriors this upcoming season. The class features a strong mix of incoming freshmen and experienced transfers, each bringing unique skillsets, competitive achievements, and academic aspirations to The City on a Hill.

"I'm incredibly excited to welcome this group to Corban," said McLain. "They each bring something special to our program—whether it's high-level experience, strong leadership traits, or outstanding athletic ability. More importantly, they align with our culture and mission, and we're eager to see how they will contribute both on and off the court."

This incoming class adds depth across all positions and continues Corban's emphasis on recruiting student-athletes who excel athletically, academically, and culturally within the program. Below is a closer look at each of the newest Warriors:

Bartel arrives after a standout prep career in which she earned Athlete of the Year, League MVP, and four First-Team All-League selections. A four-year women's volleyball student-athlete for the Eagles, she compiled a .298 hitting percentage with 306 digs and strong serve receive numbers.

Bartel plans to major in elementary education and pursue a career as a teacher.

A local standout and one of three incoming transfers for the Warriors' 2026 recruiting class, Johnson (soon to be Copeland) transfers in from Western Oregon University where she earned GNAC All-Academic Team honors. During her prep career, she was a two-time First-Team All-League selection, team captain, and an All-State honoree while finishing as West Salem's third all-time kill leader.

She plans to continue the pursuit of a degree in elementary education.

Crowell joins the program after beginning her collegiate career at New Mexico Junior College, bringing playmaking ability to the setter position. At the JUCO level, she dealt out 427 assists for nearly 4.00 dimes per set played, along with 12 service aces and just under 200 digs. Crowell recorded 398 assists and 160 digs during her prep career and ranked among the top setters in her region.

A team captain with strong volleyball lineage, she plans to major in business while competing as a Warrior.

Gauna capped her high school career as one of Idaho's most accomplished players, ranking among state leaders in multiple statistical categories, including career aces (136) and kills (756). A team captain and MVP, she also played for a nationally ranked Idaho Crush club squad, bringing a combination of size, power, and high-level experience to the outside.

She is currently undecided on a major as she enters her true freshman season for the Warriors.

Klos is a rising presence at the net, earning First-Team All-League honors as a senior and serving as team captain for the Wolfpack. Known for her athleticism, she boasts a 26.3-inch vertical and strong blocking presence at the net, resulting in a successful four-year stint at the high school level.

She plans to study mathematics during her collegiate women's volleyball career.

Nelson helped lead Mt. Spokane to back-to-back deep postseason runs, including a runner-up finish at the WIAA 3A State Championships. She earned honorable mention All-League honors and was recognized for both athletic and academic excellence, including Mt. Spokane High School Most Improved Award and WIAA 3A Outstanding Scholastic Award.

While at Corban, Nelson plans to study business leadership and management.

Robertson joins the Warriors after competing at the College of Southern Idaho, bringing collegiate experience to the middle of the net for Corban. At Sheldon High School, she earned First-Team All-League honors and Honorable Mention All-State recognition.

She is majoring in biology with pre-med aspirations, specifically in the ultrasound field.

Van Gemert brings versatility and championship experience after earning multiple First-Team All-League and All-State honors, including MVP recognition in league play for her 2026 season. She helped lead her team to multiple top-three state finishes along the way.

She intends to major in biology with plans to pursue a profession in dental.