MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. | A new era of Florida Memorial University Volleyball has arrived, as the Lions will kick off the 2026 season in Sarasota for the NCF Invitational. Kathryn "Katie" Hogan takes the helm of the team in her first season as head volleyball coach, looking to take the Lions to new heights and back to the SUN Conference Tournament.

I can't wait to get our season started," said Hogan. "Laying our foundation down brick by brick. We have returners who help set the tone and keep our standards high, along with some highly skilled newcomers who've joined our team."

FMU sees a balance of returners and newcomers to the team. 10 Lions return from last season, including seniors Taela Campbell, Drew Lester and Carolina Alonso. Juniors Desiree Donald, L'fe Roberts, Joemyrah Clendinen, Serena Edwards, and Isabella Cardona look to make impacts on the court in their returns as well, while sophomores Leila Betancourt and Aviyah Henderson enter their second season with the Lions.

"We are a team that loves to grind day in and day out," said Hogan. "I can't wait to see the improvements and changes we made and watching it be shown to fans, parents, and everyone alike."

FMU sees four new additions to the roster, including freshmen Genesis Casimiro and Heaven Crouse. Sophomore Tatiana Maddox joins the team for her inaugural season with FMU, while Dianeyra Zapata Jimenez joins the team in for her senior season.

The Lions finished the 2025 season with a 1-23 record and a 1-13 conference record. FMU looks to return to the SUN Conference Tournament for the first time since 2022.

First serve is slated for Friday, August 14 at noon at Hal Chasey Gymnasium in Sarasota, Fla. You can keep up with the live stats using this link here.