Gadsden, AL — The Gadsden State Community College volleyball team is beginning the 2026 season with a mix of returning players, transfers and freshmen as the Cardinals prepare for Alabama Community College Conference competition.
Head Coach Connie Clark, now in her second season leading the program, returns five sophomores and adds two sophomore transfers to this year’s roster. The seven sophomores are expected to provide experience and leadership as Gadsden State works toward its conference goals.
“We are very excited to start the 2026 volleyball season,” Clark said. “We are entering our second year of coaching the Cardinals, and we are optimistic about the upcoming season. We are expecting a lot of leadership, energy and enthusiasm from our seven sophomores.”
On the pins, Eryn Spradley and Lily Henry return for the Cardinals and are expected to provide production and leadership. Sophomore Cassidy Hartsfield returns in the middle, where she will be joined by freshmen Ava Vaughn of Springville and Kylie Jeffers of Alexandria.
The Cardinals also return sophomore Aiby Wyatt in the back row. Freshmen Lilly Breeding of East Limestone, Emily King of Southside and Chloe Henderson of Jacksonville are expected to contribute defensively and compete for playing time.
Sophomores Cam Stone and Kaden Pritchett return on the right side after seeing significant playing time last season. Freshman Vada Willmore of Sardis adds another option for the Cardinals and is expected to contribute from both pin positions.
Newcomers Elaisa Vazquez of Pike Road and Alanah Fitch of Ohatchee will share setting duties. The pair will direct an offense featuring a combination of returning players and first-year contributors.
Gadsden State opened its home schedule Saturday, Aug. 22, with a tri-match against Reid State Community College and Cleveland State Community College. The Cardinals were scheduled to face Reid State at 11 a.m. and Cleveland State at 3 p.m.
The 2026 roster includes several players from the region, including Jeffers of Alexandria, King of Southside, Henderson of Jacksonville and Fitch of Ohatchee.
For more information about Gadsden State athletics, visit the Gadsden State Cardinals athletics website.
