August 20, 2026

Waxahachie, Texas - Nelson University Volleyball enters the 2026 season looking to continue their success from last year. The Lady Lions are coming off of a 2025 campaign that included a Sooner Athletic Conference (SAC) Regular Season Championship, a SAC Tournament Championship, and a trip to the NAIA National Tournament with an overall record of 25-10.
 

Preseason Look in the SAC

Following their championship sweep in the conference last season, the Lady Lions placed second in the 2026 SAC Preseason Coach's Poll. They received 112 points to go along with five first-place votes. 
 

Returning Firepower

The Lady Lions will have a reloaded squad this year, with 12 returning players including: 

• Mackenzie Smith (OPP/OH) - 1st Team All Conference: Senior leadership and dynamic attacker. 

• Cassidy Hargesheimer (S) - 2nd Team All Conference: Consistent leader and productive offensive weapon.  

• Addison Standley (OH) - 2nd Team All Conference: Breakout freshman looking to continue her dominance at the net. 
   

New Faces to Watch

Head Coach Nick Moore has brought in some young talent at the net looking to make an immediate impact in the program:

• Savannah Bergman - Freshman Middle Blocker

• Keara Savory-Calbo - Freshman Middle Blocker

• Sawyer Pontin - Freshman Middle Blocker/Right Side
   

Coach's Insight

"This 2026 season is going to be very exciting", said Head Coach Nick Moore. "With the veteran leadership returning from last year's championship team, along with the young talent we've brought in, this season is going to be fun to watch." 
 

Early Season Challenges

Nelson starts the season with two high-profile tournaments that will give them an early opportunity to showcase the new squad:

• Siouxland Invitational - Aug. 21-22 in North Sioux City, SD

• Texas Two Step - Aug. 28-29 in Waxahachie, TX

For all home matches, fans can secure their seats at: Get Your Tickets Here

Nelson University (formerly SAGU) is a private Christian university, established in 1927 by P.C. Nelson. The University is located 30 minutes south of the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex in Waxahachie, Texas, and offers more than 70 associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees on campus or online. For more information, visit www.nelson.edu or by calling 1-888-YES-NELSON.