— A new era of Missouri State University-West Plains (MSU-WP) Grizzly Volleyball is set to begin this fall as head coach Dustin Sahlmann takes over the program with a roster featuring plenty of new faces heading into the 2026 season.
Following the graduation of many members of the 2025-26 team, with just three players returning, the Grizzlies will rely heavily on a talented group of newcomers as Sahlmann and assistant coach Briana Domino look to establish their identity early in the season.
“With a limited number of returners, I knew it was going to be important to find some transfers to help with the large number of freshmen. We were able to do that, and they will help add stability to training and game day due to their experience,” Sahlmann said.
Ericka Gaspard, Nycole Delfino and Amor Stapleton provide the Grizzlies with returning experience and will be counted on to help lead the team.
The newcomers have created plenty of competition throughout preseason practices as the coaching staff works to determine roles and rotations.
“There has been a learning curve; however, we have been encouraged by the way they have come together as a group, the way they encourage one another, as well as their openness to embrace new things in training,” Sahlmann said.
Middle blocker Derin Saygi, outside hitter Allisa Hadzic and setters Loren Bojko and Emma Pryor are among the newcomers expected to compete for significant playing time early in the season.
“The transfers helped stabilize this large group of new players. I feel like the recruiting choices that were made will be beneficial in allowing us to be further ahead early on because of the way the team has bonded,” Sahlmann said.
Beyond replacing production from last season, Sahlmann and his staff have focused on establishing the type of volleyball they want the Grizzlies to play. The preseason has provided an opportunity to set expectations both on and off the court.
“We have added some things to the program that will give us an ability to hopefully take advantage of all the new players and their strengths. By embracing the past and blending those values with the vision we have moving forward, it should be exciting times for Grizzly Volleyball,” Sahlmann said.
The Grizzlies hope their depth and competition throughout the roster will allow them to continue improving as the season progresses.
The new-look Grizzlies will have an early opportunity to see where they stand as they begin a challenging 2026 schedule. MSU-WP opens the season Thursday, Aug. 27, at the Crystal Invitational in Salt Lake City, Utah, before facing a schedule that includes the Hutchinson Invitational and Indian Hills.
The Grizzlies’ home opener is scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 22, at 5:30 p.m. at the West Plains Civic Center. The Grizzlies will host their invitational tournament Friday, Oct. 2, and Saturday, Oct. 3, in West Plains.
Region 16 play will once again provide a difficult test as the Grizzlies compete against some of the top junior college volleyball programs in the area.
For Sahlmann and a roster filled with new faces, the early portion of the schedule will be an important opportunity to develop chemistry and establish the foundation for the program moving forward.
“Coach Domino and I are looking forward to the competitive schedule in front of us. There is talent in place to help us work through this first season while also bringing our style of play that can help us surprise some people. We cannot wait until the end of the month for our first tournament in Salt Lake City, Utah,” Sahlmann said.
