Volleyball | 8/21/2026 7:18:00 AM

DENTON, Texas (Aug. 21, 2026) – Under the leadership of new Head Coach Phil Evans, the Texas Woman's volleyball team gears up for their 2026 season, which begins in just six days.

The Pioneers closed last season in sixth in the Lone Star Conference and advanced to the LSC Conference Tournament for the third straight season. At the LSC Tournament, TWU defeated three-seed West Texas A&M and advanced to the LSC Tournament Semifinals for the first time since 2019.

With the 2026 season nearing, the LSC released the Preseason Poll, Preseason Players of the Year and Players to Watch. In the 2026 LSC Preseason Poll, the Pioneers were tabbed to finish sixth.

"It is exciting to see TWU recognized among the upper half of a very strong Lone Star Conference," Coach Evans said. "We appreciate the respect that comes with being picked sixth, but preseason rankings don't mean much once the season starts. What matters is how we compete, how we grow, and what we accomplish together. I'm excited to see this team put the work in and show what we're capable of."

Following their LSC tournament win and NCAA Division II South Central Regional Final appearance, Angelo State was picked to finish No. 1 in the LSC for the second straight year. West Texas A&M, who closed their season in the NCAA Division II South Central Regional tournament, was tabbed at No. 2, and Lubbock Christian, who claimed a share of last season's LSC Regular Season title with ASU, was voted No. 3.
 
Alyssa Rojo, a senior libero, was voted as the Preseason Defensive Player of the Year. She becomes the first TWU Preseason Defensive Player of the Year since 2016.
 
Last season, Rojo was named the LSC Newcomer of the Year and earned All-LSC Second Team honors. Additionally, she was named an AVCA All-American. During the 2025 season, she recorded 622 digs, averaging a conference-best 5.60 digs per set. She also posted a .953 reception percentage and 26 total service aces. While she ranked first in the LSC in digs per set, she also was 10th overall in NCAA Division II. Additionally, she received D2CCA All-South Central Region Second Team honors.
 
"Alyssa is elite, and she deserves every bit of recognition she receives," Coach Evans said. "She is the rock of our defense and sets an incredible standard for what it means to be a libero in our program. Her consistency and competitiveness make every practice better. Going against her every day has challenged our offense while helping elevate our other defensive players. We are incredibly fortunate to have her leading our defense."

The LSC also named Preseason Players to Watch from each institution.

Along with Rojo being selected as a Player to Watch, Trinity Blackwood was selected as an Offensive Player to Watch, and Lorena Gómez was selected as a Setter to Watch.

"I'm excited to enter a program with such hardworking players who are committed to being successful," Coach Evans said. "Lorena, Trinity and Alyssa have been incredible leaders throughout the preseason, and it has been great to watch them set the tone for our team. I can't wait to see that leadership translate to the court as we begin competing against other teams."

Blackwood, a senior right side, appeared in 98 sets for the Pioneers last season. She finished the season with 174 kills, averaging 1.69 kills per set. She also added 73 total blocks and averaged 2.20 blocks per set. Blackwood recorded a career high 14 kills at UT Tyler on Nov. 14, 2025.
 
A senior setter, Gómez played in 109 sets for TWU during 2025. She totaled 336 assists, averaging 3.08 assists per set. She also added 26 service aces and 264 digs. She recorded a career high 31 assists at UT Tyler on Nov. 14, 2025.

Along with Rojo being named the Preseason Defensive Player of the Year, the LSC also announced the Preseason Offensive Player of the Year, ASU's Madi Parrish, the reigning LSC Player of the Year and South Central Regional Player of the Year, and the Preseason Setter of the Year, Lubbock Christian's Camdyn Sears, the reigning LSC Setter and Freshman of the Year.

The Pioneers will begin their 2026 season on the road on August 27 at the Seawolf Invitational in Alaska.
 
The full 2025 LSC Preseason Poll is included below:

Rank	School	Number of First Place Votes
1	Angelo State	41
2	West Texas A&M	7
3	Lubbock Christian	3
4	UT Tyler
5	St. Mary's	1
6	Texas Woman's	1
7	Oklahoma Christian
8	Texas A&M-Kingsville
9	DBU	1
10	Midwestern State
11	St. Edward's
12	UT Permian Basin
13	UT Dallas
14	Western New Mexico
15	Texas A&M International
16	Cameron
17	Eastern New Mexico
18	Sul Ross State