DELAND, Fla. — A new season is underway for Stetson volleyball as the Hatters reported to campus and gathered for their first team meeting ahead of the 2026 campaign.
The team came together to kick off the season, welcoming returning student-athletes and newcomers while beginning the process of building the chemistry and identity that will define this year's squad. During the meeting, players received their gear for the upcoming season and got their first look at recent locker room upgrades, creating an enhanced space for the Hatters to prepare for competition, build relationships and continue developing the culture of the program.
"It's a new year, a new start. It's very exciting. I'm looking forward to it. There's a lot of potential, and I hope that at the end of the first couple weeks of practice we see the big improvement and big connections since we have so many new players," said head coach Yang Deng.
With preseason officially underway, the Hatters will spend the coming weeks focusing on preparation, team development and establishing the foundation needed for the challenges ahead.
"We're all excited. We got a lot of new people coming in, so that's a fun thing. Everyone's excited to start practicing, and the expectations are high because we want to be better this year. There's going to be a lot of pressure for sure, but for now we're just excited to be back and ready to start working," said Zuzanna Bury.
The 2026 roster features a mix of returning experience and new talent as the Hatters continue to grow under Deng's leadership. The team will use preseason practices to establish its identity on the court while preparing for another competitive ASUN Conference schedule.
"It's really exciting to see everyone and meet all the new girls and to see what we can do this season. We expect to keep our same standards and our same high expectations, but to just see how everyone fits into them and how we can gel together better," said Kayla Balfour.
Stetson opens the 2026 season on Aug. 28, when the Hatters travel to Boca Raton for the Florida Atlantic Invitational. The full schedule can be found at GoHatters.com.
About Stetson Athletics
At Stetson University, student-athletes don't just compete—they thrive. Located in historic DeLand, Florida, between Orlando and Daytona Beach, Stetson offers the perfect blend of competitive athletics, academic excellence, and an unbeatable Central Florida lifestyle. As the oldest private university in the region, Stetson supports approximately 500 student-athletes across 19 NCAA Division I sports. Nicknamed the "Hatters" after the institution's namesake John B. Stetson, a hat manufacturer who originated the modern-day cowboy hat, most Stetson athletic teams compete in the Atlantic Sun Conference, where they proudly hold the longest active membership since 1985. With top-tier facilities, personalized support, and a welcoming campus community, Stetson is where students can grow, compete, and succeed. Learn more at GoHatters.com or follow social media accounts @StetsonHatters.
