Franklin College Women’s Volleyball: A Stellar Season
The Franklin College women’s volleyball team has been enjoying an impressive season, boasting a record of 15 wins out of their last 16 games, with only a single set lost during that run. This performance mirrors their previous successful season in 2002 when they won the conference championship.
Since their initial season-opening loss against Indiana University-Columbus on September 2, the Grizzlies have demonstrated fierce momentum, winning 45 out of 49 sets across 17 matches. They currently excel in numerous offensive and defensive stats among HCAC competitors, particularly in defensive metrics, demonstrating a knack for limiting opponents’ hitting percentages, assists, and kills.
Despite losing nine seniors before the start of the 2026-27 season and being ranked sixth in the HCAC women’s volleyball preseason poll, the Grizzlies stand tall with a 15-2 record—holding the best overall standing in the conference.
Head coach Dillon Taylor recognized the potential of his team during preseason training, stating, “It was probably our second practice during preseason; I turned to [coach] Morgan, and I said, ‘Oh, got it, that’s how good we are.’” Yet, the team is still striving for improvement; while they lead in many stats, they haven’t topped the conference in digs.
The coaching staff’s efforts have fostered a supportive team culture, contributing to their current winning streak—their most extended since 2002. As Taylor noted, the players have developed a healthy dynamic, encouraging one another to address mistakes collaboratively rather than waiting for coach intervention. Senior setter Brionna Linkel emphasized this proactivity, stating, “Us three captains have really taken on the role of, if we see somebody slacking, we want to call it out.”
This constructive atmosphere allows for learning from mistakes, with Taylor celebrating attempted swings, even if they result in errors. Senior opposite hitter McKenzie Schroeder echoed this sentiment, highlighting that letting mistakes weigh on players serves no one.
The Grizzlies have also made history with wins against Millikin University and Monmouth College, and recently celebrated two of their players winning HCAC Player of the Week honors—sophomore Leah Middleton for offense and junior Mireily Colomba for defense. Taylor commended his players for prioritizing team success over individual accolades, noting how this has led to their collective confidence on the court.
As they lead the conference but remain driven for more success, players like sophomore co-captain Kaitlyn Lowes remind the squad not to get complacent, underscoring the fierce competition close behind them. With 13 games left in the season, the team is focused on maintaining their winning trajectory and cultivating a strong team environment as they push forward.
In summary, Franklin College’s women’s volleyball team is not only achieving remarkable results but also embodying the spirit of teamwork and resilience, setting a powerful tone for the remainder of their season.
