BUENA VISTA, Va. - The Southern Virginia University women's volleyball team has been on an unprecedented run since joining the USA South just over five years ago.
The Knights, led by Debby Baker in her ninth season, have won three regular season titles and four USA South tournament crowns in just five seasons. Among active members, they hold the highest winning percentage in league play by a wide margin.
In 2026, the Knights should be on track to continue their historic run after the USA South released its preseason coaches poll for women's volleyball. They're projected to finish second, while accumulating three first-place votes. Greensboro is the league favorite, totaling seven first-place votes.
After winning a second consecutive conference title last fall, they'll look to make even more history in 2026, with a chance to claim the first conference three-peat in program history. It'd also be the first three-peat by any USA South member since 2012.
After two scrimmages during the final weekend in August, Southern Virginia's journey officially begins on September 1st at 6:00 PM when they host a regional foe, Lynchburg. To fill out the non-conference portion of the schedule, they'll head to Randolph-Macon for a tri-match with Mary Washington, then compete in the W&L Invitational in Lexington on September 12th.
League play began on September 19th at North Carolina Wesleyan in Rocky Mount, North Carolina. The Knights have produced a remarkable 73-17 record against USA South foes since 2021, by far the best mark in the conference during that span. At Knight Arena, they'll host 8 total matches this season before the USA South Tournament begins on November 10th.
Ryann Vail, one of the most prolific blockers in the country last season, returns for her senior season. Joined by other experienced middles, Summer Hahn and Macie Weatherly, the trio provides some of the best net presence in the country, certainly in the region.
Anne Downs and Brookelyn Madland will likely be relied on for production on the attack. Downs totaled 205 kills in 2025 and was selected to the USA South All-Tournament team, while Madland racked up 391 the year before.
After nearly pulling off a stunning upset in the first round of the NCAA tournament last year, Southern Virginia will be motivated to return to the big tournament and cause chaos on the national stage.
For the most up-to-date details and information on the team, visit knightathletics.com and follow @knightwvolleyball on Instagram.
