Gwynedd Valley, Pa. – (8/28/2026) – "We were in a lot of five-set matches last year," acknowledged Gwynedd Mercy University Head Women's Volleyball Coach Amber Medycki. "I don't think that we knew it at the time, but it did a lot for our team and our culture. This team never gives up. We keep our heads up and we get better, faster, and stronger." In 2025, the Griffins celebrated various career milestones and program records while battling for an 8-16 overall record and a 3-4 finish in the Atlantic East Conference (AEC). The league standing failed to qualify the Red and Gold for postseason play, but outside hitter Kate Etter (Chambersburg, Pa.) (1^st Team) and middle hitter Charlotte Pugh '26 (2^nd Team) were recognized on the All-AEC Team.
 
While Etter returns for her swan song, Gwynedd Mercy University will have to overcome the graduation of – the 2026 Female Senior Student-Athlete of the Year – Pugh and fellow four-year starter Ayanna Gaston '26. Pugh (24 matches played – 23 matches started) ranked among the AEC Top-10 in both digs (8^th, 307) and kills (9^th, 271). The second-year captain recorded the 1,000^th dig of her collegiate career during a 3-0 (25-22, 25-14, 25-17) loss at Marywood University (Oct. 11) and garnered All-AEC Second Team honors as she finished the season with 301.0 points (271 kills, 13 aces, 7 solo blocks, 20 block assists), 45 assists, and 307 digs. Meanwhile, Gaston (22mp-22ms) became Gwynedd Mercy University's all-time leader in assists (2,644 (356 sets)) and aces (191 (356 sets)) in the season finale with Immaculata University; stacking up 10 assists in the first frame to surpass Kandace Pickeral '08 (2,622 assists (308 sets)) for the Griffins' all-time assists mark and scoring the only ace she needed in the third set to surpass Hillary Tubbs '06 (190 aces (365 sets)) for the program's all-time service mark. Gaston's 29 assists against the Mighty Macs left her career total – and new Red and Gold record - at 2,644. She finished the season with 112.0 points (53 kills, 45 aces, 4 solo blocks, 20 block assists), 629 assists, and 160 digs over 80 sets.

"Kate is our offensive leader. She is on track to surpass 1,000 career kills and she is an amazing role model for our new frontline talent," endorsed Coach Medycki. Etter assumes captain duties alongside graduate defensive specialist Amanda Lopez (Houston, Texas) and junior middle hitter Emma Hastings (Collingswood, N.J.). In 2025, the senior pin hitter was an All-AEC First Team performer as the Red and Gold' point leader (340.0 points) and the league's second best killer (2^nd, 297 kills). In addition to kills, she also finished among the AEC Top-10 in points (7^th, 340.0) and hitting percentage (T9^th, .178; 297K-144E-886TA). With 297 kills, 19 assists, 29 aces, 217 digs, 3 solo blocks, and 22 block assists over 92 sets, Etter is sure to be a primary target for the Griffin setters.
 
"Hastings will be another primary target for us," said Coach Medycki. "She had an awesome sophomore season and I look forward to seeing how she has improved over the summer." Hastings (24mp-24ms) was the only Griffin to play and start in all 24 matches last year. She finished the season with 170.0 points (129 kills, 10 aces, 12 solo blocks, and 38 block assists), four assists, and 32 digs over 92 sets. Contrastingly, Lopez (28mp-16ms) returns to the roster after a season off due to injury; in 2024, she appeared in all 28 contests during her junior season and was a key contributor with 32 aces and 134 digs.
 
Other key returns include senior defensive specialist Darlene Nunez (Philadelphia, Pa.), a trio of juniors; pin hitter Sydney Pryor (West Chester, Pa,) as well as defensive specialists Annalise Kuppel (Estell Manor, N.J.) and Marley Robbins (Medford, N.J.), and five sophomores; setter/right side/defensive specialist Brynn Crooks (Philadelphia, Pa.), defensive specialist Addisyn De Leon (Lakeland, Fla.), setter Macie Ferla (Mickleton, N.J.), pin hitter Hannah George (Clay, N.Y.), and defensive specialist P.J. Mendoza (Kennett Square, Pa.). Kuppel showed her versatility in 2025, totaling 99.0 points (74 kills, 21 aces, 3 solo blocks, 2 block assists), 19 assists, and 222 digs over 90 sets. Meanwhile, Robbins opened 2025 as the Griffins' starting libero and established herself as an asset on the serve with 36 aces. She made two starts and appeared in all 24 matches, totaling 37.5 points (1 kill, 36 aces, 1 block assist), nine assists, and 112 digs over 90 sets.
 
Five new faces grace the Gwynedd Mercy University women's volleyball roster for 2026. At middle blocker, Ava Caton (Folsom, Pa.) is a presence around the net, displaying solid blocking instincts. Meanwhile, Coach Medycki identified Cameron Hnat (Pottstown, Pa.) and Carley Leonard (Upper Chichester, Pa.) as quality pin hitters who will help fill out the outside depth chart behind Etter. Sophomores, pin hitter Jordan Cron (Philadelphia, Pa.) and setter Christine Jeong (Elkins Park, Pa.) are also welcomed additions to the team.
 
"I have high hopes for this team and we'd like to leave the AEC on a high-note," said Coach Medycki. "Scrappy, hard-working, positive. There is no quit in this team. I'm very excited for the season to get underway."

The Gwynedd Mercy University women's volleyball season begins on Tuesday, September 1, when the Griffins head to Ursinus College for a 7:00 p.m. opening serve.