ST. AUGUSTINE – With eight returning players and eight newcomers, Flagler College volleyball enters the 2026 season with a blend of experience and fresh talent as head coach Jeff Reynolds begins his second year at the helm of the Saints.

The Saints are coming off of a 22-13 record last season, following the Peach Belt Conference title and regular season champions. They were selected to finish first in the PBC Preseason Coaches' Poll. Including, two Saints named Preseason All-PBC honors, senior Gracie Fleming and junior Marley Middlebrooks

"Our team has worked hard over the past two weeks of fall camp," said Reynolds. "We've come a long way in such a short period of time. This season we brought in eight newcomers, including seven true freshmen and one transfer. You always wonder how that many new people will impact the team and our culture, but it has been a wonderful experience to see everyone—newcomers and returning players—come together to build an incredibly strong team culture."
 
The Saints add three newcomers to the setter position, Jilly Young, Bella Law, and Hailey Trebbien.

"Young and Law will lead the offensive to start." Reynolds said. "Trebbien will provide depth to the lineup."

Senior Caity Clancy, junior transfer Emmi Cheek, and newcomer Bella Ciolino will all compete for time at libero.

"All three have a great nose for the ball, are very gritty, extremely scrappy, and we expect all three will see playing time throughout the season," Reynolds said.

At outside hitter, newcomer Mar'ley Phillips gives the Saints additional athleticism and physicality while joining returning players Bella Schwantz and Jolie Trudeau.

"We expect Phillips to be not only a scoring threat, but also a formidable blocker as well," Reynolds said. "Schwantz is a feisty competitor with a truckload of grit, while Trudeau has demonstrated the versatility to contribute at all six rotations for us if needed." 

Senior Katherine Rank returns after battling injuries over the past several months and is now preparing to make an impact in the middle of the Saints' lineup.

"Kat is the consummate dual threat with her ability to score and put up a huge block," said Reynolds.

Riley Murray has transitioned into a new role as middle blocker and has impressed the team with her size, movement and athleticism.

"[Riley] has great size, moves well and we expect her to make an immediate impact at middle for us," Reynolds said.

Freshman Kennedy Allen has been sidelined by a lingering injury since arrival. The Saints are hoping she returns to the court soon and will look to putting her to work.

On the right side, freshman Gia Lowe and senior Amelia Fitzpatrick will share the responsibilities. Lowe will contribute on the front row while Fitzpatrick displays leadership and strength in the back row.

"We knew Gia was a legitimate scoring threat coming out of high school and has shown she plans to do the same as a collegiate volleyball player," said Reynolds. "Amelia is simply one of those players we need to have on the court. She is a great leader and on-court motivator. She also has a great nose for the ball, is athletic, and has never entertained the notion of giving up or even slowing down."
 
Among the Saints' top returning players are Fleming and Middlebrooks. Fleming enters as one of the top returning middle blockers in the Peach Belt. 

"Gracie is one of the top returning middles in the Peach Belt Conference," said Reynolds. "She is extremely athletic and has a great court sense. She has a high volleyball IQ and is equally effective on offense as she is on defense. We are glad Gracie is on our side of the net."

Middlebrooks returns as one of the Saints' most dynamic offensive weapons.

"Marley Middlebrooks is a fantastic player," Reynolds said. "She is extremely competitive and is constantly working to improve her game. It will not come as a surprise to anyone that she will be on the court each and every match. She is a truly gifted athlete and is a lot of fun to watch. I think there will be a lot of people coming to our games just to watch her play. She's can steal the momentum from an opponent in the blink of an eye."
 
Flagler enters its final season in the Peach Belt Conference with its sights set on another championship run.

"With this being our last season in the Peach Belt, we'd definitely like to retain our regular-season and conference tournament titles and go out on top with a couple more trophies," said Reynolds. "But we also know that is not an easy task."

The Saints with face competitive conference teams like Augusta, USC Aiken and Lander, along with Georgia College and Middle Georgia.

"We are looking forward to a very competitive conference schedule and look forward to wrapping up the regular season here at home against the Bearcats," said Reynolds.
 
The Saints open the 2026 season in Golden, Colo., at the Oredigger Volleyball Classic. This tournament will test Flagler as they face three nationally ranked opponents.

"We're excited to begin the season out in Colorado," said Reynolds. "Not only did we want to provide an opportunity for three of our seniors to play in their home state, in front of their families, but also its such a great opportunity for our team to face some extremely tough competition."

Flagler with open the tournament against Colorado Springs, which returns two all-conference outside hitters and two middle blockers and was picked No. 1 in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference preseason coaches' poll.

"Right out of the gate we play one of the toughest opponents we will face all season," Reynolds said. "They return two all-conference pins and two all-conference middle blockers. They were recently ranked No. 1 in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference Coaches Poll."

That following week, the Saints will return home to host the Flagler Invitational, welcoming Saint Leo, Lees-McRae, Valdosta State and Maryville. The tournament will feature a matchup against future Sunshine State Conference opponent Saint Leo, as well as regional competition from Lees-McRae and Valdosta State. Maryville, a strong program from Missouri, will make its first appearance at the Flagler Invitational.

"We're looking forward to our matchup against future Sunshine State Conference opponent Saint Leo, along with regional opponents from Lees-McRae and Valdosta State," Reynolds said. "We will also welcome Maryville for the first time — a solid program from Missouri. It will be a great weekend of competition."

The Saints are also looking forward to bringing another high-level volleyball event to St. Augustine.

"We're excited to host the Flagler Invitational again this season," Reynolds said. "We have a great field coming to St. Augustine and look forward to having a great event in one of the most beautiful and historic cities in America."
 
As Reynolds enters his second season leading the Saints, he believes the strength of the program extends beyond what happens on the court.

"Not only do we have 16 really good volleyball players, but also, we have 16 really amazing young women on this team," Reynolds said. "They are all outstanding individuals. Their devotion to our core principles, their defense of our team culture, and their commitment to our overall vision for our program has generated a great deal of energy and excitement for the coming season."

CONNECT WITH THE SAINTS: Facebook | X | Instagram | YouTube
DOWNLOAD TEAM SCHEDULES: Download Center
FOLLOW YOUR FAVORITE SAINTS TEAM: Sign up for Newsletter