Chargers visit Brazil for preseason training
Volleyball shares gifts with youth after practice in Brazil.
Courtesy | Hillsdale College Volleyball Instagram
The Hillsdale volleyball team added six freshmen, two assistant coaches, and traveled to Brazil over the summer in preparation for the 2026 season.
The Chargers finished the 2025 season with a 14-12 record. Hillsdale was 11-4 in Great Midwest Athletic Conference play, and finished the regular season fifth in the conference.
“This season started the minute after the loss of that last match of last season,” head coach Chris Gravel said. “From that time, this group has been working, trying to find ways to be the absolute best, to represent not just us as a program, but us as a college. ”
Senior middle hitter Molly Kennedy said the team’s early workouts have reflected that commitment.
“In the workouts we have had so far, the level of play has been super high, and everyone is exhibiting a higher level of buy-in this year so we can get to that point and meet the goals we have established for the year,” she said.
Hillsdale graduated three seniors — Josie TeSlaa, Adi Sysum and Emory Braswell — each of whom played large roles throughout their careers. The team adds six freshmen to the roster.
Despite the changeover, Hillsdale was picked to finish first in the North Division in the 2026 G-MAC Coaches Preseason Poll.
Chloe Pierce returns for a fifth year after playing in all 26 matches last year and leading the team in digs and aces. Juniors Jenna Southland and Caroline Lanicek were second and third in total points last year, and are also slated to return. Southland led the team in blocks and Lanicek ranked third.
“On this team, it doesn’t matter whether you’re a freshman or a senior,” Gravel said. “The ones that are having the most success in practice are the ones that are going to represent us on the court, and so the freshmen are going to have their opportunities.”
Hillsdale also added former Charger Sydney (Dow) Barrett ’10 as an assistant coach this offseason. Barrett, who played libero, ranks fourth in program history with 1,802 career digs. She was a first-team All-Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference selection as a senior and earned two American Volleyball Coaches Association All-Midwest Region honors and two GLIAC Libero of the Year awards.
“Coach Barrett is someone that we’ve wanted on staff since her graduation,” Gravel said. “We’re certainly very excited to have her back, and the team loves her.”
For Barrett, returning to Hillsdale after serving as the head volleyball coach at her alma mater, Jonesville High School, has provided an opportunity to give back to the program that shaped her playing and coaching career.
“Returning to Hillsdale has been incredibly special,” Barrett said. “I’m looking forward to giving back to the college, the team, and Coach Gravel, as they have all invested so much in me, and I am grateful for the opportunity to help create the same kind of experience for this next generation of Hillsdale volleyball players.”
Hillsdale also brings back Stephanie Gravel, wife of head coach Gravel, as a volunteer assistant coach. She has been involved with the program for 25 years, most recently as an assistant coach from 2019-2021. She also works as Hillsdale’s Associate Dean of Women.
At the end of July, the Chargers traveled to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The team played against three Brazilian teams, including one that Kennedy described as the country’s future Olympic team. Hillsdale also hosted a volleyball clinic for local teenagers.
For Kennedy, the trip was more than just preparation for another season.
“The Brazil trip is definitely the highlight of my career,” she said. “Getting to share the joy of volleyball and connect with the kids regardless of the language barrier was so eye-opening and fulfilling.”
Hillsdale opens the season with nonconference matchups Aug. 28 at the Wayne State Warrior Invitational in Detroit. The team will face Indiana University of Pennsylvania and Wayne State University before playing Quincy University on Aug. 29.
G-MAC conference play will begin Sept. 11 at Cedarville University, the defending South Division champion.
“In the conference, we just have a lot of teams that have been doing really well,” Gravel said. “There is a lot of competition throughout the year, so there’s no time to take a week off. We have to be sharp every week.”