Ball State University Athletics
Welcome To The Nest; A Look At WVB’s 2026 Incoming Class
January 13, 2026 | Women's Volleyball
MUNCIE, Ind. - - Head coach Kelli Miller Phillips and the Ball State women's volleyball program will welcome six talented newcomers for the upcoming 2026 season.
Previously introduced on the team's social media channels, the list includes four incoming freshmen and a pair of transfer student-athletes. Four of the players have already joined the program for the 2026 spring semester as mid-year enrollees, while twin sisters will join the squad in the fall after completing their final year of high school.
Audrey Geer | Outside Hitter | Birch Run, Mich. (Frankenmuth) | Marshall
Will join the Cardinals during the 2026 spring semester and will have two years of eligibility remaining.
PHILLIPS ON GEER: Audrey is a dynamic six rotation outside that brings speed, ball control, volleyball IQ and defensive playmaking to our gym. I love her versatility and competitiveness and am excited for her to join our program.
MARSHALL: Played the 2024 and 2025 seasons at Marshall, seeing action in 39 matches and 141 sets over her two seasons ... averaged 2.29 kills and 2.28 digs per set over her two seasons, while also serving up 28 total aces and collecting 57 total blocks ... smashed a career-high 17 kills in a five-set thriller at App State (Nov. 9, 2024) as a freshman, while earning double-digit kills in 22 total matches ... has double-digit digs in 19 career matches, with 13 career kill/dig double-doubles ... her career high 19 digs came in the 2024 season finale, a sweep of Southern Miss (Nov. 15, 2024) ... her 342.5 points and 299 kills led Marshall during her freshman season
HIGH SCHOOL: Four-year starter and captain for coach Mary Shelton at Frankenmuth High School ... finished her playing career for the Eagles with over 1500 kills and 1000 digs ... First Team All-State as a senior, Third Team All-State as a junior and Honorable Mention All-State as a sophomore ... three-time First Team All-Tri Valley East Conference selection ... two-time all-region honoree ... smashed 483 kills, tallied 347 digs, served up 57 aces and credited with 36 blocks as a senior, helping guide Frankenmuth to a 34-12 record and a Division 2 regional championship ... registered 524 kills, 363 digs, 106 aces and 38 blocks as a junior to help guide the Eagles to a 39-6 record and a district title ... also earned four letters in track & field for the Eagles ... two-time state qualifier in the 300m hurdles and one-time state qualifier in the 4x100m relay ... helped guide Frankenmuth to a MITCA Division 2 Team State Championship her senior season.
CLUB: Played three years for Legacy Volleyball Club ... helped her 17s team finish in the top 10 in the 17 Open division at AAU Nationals ... invited to 2023 Under Amour Next Camp
WHY BALL STATE: As a transfer, I choose Ball State because of its competitive program, hardworking culture, and rich volleyball history. I am very excited and grateful to be a Cardinal.
Ava Smith | Outside Hitter / Right Side Hitter | Carmel, Ind. (Park Tudor) | FGCU
Will join the Cardinals during the 2026 spring semester and will have two years of eligibility remaining.
PHILLIPS ON SMITH: Ava is a high-flying pin attacker that can score at either pin. Her arm speed combined with her jump touch are going to make her a lethal weapon in the MAC next fall.
FGCU: Played the 2024 and 2025 seasons at FGCU, after redshirting for the 2023 season ... saw action in 44 matches and 130 sets over her two seasons ... helped guide the Eagles to a pair of ASUN regular season titles, as well as the 2024 ASUN Tournament championship and an NCAA Tournament berth ... averaged 1.65 kills per set while hitting .226 over her career, while tallying 47 total blocks and 48 total digs ... smashed a career-high 13 kills versus Austin Peay (Oct. 19, 2025), while tallying double-digit kills in six matches ... hit .300-or-better in nine 15 total matched, including nine last season ... registered a career-high six total blocks and hit .438 (8-1-16) in a sweep at FIU (Sept. 18, 2025).
HIGH SCHOOL: A four-year letterwinner and three-year starter for Kirsten Edwards at Park Tudor ... helped guide the Panthers to an 86-27 record over her four-year career ... earned PAAC Conference Player of the Year as a senior, after earning co-Player of the Year honors as a junior ... three-time First Team All-Conference and First Team All-County honoree ... earned a pair of First Team All-District honors ... earned a spot on the Indiana All-Star squad as a junior and senior ... led the team in kills in each of her final three seasons, including 467 kills and a .405 hitting percentage as a senior, 507 kills and a .361 attack percentage as a junior and 306 kills and a .342 hitting mark as a sophomore ... helped lead Park Tudor to sectional championships in each of her final two seasons.
CLUB: Played 10 years for Circle City Volleyball Club ... helped her 17s team rank first in the nation in 2022 ... her 18 Open team placed fifth at the 2023 USAV Nationals ... her 17 Open team placed fifth also placed fifth at the 2022 USAV Nationals.
WHY BALL STATE: I choose Ball State because of its great coach and winning tradition. I want to win our conference and go to the NCAA tournament.
Lucy McCollum | Setter | Merrillville, Ind. (Merrillville)
Will join the Cardinals during the 2026 spring semester and will have four years of eligibility remaining.
PHILLIPS ON McCOLLUM: Lucy is someone who immediately caught my eye with how quick her release is as a setter. She has such great touch and a natural ability to find her hitters wherever they need the ball. I also love that she's a lefty who can turn and attack a second ball or hit on the right side. Her versatility and speed will help us immediately in so many ways this spring. I can't wait to get her in the gym and see her take off!
HIGH SCHOOL: Four-year letterwinner for coach Alexis Blake at Merrillville High School ... team captain as a junior and senior ... named the Pirates Most Valuable Player as a sophomore and senior, while claiming the program's leadership award as a junior ... three-time first-team All-Duneland Athletic Conference selection and All-District North honoree ... finished her high school career with 2,158 assists, 1,051 digs, 286 kills, 273 service aces and 91 total blocks.
CLUB: Played five years for the Ignite Elite ... helped guide her team to a third-place finish at MEQ and a second-place effort at Junior Nationals in 2025 ... her squad placed third at the 2024 Nike Presidents' Day event.
WHY BALL STATE: I chose Ball State because on my visit the coaching staff and team were incredibly welcoming showing me around. I realized I mirrored their values and could envision myself there. It was also a plus that Muncie is only three hours away from my hometown.
Leah Pike | Middle Hitter | Monclova, Ohio (Anthony Wayne)
Will join the Cardinals during the 2026 fall semester and will have four years of eligibility remaining.
PHILLIPS ON LEAH PIKE: Leah is one of those players that flat out makes plays! She has a great arm and vision that allows her to score anywhere along the net as well as a high IQ and great court vision that makes her a big-time blocker as well. When you watch her play, you can't help but be drawn towards her competitive drive and toughness. I love her versatility and mentality, and I can't wait to add her to our program this fall!
HIGH SCHOOL: Four-year letterwinner for coach Chrissy Graven at Anthony Wayne High School ... helped guide the Generals to an 88-16 record over her career, including state runner-up finishes her junior and senior years ... lead the team to conference titles in each of her final three seasons ... First Team All-Northern Lakes League honoree over her final three seasons, earning NLL Player of the Year accolades as a junior and senior ... First Team All-District as a junior and senior year, capturing district player of the year honors as a junior ... AVCA Honorable Mention All-American as a junior ... also named the Toledo Newsboys Volleyball Player of the Year as a junior ... over 345 career sets played she was credited with 1,243 kills, a .385 attack percentage, 440 digs, 210 total blocks and 124 aces over her career ... also earned four letters in basketball at Anthony Wayne, earning First Team All-Conference as a junior and senior, First Team All-District as a sophomore and junior, and Honorable Mention All-Ohio as a sophomore.
CLUB: Played for the Toledo Volleyball Club
WHY BALL STATE: I chose Ball State because the coaches were very welcoming and the girls had such a close bond that it made it feel like home.
Mallory Pike | Outside Hitter | Monclova, Ohio (Anthony Wayne)
Will join the Cardinals during the 2026 fall semester and will have four years of eligibility remaining.
PHILLIPS ON MALLORY PIKE: Mallory is one of those all-around players that are truly fun to watch. She performs her role at such a high level from handling the serve receive ball, to flying around on defense to finding ways to score on the left side and much more! She's one of those people that frustrates opponents with her defensive presence as well as shot making. She's going to be a great addition to our program next fall!
HIGH SCHOOL: Four-year letterwinner for coach Chrissy Graven at Anthony Wayne High School ... helped guide the Generals to an 88-16 record over her career, including state runner-up finishes her junior and senior years ... lead the team to conference titles in each of her final three seasons ... First Team All-State honoree as a junior and senior after earning honorable mention as a sophomore ... three-time First Team All-Northern Lakes League honoree, earning NLL Player of the Year honors as a sophomore ... third team all-conference as a freshman ... First Team All-District as a sophomore, junior and senior, while earning honorable mention as a freshman ... credited with 1,309 kills, a .231 attack percentage, 985 digs, 179 aces and 113 total blocks over her career ... also earned three letters in basketball and one in track & field at Anthony Wayne ... honorable mention all-district in basketball as a sophomore ... district high jump champion in track & field as a junior.
CLUB: Played nine years for the Toledo Volleyball Club ... named to the USAV Girls Junior National All-Tournament Team in the National Division during her 15u and 16u seasons ... helped guide her 16u team to a runner-up finish in the national division at the USAV Girls Junior National Tournament.
WHY BALL STATE: I chose Ball State because when I visited, I got to spend time with the team, and we instantly clicked. Our personalities are so similar, and I could really see myself fitting in and being a great teammate. The campus is beautiful, and they have a strong, winning program that I'm excited to be part of.
Merritt Sliwa | Outside Hitter | Fishers, Ind. (Hamilton Southeastern)
Will join the Cardinals during the 2026 spring semester and will have four years of eligibility remaining.
PHILLIPS ON SLIWA: Merritt is a big-time addition to our program. She has great arm speed and the ability to hit all shots from both pins. She has played extremely high-level club and high school ball and that has allowed her to develop a high IQ that I'm confident will immediately transition to the college game. She's someone that is incredibly coachable and a hard worker that will bring great presence to our gym starting this spring!
HIGH SCHOOL: Four-year letterwinner for coach Jason Young at Hamilton Southeastern High School ... helped guide the Royals to a 128-8 record over her career, including back-to-back IHSAA state volleyball titles in 2022 and 2023 ... team has also won four consecutive Hoosier Crossroad Conference championships and was a semi-state finalist her junior year ... earned second team all-conference as a senior, while also serving as team captain ... team MVP as a freshman and Most Clutch Player as a sophomore ... earned a spot on the Indiana All-Star team as a junior and won the award for Leadership and Excellence as a senior ... finished her high school career with 583 kills, a .296 attack percentage, 202 digs, 92 total blocks and 24 aces.
CLUB: Played six years for the Rev Volleyball Academy ... helped guide her 16s team to a fifth-place finish at AAU Nationals.
WHY BALL STATE: I chose Ball State because of the amazing coaches, people and opportunities athletically and educationally! Also, the location of the school and the competitive volleyball program!
Previously introduced on the team's social media channels, the list includes four incoming freshmen and a pair of transfer student-athletes. Four of the players have already joined the program for the 2026 spring semester as mid-year enrollees, while twin sisters will join the squad in the fall after completing their final year of high school.
Audrey Geer | Outside Hitter | Birch Run, Mich. (Frankenmuth) | Marshall
Will join the Cardinals during the 2026 spring semester and will have two years of eligibility remaining.
PHILLIPS ON GEER: Audrey is a dynamic six rotation outside that brings speed, ball control, volleyball IQ and defensive playmaking to our gym. I love her versatility and competitiveness and am excited for her to join our program.
MARSHALL: Played the 2024 and 2025 seasons at Marshall, seeing action in 39 matches and 141 sets over her two seasons ... averaged 2.29 kills and 2.28 digs per set over her two seasons, while also serving up 28 total aces and collecting 57 total blocks ... smashed a career-high 17 kills in a five-set thriller at App State (Nov. 9, 2024) as a freshman, while earning double-digit kills in 22 total matches ... has double-digit digs in 19 career matches, with 13 career kill/dig double-doubles ... her career high 19 digs came in the 2024 season finale, a sweep of Southern Miss (Nov. 15, 2024) ... her 342.5 points and 299 kills led Marshall during her freshman season
HIGH SCHOOL: Four-year starter and captain for coach Mary Shelton at Frankenmuth High School ... finished her playing career for the Eagles with over 1500 kills and 1000 digs ... First Team All-State as a senior, Third Team All-State as a junior and Honorable Mention All-State as a sophomore ... three-time First Team All-Tri Valley East Conference selection ... two-time all-region honoree ... smashed 483 kills, tallied 347 digs, served up 57 aces and credited with 36 blocks as a senior, helping guide Frankenmuth to a 34-12 record and a Division 2 regional championship ... registered 524 kills, 363 digs, 106 aces and 38 blocks as a junior to help guide the Eagles to a 39-6 record and a district title ... also earned four letters in track & field for the Eagles ... two-time state qualifier in the 300m hurdles and one-time state qualifier in the 4x100m relay ... helped guide Frankenmuth to a MITCA Division 2 Team State Championship her senior season.
CLUB: Played three years for Legacy Volleyball Club ... helped her 17s team finish in the top 10 in the 17 Open division at AAU Nationals ... invited to 2023 Under Amour Next Camp
WHY BALL STATE: As a transfer, I choose Ball State because of its competitive program, hardworking culture, and rich volleyball history. I am very excited and grateful to be a Cardinal.
Ava Smith | Outside Hitter / Right Side Hitter | Carmel, Ind. (Park Tudor) | FGCU
Will join the Cardinals during the 2026 spring semester and will have two years of eligibility remaining.
PHILLIPS ON SMITH: Ava is a high-flying pin attacker that can score at either pin. Her arm speed combined with her jump touch are going to make her a lethal weapon in the MAC next fall.
FGCU: Played the 2024 and 2025 seasons at FGCU, after redshirting for the 2023 season ... saw action in 44 matches and 130 sets over her two seasons ... helped guide the Eagles to a pair of ASUN regular season titles, as well as the 2024 ASUN Tournament championship and an NCAA Tournament berth ... averaged 1.65 kills per set while hitting .226 over her career, while tallying 47 total blocks and 48 total digs ... smashed a career-high 13 kills versus Austin Peay (Oct. 19, 2025), while tallying double-digit kills in six matches ... hit .300-or-better in nine 15 total matched, including nine last season ... registered a career-high six total blocks and hit .438 (8-1-16) in a sweep at FIU (Sept. 18, 2025).
HIGH SCHOOL: A four-year letterwinner and three-year starter for Kirsten Edwards at Park Tudor ... helped guide the Panthers to an 86-27 record over her four-year career ... earned PAAC Conference Player of the Year as a senior, after earning co-Player of the Year honors as a junior ... three-time First Team All-Conference and First Team All-County honoree ... earned a pair of First Team All-District honors ... earned a spot on the Indiana All-Star squad as a junior and senior ... led the team in kills in each of her final three seasons, including 467 kills and a .405 hitting percentage as a senior, 507 kills and a .361 attack percentage as a junior and 306 kills and a .342 hitting mark as a sophomore ... helped lead Park Tudor to sectional championships in each of her final two seasons.
CLUB: Played 10 years for Circle City Volleyball Club ... helped her 17s team rank first in the nation in 2022 ... her 18 Open team placed fifth at the 2023 USAV Nationals ... her 17 Open team placed fifth also placed fifth at the 2022 USAV Nationals.
WHY BALL STATE: I choose Ball State because of its great coach and winning tradition. I want to win our conference and go to the NCAA tournament.
Lucy McCollum | Setter | Merrillville, Ind. (Merrillville)
Will join the Cardinals during the 2026 spring semester and will have four years of eligibility remaining.
PHILLIPS ON McCOLLUM: Lucy is someone who immediately caught my eye with how quick her release is as a setter. She has such great touch and a natural ability to find her hitters wherever they need the ball. I also love that she's a lefty who can turn and attack a second ball or hit on the right side. Her versatility and speed will help us immediately in so many ways this spring. I can't wait to get her in the gym and see her take off!
HIGH SCHOOL: Four-year letterwinner for coach Alexis Blake at Merrillville High School ... team captain as a junior and senior ... named the Pirates Most Valuable Player as a sophomore and senior, while claiming the program's leadership award as a junior ... three-time first-team All-Duneland Athletic Conference selection and All-District North honoree ... finished her high school career with 2,158 assists, 1,051 digs, 286 kills, 273 service aces and 91 total blocks.
CLUB: Played five years for the Ignite Elite ... helped guide her team to a third-place finish at MEQ and a second-place effort at Junior Nationals in 2025 ... her squad placed third at the 2024 Nike Presidents' Day event.
WHY BALL STATE: I chose Ball State because on my visit the coaching staff and team were incredibly welcoming showing me around. I realized I mirrored their values and could envision myself there. It was also a plus that Muncie is only three hours away from my hometown.
Leah Pike | Middle Hitter | Monclova, Ohio (Anthony Wayne)
Will join the Cardinals during the 2026 fall semester and will have four years of eligibility remaining.
PHILLIPS ON LEAH PIKE: Leah is one of those players that flat out makes plays! She has a great arm and vision that allows her to score anywhere along the net as well as a high IQ and great court vision that makes her a big-time blocker as well. When you watch her play, you can't help but be drawn towards her competitive drive and toughness. I love her versatility and mentality, and I can't wait to add her to our program this fall!
HIGH SCHOOL: Four-year letterwinner for coach Chrissy Graven at Anthony Wayne High School ... helped guide the Generals to an 88-16 record over her career, including state runner-up finishes her junior and senior years ... lead the team to conference titles in each of her final three seasons ... First Team All-Northern Lakes League honoree over her final three seasons, earning NLL Player of the Year accolades as a junior and senior ... First Team All-District as a junior and senior year, capturing district player of the year honors as a junior ... AVCA Honorable Mention All-American as a junior ... also named the Toledo Newsboys Volleyball Player of the Year as a junior ... over 345 career sets played she was credited with 1,243 kills, a .385 attack percentage, 440 digs, 210 total blocks and 124 aces over her career ... also earned four letters in basketball at Anthony Wayne, earning First Team All-Conference as a junior and senior, First Team All-District as a sophomore and junior, and Honorable Mention All-Ohio as a sophomore.
CLUB: Played for the Toledo Volleyball Club
WHY BALL STATE: I chose Ball State because the coaches were very welcoming and the girls had such a close bond that it made it feel like home.
Mallory Pike | Outside Hitter | Monclova, Ohio (Anthony Wayne)
Will join the Cardinals during the 2026 fall semester and will have four years of eligibility remaining.
PHILLIPS ON MALLORY PIKE: Mallory is one of those all-around players that are truly fun to watch. She performs her role at such a high level from handling the serve receive ball, to flying around on defense to finding ways to score on the left side and much more! She's one of those people that frustrates opponents with her defensive presence as well as shot making. She's going to be a great addition to our program next fall!
HIGH SCHOOL: Four-year letterwinner for coach Chrissy Graven at Anthony Wayne High School ... helped guide the Generals to an 88-16 record over her career, including state runner-up finishes her junior and senior years ... lead the team to conference titles in each of her final three seasons ... First Team All-State honoree as a junior and senior after earning honorable mention as a sophomore ... three-time First Team All-Northern Lakes League honoree, earning NLL Player of the Year honors as a sophomore ... third team all-conference as a freshman ... First Team All-District as a sophomore, junior and senior, while earning honorable mention as a freshman ... credited with 1,309 kills, a .231 attack percentage, 985 digs, 179 aces and 113 total blocks over her career ... also earned three letters in basketball and one in track & field at Anthony Wayne ... honorable mention all-district in basketball as a sophomore ... district high jump champion in track & field as a junior.
CLUB: Played nine years for the Toledo Volleyball Club ... named to the USAV Girls Junior National All-Tournament Team in the National Division during her 15u and 16u seasons ... helped guide her 16u team to a runner-up finish in the national division at the USAV Girls Junior National Tournament.
WHY BALL STATE: I chose Ball State because when I visited, I got to spend time with the team, and we instantly clicked. Our personalities are so similar, and I could really see myself fitting in and being a great teammate. The campus is beautiful, and they have a strong, winning program that I'm excited to be part of.
Merritt Sliwa | Outside Hitter | Fishers, Ind. (Hamilton Southeastern)
Will join the Cardinals during the 2026 spring semester and will have four years of eligibility remaining.
PHILLIPS ON SLIWA: Merritt is a big-time addition to our program. She has great arm speed and the ability to hit all shots from both pins. She has played extremely high-level club and high school ball and that has allowed her to develop a high IQ that I'm confident will immediately transition to the college game. She's someone that is incredibly coachable and a hard worker that will bring great presence to our gym starting this spring!
HIGH SCHOOL: Four-year letterwinner for coach Jason Young at Hamilton Southeastern High School ... helped guide the Royals to a 128-8 record over her career, including back-to-back IHSAA state volleyball titles in 2022 and 2023 ... team has also won four consecutive Hoosier Crossroad Conference championships and was a semi-state finalist her junior year ... earned second team all-conference as a senior, while also serving as team captain ... team MVP as a freshman and Most Clutch Player as a sophomore ... earned a spot on the Indiana All-Star team as a junior and won the award for Leadership and Excellence as a senior ... finished her high school career with 583 kills, a .296 attack percentage, 202 digs, 92 total blocks and 24 aces.
CLUB: Played six years for the Rev Volleyball Academy ... helped guide her 16s team to a fifth-place finish at AAU Nationals.
WHY BALL STATE: I chose Ball State because of the amazing coaches, people and opportunities athletically and educationally! Also, the location of the school and the competitive volleyball program!
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