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MARSHALL -- The Marshall Tigers volleyball program has built a tradition of success on the biggest stage, and the expectations will remain high heading into the 2026 season.
Marshall enters the season as the defending Class AAA state champion after defeating Benilde-St. Margaret’s in four sets in the 2025 state championship match. The title marked the Tigers’ third state championship of the decade and extended their remarkable streak of state tournament appearances, with Marshall qualifying every year since 2017.
Head coach Dan Westby returns to lead the Tigers and knows replacing experienced players is never an easy task. However, he believes the returning group has the talent and experience necessary to keep the program competing at a high level.
"We lost a lot of kids with a lot of experience, and it is always difficult to replace experience," Westby said. "We feel really good about the kids we have coming back. There is a really good mix of seniors and juniors that have seen a lot of playing time, with also having some sophomores that were on varsity last year."
While Marshall graduated several key contributors, Westby believes the program’s culture helps younger players transition into larger roles.
The Tigers have developed a tradition of older players helping younger teammates understand what is expected of them, both on and off the court. Westby said that tradition has played an important role in the program’s continued success.
"We have been fortunate over the years," Westby said. "Our older kids have always laid things out for our younger kids, and the younger kids have followed their lead, and we anticipate that is the case again this year."
That experience can be particularly valuable for a program with championship expectations. Players who have already competed in big matches understand the preparation and composure required when the stakes increase late in the season.
Westby identified three returning players who could play significant roles for the Tigers this season: junior outside hitter Julia Fahl, sophomore Nora Holmgren and senior Kezlyn Pinckney.
"On the outside, we have Julia Fahl coming back as a junior," Westby said. "Nora Holmgren started throughout the season last year as a freshman, and our senior with the most experience is Kezlyn Pinckney. As our libero last year, we hope to plug her in that role this year. She has been our leader throughout the summer as our kids have worked out."
Westby expects Marshall to lean heavily on that trio as the season progresses, particularly as the Tigers work to establish chemistry among their new lineup.
Although Marshall has plenty to replace, Westby said the Tigers are not backing away from a challenging schedule. In fact, he believes playing some of the state’s best teams will ultimately make Marshall better when tournament time arrives.
"We believe, if we play a challenging schedule, that will only make us stronger come tournament time," Westby said. "That has worked really well for us throughout the years, and we have done the same thing this season."
Marshall will again face a demanding slate that includes three tournaments in addition to its conference schedule. Westby believes those opportunities will help the Tigers prepare for the pressure and intensity of postseason play.
"You're always going to have those ebbs and flows over a season," Westby said. "Our conference is going to be good again, but we also play in three tournaments this year, and that has been our routine over the years. It has worked very well for us, and we don't dodge anybody from across the state."
That mentality has become a trademark of the Marshall program. Rather than avoiding difficult competition, the Tigers embrace it as an opportunity to improve.
After winning the state championship a year ago, Marshall will enter the season with plenty of targets on its back. But with Westby returning, experienced players ready to step into larger roles and a schedule designed to challenge the Tigers, the program will look to continue its run of excellence.