Lopers Add Seven to 2026 Roster

Keanrey, Neb. – Nebraska Kearney head volleyball coach Rick Squiers today announced the addition of three transfers and four high school seniors to the Lopers 2026 roster.

The transfers are outside hitter Grace Schmedding (Fort Hays State), setter Callie Squiers (Iowa Western C.C.), and middle Sophia Thompson (Wichita State). Each will take part in winter and spring workouts with both Schmedding and Squiers having two years of eligibility remaining and Thompson four.

Next, joining the program this fall are outside hitter/defensive specialist Taryn Arbuthnot (Sumner-Eddyville-Miller), defensive specialist/libero Mia Brenner (Kansas City, Mo.), setter Ellie Eckman (Lincoln Southwest), and outside hitter Madeline Lamb (Omaha Westside).

Among those departing the 2025 roster are All-American setter Peyton Neff, All-American outside Emilee Lane, All-MIAA middle Abby Rose and DS Aleena Peterson.

"The future of Loper volleyball continues to look bright. We have addressed some important needs and assembled a roster we feel very optimistic about going forward," said Loper head coach Rick Squiers. "I am also really encouraged to have our transfers on campus for spring volleyball."

UNK is currently going through winter workouts with spring ball slated to begin in March. The Lopers are coming off a 30-4 season, a MIAA Tournament title, a piece of the MIAA regular season title, a 26th consecutive NCAA Tourney appearance and a final national ranking of seventh. 

Transfers
​Grace Schmedding, 5-11, OH (Olathe, Kan./Heritage Christian H.S.)

* Second on FHSU in digs in 2025 (3.12 per set)
* Also averaged 1.83 kps and had 21 aces
* Helped her high school win three straight Class 3A state titles

"Grace is a pure six-rotation outside hitter who has consistently demonstrated that she can succeed in our conference. She fits our playing style and the needs of the program extremely well. We couldn't be happier to have her on our side of the net in 2026."

​Callie Squiers, 6-0, S (Kearney Catholic H.S.)

* Played extensively for the Reivers the past two seasons
* 2025 first-team All-Region
* Three-time all-state pick who helped the Stars twice finish as state runners up

"Callie has developed very nicely over the past two seasons at Iowa Western and should be poised to step in and contribute. Having her on board this spring will help us make the transition in setters, which is obviously a critical part of our success next fall. We are excited she's a Loper."

 
​Sophia Thompson, 6-1, MB (Beloit, Kan./Beloit H.S.)

* Took a redshirt at WSU in 2025
* Starred at both Beloit and St. John's High Schools
* Two-time all-state & cousin of current Loper outside hitter, Allison Budke

"Sophia is an explosive middle attacker and blocker with a very high ceiling. We are thrilled to land her out of the portal coming from a highly respected D1 program like Wichita State.  She will do big things as a Loper."
 

H.S. Seniors

​Taryn Arbuthnot, 5-8, OH/DS (S-E-M)

* 2025 Class D2 Player & Hitter of the Year
* Holds eight school records including career kills (1,663) & career digs (1,445)
* Held the Mustangs win the 2023 Class D1 state title and be 2025 runners up

"Taryn is one of the most athletic players entering the program in 2026. She has all the physical tools and intangibles to succeed in the MIAA. With more training and experience, she could become an outstanding libero or utility attacker."

Mia Brenner, 5-6, DS/L (Staley)

* Two-time team Defensive Player of the Year
* Two-time All-District & two-time All-Conference
* Tallied 368 digs as a senior

"Mia won a roster spot at summer camp by demonstrating hercompetitive drive and all-around back row skills. We are excited to see her continue to excel at the next level."

​Ellie Eckman, 5-9, S (Lincoln SW)

* Two-year starter for the Silver Hawks
* 2025 second-team Class A all-state
* Nearly 2,000 assists and 600 digs as an upperclassmen

"Ellie is a skilled and energetic court leader who finds a way to make her teammates better. She has played high level volleyball in both club and high school which will serve her well at the next level."

​Mia Lamb, 6-0, OH (Omaha Westside)

* Three-year starter for the Warriors
* Nearly 900 career digs and kills
* Chosen to play in the 2026 NCA All-Star match

"Madeline combines outstanding ball control skills with a deceptively fast arm and hitting craftiness. We are excited about her six-rotation potential at the next level."