FAYETTE, Iowa - Upper Iowa volleyball coach Sarah Hull has announced nine newcomers for the 2026 season. The class features four transfers and five freshmen. 

"We are extremely excited about the incoming class we have joining the Peacock family this fall," Hull said. "Between our five incoming freshmen and four transfers, we are not only gaining great athletes, but more importantly, we are gaining great people. We can't wait to watch them contribute to this team in the fall."

Hull is entering her first full season as head coach of the Peacocks after serving as the interim head coach for 16 matches. The Peacocks went 7-9 under her leadership this past season. 

"This group of incoming athletes brings a lot of potential to take Upper Iowa volleyball to the next level," Hull said. "We believe they are the perfect addition to our returning group and will help this team reach new heights this season. There is a lot to look forward to with Peacock volleyball, and we could not be more excited to welcome this group onto campus this fall!"

Read more about the signees below! 

Transfers
Avery Agnew (L, 5-4, Jr., Milton, Wis. / Milton HS / Madison College)
Agnew returns to Upper Iowa after competing for Madison College in Wisconsin last season. She spent the 2024 campaign with the Peacocks after appearing in 19 matches and recording 20 digs.

Last season with the Wolfpack, Agnew was named Second Team All-Region after playing in all 40 matches for the team. She totaled 676 digs (5.01 per set) while adding 61 service aces. 

She attended Milton High School in Wisconsin and was named Team MVP as a senior and a junior. Agnew was a two-time all-conference selection in the Badger Large Conference with a First Team selection during her senior year. She also earned letters in softball and basketball and was the Badger Scholar Athlete of the Year in 2023-24. 

"We are thrilled to welcome Avery back to Upper Iowa," Hull said. "She is coming in with great experience and understands what it takes to compete at a high level. Avery is a quick libero and has a very steady platform. We know she is capable of making game changing plays and we can't wait to have her back in action in a Peacock uniform." 

Marissa Cahoy (OH, 6-0, Jr., New Hampton, Iowa / New Hampton HS / Kirkwood CC)
Cahoy joins the Peacocks after playing for the past two seasons at Kirkwood Community College. While playing for the Eagles, she totaled 482 kills, 148 digs and 89 blocks. She averaged 2.54 kills per set. 

During her high school career at New Hampton, Cahoy totaled 1,047 kills, 639 digs and 137 blocks. She posted over 300 kills during her junior and senior campaigns, while also recording 65 blocks in her senior season.

"Marissa is a powerhouse and is someone you want on your side of the net," Hull said. "She knows how to put the ball away and always has a high IQ to make smart shots as well. We are very excited to have her join us this fall, along with the experience and leadership she brings." 

Gracen Klima (OH, 5-10, Jr., La Porte City, Iowa / Union Community HS / Lincoln Memorial University)
Klima joins the Peacocks after transferring from Lincoln Memorial University in Tennessee. She played in five matches during her time there. Klima totaled 26 kills and 15 digs for the Splitters.

She competed for Union Community High School in La Porte City from 2020-23. During her time there, she was named Second Team All-State and was a two-time First Team All-Conference selection. She was also a team captain and was named team MVP. 

During Klima's high school career, she accumulated 1,009 kills, 683 digs, 139 aces and 85 blocks. She totaled 532 kills and 287 digs during her senior campaign. She had a career-high 74 aces as a junior. 

"Gracen joined our program this spring, and she has been a fantastic addition," Hull said. "Our gym has become a better place with Gracen here, and it's more competitive, more fun, and high energy with her on the court. Gracen is right at home, and we are thrilled to have her." 

Caylee Rowley (S, 5-7, Jr., Waverly, Nebraska / Waverly HS / Missouri Western State)
Rowley comes to Upper Iowa after spending two years at Missouri Western State in St. Joseph, Missouri. After not playing in 2024, she appeared in one match this past season against William Jewell (Mo.). 

At Waverly High School, Rowley totaled 1,799 assists and 693 digs. She also added 96 aces, 73 blocks and 69 kills. Rowley tallied 981 assists (9.6 per set) during her junior season. She was also a Second Team All-State selection. 

"Caylee is a light, and she is a player that always finds a way to lift her teammates up and brighten their days," Hull said. "Her on-court presence is exactly what we look for in a setter. She is calm under pressure, a hard worker and a selfless teammate. She is always looking for a way to help her team, and we can't wait to see how she elevates our team in the fall." 

Freshmen
Natalie Bystol (OH, 5-10, Fr., Shawano, Wis. / Shawano HS)
Bystol was a two-time First Team All-Conference at Shawano High School. She also was a two-time WVCA All-State Honorable Mention and an All-Conference Honorable Mention in 2023. 

She totaled over 1,000 kills in her career with the Hawks, finishing with 1,037. Bystol also added 77 blocks and 602 digs. During her senior campaign, she posted 453 kills (4.5 per set) and 264 digs (2.6 per set). The Hawks also made a WIAA State Tournament appearance during her junior season, where she totaled 382 kills (3.6 per set). 

"Natalie is a true game changer, Hull said. "She has a great arm swing and can find ways to score even in difficult out-of-system situations. She is also a great blocker who will add a tough presence at the net." 

Claire Edwards (L, 5-1, Fr., Colfax, Ill. / Ridgeview HS)
Edwards will join the Peacocks for the 2026 season after competing for the Mustangs of Ridgeview High School in Illinois. During her career there, she accumulated over 1,000 career assists. Edwards is planning on majoring in exercise science at Upper Iowa. 

"Claire is such a steady libero and is someone you can consistently count on to make the play," Hull said. "She has great ball control in serve receive that will help keep us in system. Claire also has experience setting, which gives her the ability to excel in out-of-system situations." 

Faith Fisher (MB, 6-0, Fr., Bolingbrook, Ill. / Bolingbrook HS)
Fisher totaled 250 kills, 84 blocks and 55 digs during three seasons of varsity action at Bolingbrook High School. She helped lead the Raiders to a 25-10 record during her senior season with 111 kills and 24 blocks. 

"Faith is a great middle and has a great transition offense," Hull said. "She has a fast arm swing and has the ability to mix up her placement." 

Ava Ketelsen (OH, 5-10, Fr., Elizabeth, Ill. / River Ridge HS)
Ketelsen finished her high school career with the Wildcats after totaling 511 kills, 263 digs and 112 blocks. She emerged with a career-high 306 kills (4.1 per set) and 164 digs during her senior campaign. 

The Elizabeth, Illinois native was a varsity captain during her junior and senior seasons. She was a unanimous First Team All-Conference selection in 2025 and a Second Team All-Conference selection in 2024. She plans to major in sports administration at Upper Iowa. 

"Ava is a well-rounded and versatile athlete," Hull said. "She has experience in all front row positions and can also excel on defense. We love the intensity that Ava brings to the gym and the positivity she uses to lift up her teammates." 

Addy Vaughn (L/DS, 5-4, Fr., Wausau, Wis. / Wausau West HS)
Vaughn joins UIU after totaling 1,270 digs during her time at Wausau West High School. She was also efficient from the service line after posting 198 aces. Vaughn also added 184 assists and 95 kills. She totaled her most digs in a season during her junior campaign with 474.

"I knew Addy was meant to be a Peacock from the day I met her," Hull said. "Her hustle, speed and effort are unmatched in the back row, and she is exciting to watch. She is an exceptional leader and the teammate everyone wants to have."