Head Coach Danielle Heffernan enters her second season as the leader of the Women's Volleyball team for Houghton coming off of a 13-12 season that saw a postseason appearance for the squad. Despite facing unforeseen challenges headed into the beginning of the 2026 season, Coach Heffernan has her team looking ahead towards their first opportunity to compete.
 
2025 Season Recap
In only her first season, Coach Heffernan seemed to find her footing within the Empire 8 landscape while earning a 7-4 conference record behind the efforts of the incredible Highlander depth. With eleven total players contributing 50+ sets played throughout the 2025 season, Houghton's lineup was able to produce success on the box score while developing serious playing experience across the roster. A conference tournament appearance capped off their impressive efforts during Coach Heffernan's inaugural season.
 
Insights from Coach Heffernan
Q: What are your team goals for this season?
A: "Our team goal is to make our Empire 8 conference tournament. The last two seasons we saw a semi-final match and a quarter-final match and this season we have our sight set on making the championship match."
 
Q: What are the keys to meeting those goals?
A: "Our non-conference matches are going to be pivotal in preparing us for our conference matches and we are looking forward to the competitiveness they will bring. On the court, a key focus will be how we prepare for each match during the week. The team is focused on pushing each other to be their best during practices so that when we get to a match, we are prepared. With the depth that we have, each player will be instrumental in helping us reach these goals."
 
Q: What do you feel are the team's greatest strengths heading into the season?
A: "One of our biggest strengths is the depth that we have this year on our roster. Each player brings strengths that we will be able to use throughout the season. We have good depth this year in different positions and that is exciting as each player brings a different set of strengths to those positions. From the seniors to the freshman, each player is working hard to contribute to the success of the team and that will be a strength as we head into the bulk of our season. We want to better every ball that we see throughout practice and matches and to work for the person next to us."
 
Q: Are there any particular games/matchups that you and the team are excited for?
A: "Our non-conference play has us facing some new opponents which is exciting as it will give us new opportunities to grow. Our conference matches are always exciting as we only get one opportunity. So, we are looking to be competitive from the start to the finish of each set."
 
Personnel Losses
The graduation of Natalie Rivera and Emma Cole will certainly impact the offensive and defensive approach to the 2026 season for the Highlanders. Earning a Second Team All-Conference and Empire 8 Tomorrow's Leaders selection, Cole's frontline efforts set high expectations for this season's hitters.
 
Key Returners
Two essential pieces for Houghton's offense during the 2026 season will be First Team All-Conference outside hitter Alexa Belanger and outside hitter Praylan Perkins. Facilitating the offense and bringing considerable experience will be the setter duo of Logan Baer and Morgan Brace.
 
Newcomers
Seven newcomers join the Highlander roster, including Viktoriia Lozynska and Petra Thomas at the middle blocker position and Nicola Soper playing outside hitter. Bringing the total roster to 20 players, the incoming freshmen are another step in cementing the vision Coach Heffernan holds for the program.
 
With a deep roster blending experienced returners and promising newcomers, Houghton enters 2026 with its sights set higher than ever. As the Highlanders work to build on last season's postseason experience and capitalize on their depth, this season has incredible potential for the future of the program.