Women's Volleyball | 8/20/2026 3:00:00 PM

FRANKFORT, Ky.  —  With the 2026 season approaching, Kentucky State women's volleyball is using preseason camp to build on an experienced returning core while integrating a group of newcomers who have quickly made their presence felt.
Head coach Keith Jones has been encouraged by what he has seen as the Thorobreds work through preseason preparations, particularly the way the team's five newcomers have blended with the returning group.
 
"It's been going really well," Jones said. "We've got a really strong foundation of returning players that we brought back this season, and then five new players, four freshmen and one junior transfer from D1."
 
Beyond adding depth to the roster, Jones said the newcomers have helped address needs created by last year's graduating class and an offseason transfer. Their early impact, however, has extended beyond what they have brought to the court.
 
Jones has been particularly pleased with the confidence displayed by the four freshmen as they adjust to the collegiate level.
 
"What we try to get out of each of the last couple recruiting classes here is just a great pursuit and confidence to play the sport," Jones said.
 
Rather than waiting to find their place within an established group, the newcomers have entered camp ready to compete. Jones said seeing the freshmen pursue opportunities, attempt to prove themselves and play with the belief that they belong has been exactly what the coaching staff hoped to see.
 
That confidence complements one of the primary identities Jones continues to establish within the program — defense.
 
The Thorobreds want to play with relentless pursuit, believing they have an opportunity to keep every ball alive regardless of the situation.
 
"They're confident all on their own and bring that defensive mindset that has been a pillar of what we've been trying to get to, to be able to fly around and believe that we can get every ball," Jones said. "And if we don't get that one, we're going to get the next one."
 
That next-ball mentality extends beyond Kentucky State's defensive approach.
As the Thorobreds progress through preseason camp, Jones and his staff are intentionally putting the team in difficult situations. The goal is to prepare the group both mentally and physically for adversity before those moments arrive during regular-season competition.
 
"What we train and what we preach in our gym is that in any given situation, you can only control what you can control," Jones said. "So we want to be mentally and physically prepared for all the things that could possibly go wrong and train from there."
 
That approach can create frustrating moments during practice, but Jones believes working through those situations now will help Kentucky State remain composed when momentum shifts during matches.
 
The returning Thorobreds are already familiar with those expectations, while Jones said the newcomers have quickly bought into the program's mentality.
 
Kentucky State has also added two assistant coaches to the staff this fall, providing additional support as Jones continues to develop the program.
 
With returning experience, a confident group of newcomers and an increased emphasis on defensive pursuit and composure, the Thorobreds' preseason focus is clear: prepare for adversity, compete for every point and never allow one play to determine the next.
 
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