By Graciella Pesa Jambar Contributor
The Youngstown State University women’s volleyball team has plans to ace the competition this season as a follow up to the 2025-26 season – its first winning season since 2014. The Penguins also advanced as far as the Horizon League semifinals.
The 2026-27 season began Aug. 28 with a 3-0 sweep against Mercyhurst University at home. Head coach Riley Jarrett said through strategic planning and skill-driven practices, the players have both confidence and determination to win.
Jarrett, along with junior Kylie Surratt and sophomore Kameron Blizniak, said their goal is to be at the top of the league.
“The big thing we have tried to focus on is our off-the-court culture, making sure that we know it’s about accountability, passion and staying competitive,” Jarrett said.
In her third season as head volleyball coach for the Penguins, Jarrett said she’s recruited players who want to compete, win and be part of something special.
While the players on the team are relatively young, she said her players’ confidence elevates them above many, more experienced volleyball players.
Surratt, outside hitter, had 34 kills in her Sept. 5 match against Marshall University, which makes her the fifth Penguin in program history to record 30 or more kills in a single match. She said her success is from the hard work she and her team put in over the preseason.
“We don’t let balls drop,” Surratt said. “We are a very competitive team not just in practices, but that translates on the court as well.”
Surratt also said the team has developed trust with each other as a close-knit group, where trust in training has set them up for the season.
Surratt works closely on the court with Blizniak, setter. Blizniak said their relationship is one of the most important qualities on a volleyball team and credits her “very high volleyball IQ” for how she leads her team in matches.
“During a high-pressure match, I feel like as a setter you have to not only look at what we’re doing on our side but what the other team is doing,” Blizniak said.
Blizniak also said she has big expectations for this season and hopes her team’s passion will lead to a championship victory.
“I feel like this team is really gritty,” Blizniak said. “We are super passionate, and we are really working towards our goals this season, and we’re gonna come out and win a Horizon League Championship.”
