Sandburg volleyball returns 8 players on 2026 roster

GALESBURG — With eight returning players, the Sandburg volleyball team hopes an experienced roster leads to more consistent success in 2026. 

 

The Chargers put together a 5-1 home record and 7-3 mark in the Arrowhead Conference in 2025, but Sandburg finished with a 15-23 overall record.

 

Sandburg opens its 2026 schedule with six matches at the All-In Opening Weekend Tournament from Friday-Sunday in Rockford. The Chargers’ first home contest is 6 p.m. Sept. 9 vs. Kishwaukee.

 

RETURNERS TO WATCH

Madalynn Knapp, sophomore outside hitter (Gladstone, Ill./Burlington Notre Dame)

• Totaled 213 kills as a freshman, good for third among all Chargers.

• Averaged a team-high 2.34 kills per set in 2025.

• Winkler: “She’s a great all-around player and a powerful hitter.”

Jalie Eller, sophomore outside hitter/right side (Decatur, Ill./St. Teresa)

• Played in every match last season, finishing with 190 kills (1.46 per set) and 360 digs (2.77 per set)

• Winkler: “Jalie is a true leader who leads by working hard every day. She’s a great passer and can score.”

Quinn Rexroat, sophomore setter (Macomb, Ill./Macomb)

• Led Sandburg with 950 assists (7.72 per set) in 36 matches as a freshman.

• Also had a team-best 38 service aces in 2025.

• Winkler: “Quinn is who we’ll count on to do the setting. She has the ability to make our hitters better.”

 

NEWCOMERS TO WATCH

Mya Hill, freshman outside hitter (Argenta, Ill./Argenta-Oreana)

• Winkler: “Mya has worked hard in the preseason to fill a position she hasn’t played in a couple years. She has impressed us every day with her improvement.

Delaney Tapscott, freshman defensive specialist (Coal Valley, Ill./Orion)

• Winkler: “Delaney is very quick and has the potential to become a great DS.”

 

WHAT ARE YOUR EXPECTATIONS FOR THIS SEASON?

Winkler: “I expect our team to give great effort every time we step on the court. We preach attitude and effort.”

 

MATCHES TO WATCH

• Sept. 2 at No. 14 Sauk Valley

• Oct. 7 vs. No. 14 Sauk Valley

 

THIS WILL BE A SUCCESSFUL SEASON IF …

Winkler: “It’ll be a successful season if we continue to get better every time we step on the court. Improvement is what we will strive for by the end of the season.”

 

HOW TO FOLLOW THE CHARGERS
• Watch Chargers home matches live and on-demand on the Sandburg YouTube channel.
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