PENSACOLA, Fla. – UWF head volleyball coach Melissa Wolter has announced the signing of the final additions to the 2026 roster for the upcoming fall season.
 
"We are thrilled to finalize our 2026 roster with Karyna, Talya, Kennedy, Tiana, Maddie & Lili," said coach Wolter.  "We were very selective in our final choices for our team as we head into our first year at the NCAA D1 level, competing in the ASUN.  All 6 of these young ladies have great pedigrees in the sport, excellent firepower, athleticism and competitiveness.  We are looking forward to what they bring to our team on and off the court and can't wait for the fall!"
 
Karyna Werley | Setter/OPP
Werley comes to West Florida following one season at MSU Denver and a decorated prep career at La Cueva High School. A 5-foot-9 setter/opposite, Werley helped lead MSU Denver to a historic 2025 season that included the NCAA Division II National Championship, South Central Region Championship, RMAC Tournament Championship, and RMAC Regular Season Championship. Individually, she was named a Second Team AVCA All-American, RMAC Freshman of the Year, and South-Central Region Freshman of the Year while also earning All-Tournament Team honors at the Colorado Premier Challenge, RMAC Tournament, South Central Regional, and NCAA Division II Tournament. Prior to her collegiate career, Werley was a standout at La Cueva, where she earned multiple 5A First Team All-State, All-Metro, and All-District honors while helping lead her team to a 5A state championship in 2022, state and metro titles in 2021, and metro and district championships in 2023. As a senior, she was named the 5A Albuquerque Metro Player of the Year, District Player of the Year, and helped her team capture the Senior All-Star Game championship. Academically, Werley was named to the President's Honor Roll at MSU Denver after earning All-District Academic Team, All-Metro Senior Academic Team, and Academic Letter honors during high school. She has also been active in the MSU Denver Honors Program, MSU Denver volleyball community service efforts, Key Club, and Paws for a Cause.

"I chose UWF because the culture and team dynamic are truly unique and unlike any other program, it's something I want to be a part of," said Werley. "From the moment I stepped on campus, I could tell that this team values hard work, connection, and growth both on and off the court. I was also drawn to the competition in the gym and the high level of volleyball, because it will challenge me to grow as an athlete. I believe God has led me to this group not only so I can share what I have learned on my journey but also so I can continue to grow in my faith and identity."

Wolter's Comments: "Karyna brings excellent championship experience at all levels and great depth in the Setter and Right-side positions.  She played a pivotal role in Metro State winning the NCAA D2 National Championship on and off the court in 2025.  Karyna is the total volleyball player, coming in with a great all-around skill set.  She has a great volleyball iq and is extremely competitive.  She will make an immediate impact on the level of our gym and she's the perfect fit for our move into D1."
 
Talya Sampson | Outside Hitter
Sampson joins West Florida following a decorated two-year career at Iowa Central Community College and a standout prep career at Sedgwick High School. A 6-foot outside hitter, Sampson was named an NJCAA First Team All-American, AVCA Two-Year College All-American, ICCAC Player of the Year, and Iowa Central Community College Outstanding Female Athlete of the Year. She also earned First Team All-Region 11-A honors, Region 11-A Tournament MVP, Region 11-A All-Tournament Team recognition, and was selected to the NJCAA Division II National Championship All-Tournament Team. Sampson was named ICCAC Player of the Week four times and NJCAA Player of the Week twice while helping Iowa Central capture the 2025 ICCAC Conference Championship and Region 11-A Championship, with the program ranking inside the top 10 nationally in both of her seasons. Prior to Iowa Central, she helped lead Sedgwick to four HOA League Championships and earned multiple All-State, All-Metro, and All-HOA League honors, including First Team All-State and KVA All-Star recognition as a senior. Academically, Sampson was a two-time NJCAA First Team Academic All-American, two-time First Team Academic All-Region 11-A selection, and was named to the Iowa Central President's List all four semesters with a 4.0 GPA after graduating as valedictorian from Sedgwick. She was also involved with tutoring for TRIO at Iowa Central and participated in CHAMPS, STAND, and served as class president in high school.
 
"I chose UWF because of the competitive environment and team culture," said Sampson. "Coaches are driven to win and I think my teammates will push me to be a better athlete and a better person. I also appreciate that there are a lot of opportunities for involvement outside of volleyball and campus feels very welcoming. Also, the location is unbeatable!

Wolter's Comments: "Talya is a powerful attacker that developed extremely well at Iowa Central, leading them to back-to-back top 10 National finishes.  She is comfortable putting a team on her back and terminal from multiple areas on the court.  In addition to success on the court, Talya is an excellent student.  She fits our program in every way possible and will be depended on to help bring some necessary ammunition on the pin."
 
Kennedy Plummer | Outside Hitter
Plummer joins West Florida following one season at the University of Louisiana Monroe and a standout prep career at Green Hill High School. A 6-foot middle blocker, Plummer made an immediate impact at the collegiate level, earning All-Tournament Team honors at the Cowgirl Classic while also being recognized with the program's Best Teammate award. Prior to ULM, she put together a decorated high school career at Green Hill, earning 7-AAA Freshman of the Year honors in 2021 before becoming a three-time 7-AAA First Team All-District selection. She also earned multiple 7-AAA All-Tournament Team honors and was named Region MVP in 2024. Plummer added several additional honors during her senior season, including Dube Orthopedics Athlete of the Week, Tri Star Athlete of the Week, and the United States Marine Corps Distinguished Athlete Award. In the classroom, she graduated Summa Cum Laude with Honors and Distinction. She was also involved in Student Council, National Honor Society, and Best Buddies.
 
"I chose West Florida because I felt that everyone has a strong desire to win," said Plummer. "The UWF coaches and support staff create an environment where everyone feels supported and challenged to get better. I felt like it was the perfect combination of volleyball, school pride, and academic excellence. And who can pass up an opportunity to be right by the beach?"
 
Wolter's Comments: "Kennedy comes to us after a strong debut in D1 as a top point scorer on the pin for University of Louisiana Monroe.  She brings a crafty offensive style and has great potential to be a 6-rotation player for us.  Kennedy's ceiling is very high and we are excited she chose UWF to help her reach her full potential.  She will add depth and competitiveness to our roster in the outside and rightside positions.  Kennedy is also a high character person that will help enhance our already strong culture."
 
Madison Joyner | Libero
Joyner joins West Florida following a standout prep career at Lawton Chiles High School and with Prostyle Volleyball. A 5-foot-7 libero, Joyner earned 2026 USAV Girls 18 USA All-Tournament Team honors after helping her club finish second in the nation in the USA Division. At the high school level, she was a First Team All-Big Bend selection, FACA All-State selection, three-time state champion, and WCTV Scholar Athlete. In the classroom, Joyner earned 2025 All-State Academic honors, AVCA Best and Brightest First Team recognition with a 4.3 weighted GPA, FACA All-State Academic honors, and the Chiles Academic Scholar Award from 2022-25. She was also involved in National Honor Society and Fellowship of Christian Athletes.
 
"Throughout my recruiting journey, my family and I prayed for the right doors to open and the wrong ones to close, and when I visited the University of West Florida, everything finally felt right," said Joyner. "The welcoming atmosphere, competitive culture, and support from Coach Melissa, Coach Lemner, the staff, and the team, who were all so kind and accepting, made it feel like a place I truly wanted to be a part of, especially because there is such a strong system in place with goals set for success and a team and staff willing to do whatever it takes to achieve them. After a long and challenging process filled with ups and downs, I truly feel like God has led me exactly where I am meant to be to continue both my volleyball and academic career."
 
Wolter's Comments: "Maddie is a proven winner.  She's helped Chiles High School continue their tradition of winning State Titles indoor and just recently also helped them win a State Title on the Beach.  She's an incredible athlete and competitor that will add great depth to our DS/Libero position.  She has the ability to make routine plays and spectacular plays at a high level.  We knew very early on in recruiting Maddie, that she would fit our culture perfectly and help secure our pass and defense as we move into this new era.  Maddie has a big future here at UWF."
 
Liliana Gegovic | Right Side/Outside Hitter
Gegovic joins West Florida following a standout prep career at Eisenhower High School and with Michigan Elite Volleyball Academy. A 5-foot-10 right side/outside hitter, Gegovic earned All-Conference, All-Region, and All-Academic honors three times while also being recognized with Best Offense honors. She helped lead Eisenhower to two district championships, a regional championship, and an Elite Eight appearance at the state tournament. At the club level, Gegovic helped Michigan Elite qualify for nationals at both the 16U and 18U levels and served as a team captain for her 16U and 17U teams. In the classroom, she excelled with a 4.09 GPA and was named valedictorian, AP Scholar, and earned the Seal of Global Language. She was also involved in Student Council and Key Club while serving as president of Albanian Club.
 
"Right when I got to UWF I felt like I was home," said Gegovic. "Everyone made me feel so welcome, I honestly was shocked by how amazing every person was and how nice everyone was. Also, the level of play was exactly what I was looking for in a college, very high-level competitive college volleyball, where everyone wants to win. I know UWF is going to set me up for a great future and that it is the place to be!"
 
Wolter's Comments: "Lili is coming to us after competing at some of the top clubs in Michigan.  She's a high flyer with a heavy arm, making her a great fit for our offensive system and program.  Her versatilty across the front row showcases her competitve nature and team first mentality.  Lili is a high achiever on the court and in the classroom, making her a perfect fit for our program.  We're excited to have her elevate the level of competition for us in the gym as we head into the ASUN."
 
Tiana McKenzie | Middle Blocker
McKenzie joins West Florida following a strong prep career at Gibbs High School and with St. Petersburg 18s Teal. A 5-foot-11 middle blocker, she earned several individual honors throughout her high school career, including Senior Volleyball All-Star Match MVP, First Team All-County, First Team All-South, honorable mention recognition, team MVP honors, and serving as team captain. McKenzie helped lead Gibbs to two district runner-up finishes while also earning MVP honors at the club level and helping St. Petersburg 18s Teal secure a national bid. In the classroom, she has excelled as an Honor Roll student, Dean's List honoree, National Honor Society member, AP Scholar, and recorded the highest SAT score in her school. She is also involved in several student organizations, including GirlFriend's, SGA, National Technical Honor Society, BETA "Business Economics Technology Academy," and Yearbook Club.
 
"I chose UWF because from the beginning, it felt like a place where I could truly grow both on and off the court," said McKenzie. "The energy of the program, the campus atmosphere, and the support from the coaching staff made me feel at home. I'm extremely grateful for the opportunity from Coach Wolter and Coach Morgan, and I'm excited to be a part of the Argonaut family!."
 
Wolter's Comments: "Tiana is a fantastic addition to our already incredibly strong 2026 freshmen class.  Tiana is going to add depth in our middle blocker position and her potential is limitless.  She may only be 5'11" but she's a great leaper and is very physical.  Tiana is strong on both sides of the ball and will develop quickly in our training and systems.  She's also an excellent student athlete and has a delightful personality, making her a wonderful fit for our program."
 
For more information on the UWF volleyball program, visit GoArgos.com and follow the team on social media at @uwfvolleyball (Instagram) and @UWFVolleyball (X).