Despite losing nine seniors from last year's team, Cardinal Newman girls volleyball isn't looking at 2026 as a rebuilding season.

For the Cardinals, it's time to reload.

Cardinal Newman graduated a talented senior class that included co-league MVP setter Kimberly Wilson, First Team All-League middle hitter Summer Binder and First Team All-League outside hitter Cienna Alvarez. But Head Coach Daryl Kapis believes the combination of returning talent and several promising newcomers gives the Cardinals the pieces to remain among the top teams in the North Bay.

The Cardinals also enter the season looking to extend one of the most successful postseason runs in program history. Cardinal Newman is seeking its fourth consecutive appearance in the CIF State Championship tournament, which would extend a school-record streak.

A year ago, the Cardinals came agonizingly close to advancing to the Division II State Semifinals. After falling behind two sets to none, Newman rallied to force a deciding fifth set before narrowly falling 16-14, bringing an impressive comeback and postseason run to an end.

Returning All-League selections Emma Donnelly (OH) and Sabina Walsh (Libero) will lead a group that Kapis believes could develop into one of his deepest and most well-rounded teams at Cardinal Newman.

The Cardinals will also welcome an impressive freshman class, led by outside hitter Kensi Grover and middle hitter twins Eva and Olivia Werle. All three are expected to make an immediate impact.

After transferring to Cardinal Newman last season, Gracie Acosta, Addison Smith and Jordyn Gumm should all take on significantly larger roles in 2026.

Smith is expected to handle the bulk of the setting duties, taking over a position that has featured two of the program's most dependable players in recent seasons. Kimberly Wilson (Class of 2026) and Julia Waller (Class of 2025) were mainstays at setter for the Cardinals over the past four years, giving Smith some big shoes — and a strong legacy — to follow.

Cardinal Newman has also added transfer Teneli Galli from Windsor High School. Galli should provide another boost to what Kapis expects to be an outstanding defensive team.

"This is the most complete squad I've had in my time here at Cardinal Newman," Kapis said. "The squad is full of 'complete volleyball players' who have all the skills to pass, set, hit and defend."

That depth should make practices nearly as competitive as matches.

"Our gym on a daily basis will be 'iron sharpening iron,'" Kapis said. "Teams are going to struggle putting the ball down on us this year."

Challenging Schedule Awaits

The Cardinals will find out quickly how they stack up.

Cardinal Newman has put together a challenging non-conference schedule that includes St. Mary's of Albany, Tamalpais, University, Palo Alto and Pleasant Valley, along with a tournament trip to San Diego.

The Cardinals open the season on the road at St. Mary's before returning to Santa Rosa for their home opener against Vintage High School on Thursday, August 20 at 6 p.m.

The league race should once again provide plenty of challenges.

Windsor High School, which finished first in 2025 and swept Cardinal Newman during the season, figures to again be one of the teams to beat. Ukiah High School, which finished third last season, should also be a factor.

Cardinal Newman may have lost a large and accomplished senior class, but with All-League talent returning, several experienced players stepping into bigger roles and an impressive group of newcomers arriving, expectations remain high.

For Kapis and the Cardinals, 2026 isn't about starting over.

It's about seeing how far a reloaded roster can go — and whether the Cardinals can make another run deep into the state playoffs.