HOUSTON – St. Thomas Volleyball team is set to return to the court for the 2026 season under Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference (SCAC) Coach of the Year Keanne Burt. Coming off the most successful season in program history, the Celts enter the new year with unfinished business after capturing a SCAC Co- Regular Season Championship, earning their first-ever national ranking at No. 24 in the AVCA Poll.
Season Overview
The Celts officially begin preparations with an scrimmage against Wharton County Junior College on August 18 before opening the regular season. The Celts then start the season away in Sherman, TX with a Tournament hosted by Austin College on September 4th and 5th.
Following the tournament, the Celts will travel to the Big Apple for a prestigious tournament in New York City. St. Thomas opens the weekend against Emerson College on September 11 before facing Montclair State University and host New York University on September 12.
UST then heads to San Antonio for one of the toughest weekends on its schedule. The Celts will battle Washington University in St. Louis and Johns Hopkins University, both 2025 NCAA Sweet 16 participants. The Celts will end the tournament against national power and defending national semifinalist Trinity University.
Conference play begins September 25 with a road match at the University of Dallas before the Celts return home to host Concordia University Texas on September 27.
October features several key SCAC matchups as St. Thomas travels to SCAC crossover weekends in Seguin and Sherman while also welcoming Texas Lutheran University, the University of Dallas, and Colorado College to the Jerabeck Activity and Athletic Center. The annual Pink Out match against Texas Lutheran is scheduled for October 9, while Senior Night will be held October 16 against the University of Dallas.
The Celts conclude the regular season with road contests against Texas Lutheran and Concordia Texas before taking on East Texas Baptist University and the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor in non-conference finales. The season culminates with the 2026 SCAC Volleyball Championship on November 13-14 in Longview, Texas.
Looking to Build on History
After reaching new heights in 2025, expectations are higher than ever for the Celts. Burt, who was named the 2025 SCAC Coach of the Year, returns a veteran squad determined to build upon last season's success and make another run at both the conference championship and NCAA Tournament.
Leading the way is reigning SCAC Back Row Player of the Year Carly Lange, who also earned AVCA Honorable Mention All-America honors and First Team All-Region recognition. Joining her is reigning SCAC Player of the Year Alexis Bodunrin, a five-time SCAC Offensive Player of the Week, Elite 19 Award recipient, AVCA Honorable Mention All-American, and AVCA First Team All-Region selection.
The Celts also return All-SCAC Second Team honoree Ariana Willis, All-SCAC Honorable Mention selection Jazilyn Davis, and veteran leader Audrey Cataline, whose leadership and experience have helped shape one of the winningest stretches in program history.
With nearly the entire core returning and five talented newcomers joining the roster, St. Thomas possesses the experience, depth, and determination needed to compete for another conference championship while making a statement on the national stage.
Join the Excitement
The Celts are ready to defend their place among the SCAC's elite while pursuing even greater success in 2026. Fans are encouraged to pack the Jerabeck Activity and Athletic Center throughout the fall and help create one of the best home-court atmospheres in the conference.
For the complete 2026 schedule Click Here, and the latest updates on UST Volleyball, visit USTCelts.com and follow @USTWVBall on social media.
