5 Major Shakes: The Dramatic Offseason Reshaping Marquette Women's Volleyball For 2026

The Marquette University Women's Volleyball program is undergoing a seismic shift this December 2025, following a successful run that saw them reach the NCAA Second Round. The Golden Eagles, who finished the 2024 season with a stellar 25-9 overall record, are navigating a volatile transfer portal period that has seen both significant losses and blockbuster acquisitions, fundamentally reshaping the team's outlook for the 2026 season under Head Coach Tom Mendoza. The current focus is on integrating new talent while maintaining the elite competitive edge they’ve established in the BIG EAST Conference.

The latest news, confirmed on December 16, 2025, is the signing of 2025 MAC Player of the Year, Carson Tyler, a monumental addition that immediately signals Marquette’s intent to remain a national contender despite key departures. This high-stakes roster turnover is setting the stage for one of the most anticipated seasons in program history, blending established BIG EAST power with fresh, high-impact talent.

Head Coach Tom Mendoza: A Profile of Marquette's Strategist

Tom Mendoza, the sixth head coach in Marquette Women's Volleyball history, has quickly established a culture of high performance and competitive recruiting since his arrival. His strategic approach and history of program building have been critical to the Golden Eagles' sustained success in Milwaukee, WI. Mendoza's ability to navigate the modern landscape of college athletics, particularly the transfer portal, is currently being put to the ultimate test.

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• Full Name: Tom Mendoza
• Current Position: Head Women's Volleyball Coach, Marquette University
• Date Hired at Marquette: March 2, 2025 (Announced)
• Previous Coaching Role: Head Coach at the University of South Carolina (Gamecocks)
• Coaching Style: Known as a "teacher and strategist" with a proven track record of recruiting and developing young players into outstanding student-athletes.
• Key Accomplishment at Marquette: Led the Golden Eagles to a strong 2025 campaign, culminating in an NCAA Tournament Second Round appearance, demonstrating immediate success in his first full year.
• Hometown Connection: A Buffalo Grove native, he is often referred to as "Chicago royalty," returning to the Midwest to lead a highly successful program.

The Transfer Portal Drama: Key Losses and Blockbuster Signings

The end of the 2025 NCAA Tournament run has been immediately followed by a flurry of roster movement, highlighting the new reality of college volleyball. While the program secured major talent, they also saw key contributors opt for the transfer portal, creating a dynamic of both excitement and uncertainty for the 2026 season.

High-Impact Departures: All-Conference Stars Exit

Marquette is facing the loss of multiple All-BIG EAST and AVCA All-North Region honorees, a significant blow to the team's experience and production. The departure of these players creates immediate needs for new leaders on the court.

• Natalie Ring: A junior and Preseason All-BIG EAST honoree, Ring’s decision to enter the transfer portal represents a major hole in the Golden Eagles' lineup. She was a consistent offensive threat and defensive presence.
• Isabela Haggard: Also an All-BIG EAST and AVCA All-North Region honoree, Haggard’s entry into the portal compounds the losses. Her versatility and leadership will be missed as the team rebuilds.

The New Guard: Immediate Talent Injections

In a testament to the program's national reputation and Coach Mendoza's recruiting prowess, the Golden Eagles quickly countered the departures with elite talent from the transfer market and new prep signees, ensuring the team remains a BIG EAST contender.

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• Carson Tyler (Transfer): Announced on December 16, 2025, Tyler is arguably the most significant offseason acquisition. As the 2025 MAC Player of the Year from Ball State, she brings proven, high-level production and experience to the roster, filling a crucial offensive gap.
• Luanna Markus (Signee): Another major addition announced on December 8, 2025, Markus is part of the new wave of talent joining the program for 2026, showcasing the team's success in recruiting top prospects.
• Keira Schmidt: A new signee who adds depth and future talent to the squad, alongside other incoming athletes like Mari King.

The Golden Eagles' Path to BIG EAST and NCAA Tournament Success

Marquette Women's Volleyball has cemented its status as one of the premier programs in the BIG EAST Conference, consistently challenging Creighton University for the top spot and making regular appearances in the NCAA Tournament. This sustained excellence is the foundation that allows them to attract top-tier transfers like Carson Tyler.

Recent Competitive Highlights

The team’s performance in the 2024 and 2025 seasons underscores their elite status. The 2024 campaign finished with an impressive 25-9 overall record, including a dominant 16-2 mark in conference play, setting a high standard for the incoming class.

• 2025 NCAA Tournament Run: The Golden Eagles secured a spot in the national tournament, advancing to the Second Round before falling to a highly ranked opponent on December 6, 2025. This deep run is a critical recruiting tool.
• BIG EAST Powerhouse: Marquette is consistently a top-two team in the BIG EAST, a conference known for producing multiple NCAA Tournament bids. Their success in conference play—often featuring intense matchups against rivals—is a hallmark of the program.
• Hattie Bray's Leadership: Senior Hattie Bray, a Preseason All-BIG EAST selection, remains a crucial veteran presence and key entity on the roster, providing stability amidst the offseason changes. Her performance will be vital for the 2026 team's chemistry and success.

The Home Court Advantage: Al McGuire Center

The team plays its home matches at the state-of-the-art Al McGuire Center, a facility that provides a significant home-court advantage. The 4,000-seat arena is a dedicated venue for both women's basketball and women's volleyball, creating an intimate and energetic atmosphere for Golden Eagles fans. The facility also houses the team's offices and training facilities, underscoring Marquette's commitment to the program's success.

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As the offseason continues, all eyes will be on Coach Mendoza and the newly assembled roster. The blending of incoming All-American talent like Carson Tyler with returning stars like Hattie Bray will determine if the Golden Eagles can translate their recruiting victories into a BIG EAST championship and a deeper run in the NCAA Tournament in 2026. The foundation is set, but the chemistry of the new-look team remains the most intriguing question.