HAMILTON — The Miami University Hamilton volleyball team is entering a fresh chapter in 2026.
A new head coach, an influx of freshman talent and an expanded schedule have generated excitement around the Harriers program as it looks to continue building toward becoming a competitive force in the United States Collegiate Athletic Association.
The Harriers finished 4-11 during the 2025 season, but optimism is high as Amy Zecher takes over as head coach after serving as an assistant last year.
Zecher brings more than 13 years of coaching experience at the club, middle school, high school and collegiate levels.
During her first season at Miami Hamilton, she helped oversee player development, practice planning and recruiting efforts while helping secure a four-player freshman class that will immediately reshape the roster.
Miami Hamilton athletic director Chris Settle said Zecher is the right person to guide the program’s future.
“We are extremely excited to start a new era of volleyball here at Miami Hamilton under the leadership of our first-year coach Amy Zecher,” Settle said. “Amy has a wealth of experience, knowledge and contacts in the volleyball world and has hit the ground running with recruiting.”
Settle added that Zecher’s understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities that come with a regional campus made her a natural fit for the position.
“But even more than that, Amy is a great fit for Miami Hamilton,” Settle said. “Being a regional campus, things have to be done a certain way to be successful and she gets it. Spending last year as our assistant coach enabled her to see all the ins and outs of volleyball at our level so I am confident she can get us to our first USCAA national tournament for volleyball.”
That recruiting effort has already paid dividends.
The incoming freshman class includes Aurora Scroggins, a middle blocker from Southwestern High School in Hanover, Indiana; Payton Marshall, a setter and defensive specialist from Bishop Brossart in Burlington, Kentucky; Kaelyn Alexander, a defensive specialist from Edgewood; and Brilee Stone, a versatile outside hitter and setter from Lebanon.
The group joins a returning core that gives Miami Hamilton a blend of youth and experience.
Senior outside hitter Sarah Pyles returns as the roster’s lone senior. The Dayton native and East Dayton Christian graduate is expected to provide leadership both on and off the court as the Harriers navigate a season featuring four freshmen and only three upperclassmen.
Junior middle blocker Myiah Morris, a 5-foot-10 West Carrollton graduate, returns as one of the team’s most experienced front-row players. Fellow junior Lillie Kluesner, a 5-foot-8 right-side hitter also from West Carrollton, provides additional experience and offensive versatility.
Sophomore Avery Fritz, a 5-foot-7 outside hitter and right-side hitter from Conner in Hebron, Kentucky, rounds out the returning players and gives Miami Hamilton flexibility on the attack.
The roster reflects one of Zecher’s primary goals — building a program capable of sustained growth through recruiting and player development.
Her coaching philosophy emphasizes technical skills, volleyball IQ, leadership and personal growth. A former collegiate volleyball player, Zecher believes developing student-athletes extends beyond the court and into the classroom and community.
That same philosophy has helped fuel her success as owner and girls club director of Cincy Storm Volleyball Club, where she has developed athletes who have gone on to compete at the collegiate level.
Zecher will not be alone in leading the program’s next phase.
Assistant coach Roy Felts joins the staff and brings additional experience and leadership to a program working to establish a stronger foundation for long-term success.
Miami Hamilton’s commitment to growth is also reflected in its schedule.
The Harriers have expanded their slate for the upcoming season and will face a challenging collection of opponents that includes Boyce College, Edison State, Kent State and defending USCAA national champion UC Clermont.
The schedule is designed to expose the roster to higher levels of competition while preparing the Harriers for future postseason opportunities.
Each match will serve as an opportunity for Miami Hamilton’s young roster to gain valuable experience against established programs.
The combination of new leadership, an ambitious recruiting class and a demanding schedule has created excitement surrounding the program.
“The goal is to continue moving this program forward every day,” Settle said. “With the players we have returning, the incoming class Amy has assembled and the culture we’re building, we believe the future is bright for Miami Hamilton volleyball.”
