Women's Volleyball 8/20/2026 8:00:00 AM

Youthful Bronchos Ready For 2026 Season

No. 12-ranked UCO Has 12 Freshmen and Sophomores on 17-player Roster

EDMOND – It's the start of a new era for Central Oklahoma in 2026 as the Bronchos look to build around a large group of young players.

UCO solidified its status as one of the elite teams in NCAA Division the past two years with 60 wins and back-to-back national tournament appearances behind a veteran team, with the new-look Bronchos ready to forge their own path.

Twelve freshmen and sophomores fill UCO's 17-player roster and turning that group of talented – though untested – youth into a championship contender is the task that awaits 14th-year head coach Edgar Miraku.

"I'm excited to see what a young, new generation of UCO volleyball athletes can achieve," said Miraku, who has amassed a stellar 329-99 career record with the Bronchos. "This group reminds me of a couple of earlier teams we've had that were young and inexperienced but had a lot of talent.

"We have to spend more time on building the foundation again and the question is how can we maintain the standard that has been established."

UCO is hardly without any experience as eight players are back from last year's 27-6 team, including several that saw significant action. That group of returners, which features four seniors, will play a key role this season.

"Our upperclassmen provide leadership and experience that is crucial for our success," Miraku said. "They will play an important role in helping us maintain our culture."

Leading the returners is senior All-American libero Kaitlyn Parrott, who will spearhead an experienced back row defensive group.

The Bronchos have back three other senior veterans in Sawyer Franz, Emma Halstead and Riley Roberts, with each expected to fill key leadership positions.

UCO's other returners are sophomores Jordyn Baker, Morgan Manning and Myla Unterweger along with redshirt freshman Taylor Nielsen.

Nine newcomers round out the roster, with the Bronchos looking for several of those to take over starting roles.

"Having success early is important for us," Miraku said. "We need to build on that to get ready for the conference schedule. We may be young, but I'm excited to see how we continue to build on the success of our past."

Here's a position-by-position breakdown of the 2026 team.

SETTER

Replacing a four-time All-MIAA performer who finished as one of UCO's all-time assist leaders will be a tall task, but the Bronchos are fortunate to have two highly capable options.

The redshirt freshman Nielsen is the top candidate to take over the main role, while Roberts will undoubtedly be used as well. Freshman Lilly Boswell adds additional depth to the position.

Nielsen saw limited action last year and obviously lacks experience, but she possesses all the physical tools needed and is a natural leader. Roberts has been UCO's main backup the last three years and the versatile veteran definitely knows the system.

DEFENSIVE SPECIALIST/LIBERO

Parrott took over at libero last season and was a major defensive presence from the outset in earning All-America honors. Parrott finished with 643 digs, averaging 5.74 per set, and ranked among the national leaders in both categories.

Parrott should once again be one of Division II's top liberos and she's also an offensive threat as perhaps the team's best server.

A trio of defensive specialist returners give the Bronchos even more experience on the back row, with Halstead, Baker, and Manning ready to dig up opponent attacks. All three know UCO's defensive system and provide needed poise and maturity.

Additional help will come from junior Jenna Monroe, who enjoyed a solid, two-year junior college career, and joined the program in the spring to get ahead of the curve.

HITTER

A combination of returners and newcomers will vie for playing time at outside and right-side hitter, with several of them capable of playing either position.

Franz owns the most experience while also providing key leadership, both on and off the court. The two-year letterwinner had 122 kills last year and is looking to take over a full-time role this season.

Roberts was needed at right-side hitter last year and provided 120 much-needed kills, with the Bronchos expecting her to see time there once again while also helping at setter.

UCO will also be looking for increased contributions from Unterweger, who came on strong late last season in gaining confidence and experience.

Sophomore transfers Caroline Clayton and Jaidyn Reid are expected to have a big impact, with freshman Brylee Moore another newcomer capable of contributing right away. All three joined the program in the spring as well to gain experience in the system. Boswell can also help here if she's not needed at setter.

MIDDLE BLOCKER

UCO lost a trio of senior veterans from this position, but the Bronchos are excited about what a quartet of young newcomers can accomplish despite their lack of experience.

Sophomore transfer Georgia Ahlert leads the way and has the ability to make a huge impact in the MIAA as both an offensive and defensive force at the net.

Multi-talented freshmen Taylor Fenton, Mya McCoy and Kate Wells round out the group. All three are superb all-around athletes who have the versatility to also help out at outside or right-side hitter if needed.

FIRST SERVE

Central Oklahoma opens the 2026 season at the Southern Arkansas Classic in Magnolia, Arkansas next week. The Bronchos play host SAU in addition to UT Tyler, Arkansas Monticello, and Texas A&M Kingsville.

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Players Mentioned

#13 Jordyn Baker: DS; 5' 7"; Sophomore

#6 Sawyer Franz: OH; 5' 8"; Senior

#8 Emma Halstead: DS/L; 5' 11"; Senior

#21 Morgan Manning: DS; 5' 5"; Sophomore

#4 Taylor Nielsen: S; 5' 6"; Redshirt Freshman

#9 Kaitlyn Parrott: L; 5' 5"; Senior

#11 Riley Roberts: S/RS; 5' 10"; Senior

#16 Myla Unterweger: OH/RS; 5' 10"; Sophomore

#15 Georgia Ahlert: MB; 6' 0"; Sophomore

#5 Caroline Clayton: OH/RS; 5' 8"; Sophomore

Players Mentioned

#13 Jordyn Baker
: 5' 7"; Sophomore
: DS

#6 Sawyer Franz
: 5' 8"; Senior
: OH

#8 Emma Halstead
: 5' 11"; Senior
: DS/L

#21 Morgan Manning
: 5' 5"; Sophomore
: DS

#4 Taylor Nielsen
: 5' 6"; Redshirt Freshman
: S

#9 Kaitlyn Parrott
: 5' 5"; Senior
: L

#11 Riley Roberts
: 5' 10"; Senior
: S/RS

#16 Myla Unterweger
: 5' 10"; Sophomore
: OH/RS

#15 Georgia Ahlert
: 6' 0"; Sophomore
: MB

#5 Caroline Clayton
: 5' 8"; Sophomore
: OH/RS