DALLAS, TX — The wait is nearly over for the Dallas Christian College women's volleyball team.
With the opening weekend of the 2026 season approaching, the Crusaders are preparing to take the court with a group that features a combination of returning experience and promising newcomers. Among the players expected to make an immediate impact are returning leaders Alyssa Carreras and Zoelley Herrera, along with freshman newcomer Jamie Maddey.
After gaining valuable experience throughout the 2025 campaign, Carreras and Herrera return as two important pieces of the Crusaders' lineup.
Alyssa Carreras enters the season as the Crusaders' libero and will be counted on to provide leadership and consistency in the back row.
Carreras appeared in 64 sets during the 2025 season, finishing with a team-high 188 digs while averaging 2.94 digs per set. She also contributed 21 service aces, demonstrating her ability to impact matches from the service line as well as defensively.
Beyond the numbers, Carreras brings a calming presence to the floor. Her experience, communication and consistency should play an important role in the Crusaders' serve receive and defensive efforts this season.
Zoelley Herrera will step into the starting setter role as Dallas Christian looks to establish its offensive identity early in the season.
Herrera recorded 221 assists across 61 sets in 2025, averaging 3.62 assists per set. She also showed her versatility with 155 digs, an average of 2.54 per set, while adding 18 service aces.
Her ability to contribute in multiple areas gives Dallas Christian another experienced presence on the floor. As the starting setter, Herrera will be tasked with putting her hitters in successful positions while also remaining an offensive threat herself.
The Crusaders are excited to see Herrera take command of the offense and compete as one of the team's leaders.
One of the new faces to watch this weekend will be freshman Jamie Maddy, who is expected to begin her collegiate career as a starting six-rotation player.
Maddy has already impressed with her ball control, volleyball IQ and ability to attack aggressively. Despite being a freshman, she has demonstrated an understanding of how to find scoring opportunities and impact different areas of the game.
Her competitive approach and versatility have earned her an immediate opportunity, and opening weekend will provide the first chance to see what she can do at the collegiate level.
For Dallas Christian, the opening weekend represents the beginning of a fresh opportunity.
With Carreras providing experience and stability defensively, Herrera taking control of the offense and Maddy bringing another dynamic option to the lineup, the Crusaders have several players capable of making their presence felt immediately.
After weeks of preparation, practices and competition for roles, the opportunity to finally take the floor has arrived.
