Norfolk State Volleyball Aims to Rise Above the Standard in 2026

The Norfolk State volleyball program enters the 2026 season with a clear mission and a phrase to match it: above the standard. Head coach Kathy Bullock, now in her eighth year at the helm, believes the Spartans have the depth, the experience and the mindset to climb out of last season's seventh place MEAC finish and chase a championship.

"We want to be above the MEAC," Bullock said. "We want to be above all the teams we play, because we want to find our way into the NCAA Tournament."

Norfolk State finished 2025 with a 5-24 record and a 3-11 mark in conference play, but Bullock points to a signature win over VCU last spring as the moment the program turned a corner, and she believes that win still fuels the team heading into fall camp.

"I felt like that was the icing, a turning point in our upcoming season," Bullock said. "The girls were inspired. They were encouraged to go home and work hard, knowing we had so much depth in every position."

That depth starts with senior outside hitter Gabby Gilbert, who piled up 407 kills, 38 aces, 162 digs and 48 blocks a season ago and enters her final year in position to rewrite the Norfolk State record book. Bullock does not hold back when she talks about what Gilbert could accomplish this fall.

"I feel like she's going to have an amazing season," Bullock said of Gilbert. "She's pretty much about to break every record we've ever had at Norfolk State. I'm excited about what she is going to offer this program in 2026."

Gilbert headlines a five-player senior class that also includes Bri Ellis, Jala Dixon, Kaden Sanders and Catori Crawford. Bullock said her seniors returned from summer training locked in and ready to compete for playing time against a wave of new talent.

"All my seniors came in ready and excited to be on the volleyball court, and they worked hard over the summer to make sure they were able to compete for a position," Bullock said.

Reagan Chisholm, Ava Berry and Isis Castille all return with a full year of starting experience after breaking through as sophomores, and each is chasing All-MEAC recognition after falling just short last season. Bullock said that near miss lit a fire under all three heading into the offseason.

"They kind of got a little swag going on, because they didn't like the fact that they didn't get all conference last year," Bullock said. "They went to work over the summer, and they came in great shape and ready to compete."

Norfolk State also reloaded through the transfer portal, bringing in outside hitters Kyleigh Moore, who arrives from Cal State Northridge, and Kailia Phillips, who transferred in from Jessup University. Both are expected to add experience and firepower on the outside. The Spartans also strengthened their back row with defensive specialists Aliyah Torres, who played in Hawaii, and Jazeli Vandenburgh, who transferred from UT Chattanooga.

"We got some great ball control in my back row," Bullock said. "I think Vandenburgh is going to be really special for us. She played amazing in the spring and really helped increase our efficiency in serve receive and defense."

The setter position remains a competitive position heading into the season, with four players, including returner Jasmine Mataira and transfer Nehir Erimez, competing for the job. Bullock said the battle could push Norfolk State from a traditional 5-1 offense to a 6-2 system, putting three attackers across the net at all times and giving the Spartans more firepower.

"They're battling like crazy," Bullock said. "Either way, they're going to keep fighting to get on the volleyball court, even after our first competition."

The Spartans' home opener carries extra weight this season, and the excitement around it is already building. After spending the first month of 2025 on the road, Norfolk State opens 2026 at Gill Gymnasium, hosting an exhibition against North Carolina A&T, Bullock's alma mater, on Aug. 15, followed by Elizabeth City State on Aug. 21. The Spartans then co host the Quest for the Crown Tournament with Old Dominion, opening the regular season at Echols Hall against SC Upstate on Aug. 28. The home slate keeps rolling into September, with Old Dominion, Hampton and William & Mary all visiting Norfolk within the season's first three weeks. 

"It feels great. We do well at home," Bullock said. "Our fans are amazing, they love playing here, and I'm looking forward to being in our own gym. I think it's going to be exciting for us. I think it's going to be great."

Senior Catori Crawford said the early home stand gives Norfolk State a real edge as it builds momentum into conference play.

"Starting off the season strong in an environment that's helpful to us, that's huge," Crawford said. "Being in Gills, it feels more intimate. You feel more connected with the crowd, and they feel more connected with you. They give us a lot of momentum we wouldn't otherwise have on the road."

Senior Jala Dixon, who racked up 47 kills and 28 blocks last season, said the team's growth stretches well beyond the stat sheet and into how the Spartans carry themselves every day.

"We've definitely grown, mentally and in maturity," Dixon said. "It's a group of girls that want to show up, not just for ourselves, but for each other. We've grown not just volleyball wise, IQ wise, but as a group of girls that want to play for each other. It means something more."

Norfolk State closes the regular season at home against Delaware State on Senior Night, Nov. 1, a fitting sendoff for a senior class that has waited its turn to lead this program to the top. From there, the Spartans head to Baltimore to chase a MEAC Tournament title from Nov. 20 to 22.

"We're going to play fast. We're going to be aggressive. We're going to have great energy," Bullock said. "We believe in having a high quality product on the court, and I think our fans are going to be excited and happy about it. If you want to see high class, fast volleyball with some energy, come out and support our program."

Crawford had a simple message of her own for the fans getting ready to pack Gill Gymnasium this fall.

"Be loud and be ready, because we're going to bring the energy," Crawford said. "I expect them to reciprocate it. We've already had people asking us when our first game is. I'm ready to show them what we have."

Dixon echoed that call, inviting the Spartan faithful to embrace a team that believes it is ready to turn the page on last season.

"Bring the love, bring the support, bring the energy," Dixon said. "We love when Gill is packed to the brim and the music is pumping and we're getting hyped. We might lose some, but we're going to win more. We love our Spartan family, so just be ready for what this team is going to bring this year."

With a record chasing senior in Gilbert, a reloaded roster full of transfer talent, a stacked senior class hungry for one final run and a homestand heavy schedule built to build confidence early, Norfolk State enters 2026 with one clear mission: to rise above the standard and find its way to the top of the MEAC.