Clemson Volleyball just turned up the heat. Five new transfers are about to make things very interesting.
Fresh Faces, Big Impact
Head Coach Jackie Simpson Kirr has her eyes set on elevating Clemson's game. And she's not messing around. Five midyear transfers, Anika Groom, Alyssa Irwin, Lina Merz, Talea Mitchell, and Lauren Schneider, are set to join the 2026 roster. These aren't just any players. They're coming off powerhouse programs like Georgia Tech and Kansas State.
Talk about a power move. Simpson Kirr said, “From our recruiting conversations, it was clear there was strong alignment with our ‘Own Today’ mission of relentlessly pursuing excellence with this group.” You can feel the determination.
The New Lineup
- Anika Groom, a 6-1 pin attacker from Orlando, Fla. via Georgia Tech
- Alyssa Irwin, a 6-1 middle hitter from Fort Lauderdale, Fla. via Saint Francis
- Lina Merz, a 6-3 pin attacker from Dresden, Germany, coming from South Carolina
- Talea Mitchell, a 6-1 middle hitter from Litchfield Park, Ariz. via San Diego State
- Lauren Schneider, a 5-9 pin attacker from Denton, Texas via Kansas State
These transfers are no joke. They bring experience from competitive Division I environments, and they're ready to grind. Clemson's gearing up for a big season.
