CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Queens University of Charlotte women's volleyball head coach Matt Stolz has announced the addition of seven student-athletes who will join the Royals program for the 2026 season. The class features talent from six states and includes state champions, all-state performers, nationally recognized recruits, and accomplished student-athletes.
"We are incredibly excited to welcome these seven student-athletes to the Queens family," said Stolz. "This talented group of student athletes will make an immediate impact on our program. They embody the values of Queens volleyball both on and off the court through their character, work ethic, and commitment to excellence. We are excited not only about the talent they bring to our roster, but also about the type of people they are and their shared vision of helping build Queens volleyball into a championship-caliber program."
Grace Hargis | Setter | Avon, Ind. | Tri-West Hendricks High School
Hargis joins Queens after a strong prep career at Tri-West Hendricks High School, where she surpassed 1,000 assists in a single season and earned all-conference honors twice. She served as a primary setter and guided her team's offensive system throughout her career. At the club level with Circle City 18 Black, she helped her team earn AAU Nationals Open All-Tournament Team honors and a fifth-place finish at USA Volleyball Nationals. Hargis adds depth and experience to the Royals' setter group.
Ella Hale | Outside Hitter | Oklahoma City, Okla. | Mount Saint Mary Catholic High School
Hale joins Queens following a decorated career at Mount Saint Mary Catholic High School, where she was a two-time Oklahoma State Champion and four-year varsity starter. She totaled 1,881 kills, 926 digs, and 106 blocks while hitting .285 for her career, including a school-record 588 kills in a single season. She earned AVCA All-Region recognition, AVCA All-American Honorable Mention, and multiple national honors from PrepVolleyball and MaxPreps. Hale also maintained a 3.90 GPA while serving in leadership and service roles at her school.
Josephine Seekford | Outside Hitter | Leesburg, Va. | Loudoun County High School
Seekford joins Queens after a standout career at Loudoun County High School, where she earned First Team All-District, All-Region, and All-State honors. The 6-foot-2 outside hitter also competed with Virginia Elite Volleyball Club and was listed on the JVA Watch List from 2024–26. She was a consistent offensive and defensive contributor throughout her prep career and developed into one of Virginia's top attackers. Seekford adds size and versatility to the Royals' pin position.
Lydia Chambers | Middle Blocker | Huntersville, N.C. | Lake Norman Charter
Chambers remains in the Charlotte area after a strong career at Lake Norman Charter, where she earned All-Conference honors and a Clutch Player Award. She also competed for Carolina Union Volleyball Club and developed into a consistent front-row presence. She was recognized academically with Lake Norman Charter's Top Senior Award. Chambers adds local experience and depth to the Royals' middle blocker group.
Layni Tobias | Middle Blocker | Fort Lauderdale, Fla. | North Broward Prep
Tobias joins Queens after helping lead North Broward Prep to the 2025 Florida 4A State Championship. The 6-foot-1 middle blocker was a steady contributor throughout the season and also earned a Florida Gold Medal with Wildfire Volleyball Academy's U17 team. She adds size and experience at the net and provides another front-row option to the Royals' 2026 class.
Naomi Cole | Right Side Hitter | West Liberty, Ohio | West Liberty-Salem High School
Cole joins Queens after a decorated career at West Liberty-Salem High School, where she was a four-year varsity letter winner and two-year team captain. The 6-foot-2 attacker earned District 4 Division V Player of the Year honors in 2024 and Ohio Heritage Conference Player of the Year recognition in 2025. She was also a two-time Offensive Player of the Year and consistent all-conference selection. Cole adds versatility and front-row depth to the Royals' roster.
Destiny Wiggins | Libero | Coral Springs, Fla. | North Broward Prep
Wiggins joins Queens after establishing herself as one of Florida's top defensive specialists. The 5-foot-3 libero earned First Team All-Broward County honors from both the Miami Herald and Sun Sentinel and helped North Broward Prep win the 2025 Florida 4A State Championship. She finished her prep career with 1,201 assists, 723 digs, and 146 aces, including 436 digs as a senior. Wiggins adds back-row experience and defensive depth to the Royals' class.
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