Campus News

September 8th, 2026

Sophomore trio to lead GC’s volleyball squad

Barrios, Etheridge, and Parker back to provide experience

Beth Campbell is a first-year head coach with a freshman-dominated lineup, but Campbell is expecting good things from her first Garrett College women’s volleyball squad.

“The girls have been great,” said Campbell about the Lady Lakers’ preseason. “They’ve really come together quickly and done some good team bonding.”

Three sophomores – outside hitter Mia Barrios (Nampa, ID), middle blocker April Etheridge (Upper Marlboro), and defensive specialist/setter Serenity Parker (Gulfport, MS) – return from last season’s 10-8 squad that reached the NJCAA Division II Region 20 playoffs for the second consecutive year.

“All three have really stepped forward and been good leaders, helping the freshmen get acclimated,” said Campbell. “I expect all three to be a very vital part of what we do.”

Setter/right side Teyla Holloway-Powers (Aurora, CO) is one freshman who looks to play a major role right from the start.

“She’s a very experienced setter and has made a real connection with the hitters,” Campbell said of Holloway-Powers.

Outside hitter Kyla Gilbert (Sahuarita, AZ) is also expected to play a key role for the Lady Lakers as a freshman.

“She has played extensively in club ball and gives us a really solid court leader,” Campbell said of Gilbert, adding, “She has just an amazing serve.”

Campbell said the remaining freshmen – defensive specialists Isabella Keneally (Plymouth, MA) and Bre Boyer (Washington, D.C.), defensive specialist/outside hitter Shayla Thomas (Kansas City, MO), outside hitter/right side Kaitlyn Bender (Accident), right side Madison Sypolt (Terra Alta, WV), and middle blocker Olivia Bartlett (Walton, NY) – should all contribute.

“All of the freshmen have worked really hard,” said Campbell. “I’ve seen a lot of improvement from Day 1. I think they’ll all find a space to help positively impact the team.”

The Lady Lakers open the season on Wednesday, September 9th with a 7 p.m. match at WVU/Potomac State College. Their home opener takes place Saturday in a tri-match against Hagerstown Community College (10 a.m.) and Anne Arundel Community College (2 p.m.), with Hagerstown and AACC playing the noon match.

“I’m really excited for the season,” said Campbell. “I think the girls are going to do pretty well. I expect them to be competitive.”