Volleyball Announces the Class of 2030
8/12/2026 11:00:00 AM | Volleyball
Seven newcomers set to join the 2026 squad
NEW YORK – Columbia volleyball head coach Patric Santiago is pleased to announce seven newcomers to the 2026 roster. The deep class features three attacking players, two middle blockers, a defensive specialist and a setter.
"We're very excited to welcome our 2026 class," Santiago said. "Not only is this group big, but it is loaded with talent and they are hungry to pursue some very big goals. This group has given us the sense that they are ready to dive in headfirst, helping us continue developing our culture into one that is ready to see success at Morningside Heights. They are focused, driven, and most of all great teammates. We can't wait to work with them and our whole group who is coming off our most successful spring and is equally hungry. We are excited to see all they will do at Columbia and beyond."
Details on this season's incoming class are below. Fans can access the complete Columbia volleyball roster by clicking this link.
ALLIE ABERNATHY – MIDDLE – 6'3" – CC – PORTER-GAUD SCHOOL – CHARLESTON, S.C.
PRIOR TO COLUMBIA
A four-year varsity volleyball starter and team captain as a senior at Porter-Gaud School … also competed in varsity soccer and basketball … named to the 2025 AVCA Best and Brightest Team … a two-time team MVP … finished her high school career with more than 1,000 kills … holds the school record for single-match kills … earned All-Region honors three times … selected to the All-State Volleyball Tournament Team three times … helped lead Porter-Gaud to a pair of state runner-up finishes … played seven years of club volleyball with SC Elite Volleyball Club, competing with the 16s through 18s teams.
PERSONAL
Enjoys playing beach volleyball, walking and running around downtown Charleston, playing pickleball, going to the beach, reading, playing with her cats, trying new restaurants and going on the boat with friends … favorite sports memory was defeating her high school rival in its own gym during her senior season … passionate about animals and the environment and hopes to become a marine biologist or environmental lawyer … earned AP Scholar and High Honor Roll recognition … completed more than 100 hours of community service through school projects, including beach cleanups, Pet Helpers and local environmental fairs … plans on studying biology.
COACHES QUOTE
"Allie was a wonderful late addition to our 2026 class. What stands out about Allie is how much she loves playing volleyball and competing. She plays every point with intensity and poise. Allie is a natural blocker who understands how to get productive touches as a middle blocker and as a right side, who also has some undercover setting skill. Having spent time around the College of Charleston program and at SC Elite, she understands productive team culture well."
ALEXIA CORNEA – OUTSIDE HITTER – 6'1" – SEAS – ASSUMPTION CATHOLIC – OAKVILLE, ONTARIO, CANADA
PRIOR TO COLUMBIA
Played for Lakeside Volleyball Club from 2019-24 before joining Pakmen Volleyball Club from 2024-26 … qualified for the FIVB U17 World Championships after helping her team earn a third-place finish at the NORCECA U17 World Qualifier … consistently competed at one of Canada's highest levels of club volleyball … earned Honor Roll recognition all four years of high school.
PERSONAL
Enjoys skiing, paddle boarding, reading and playing video games … favorite sports memory was placing third and qualifying for the FIVB U17 World Championships at the NORCECA U17 World Qualifier … father, Ovidiu, competed for the Romanian National Rowing Team from 1995-2004.
COACHES QUOTE
"Alexia brings more dynamic athleticism to our pin group all the way from Canade. Her ability to play high and physical has earned her time on the Canadian Youth National team. Alexia's arm is a tremendous weapon and her potential to continue to grow her volleyball is exciting."
ELISE HIEMSTRA – OUTSIDE HITTER – GS – 6'0" – DETROIT COUNTRY DAY SCHOOL – BIRMINGHAM, MICH.
PRIOR TO COLUMBIA
Four-year varsity volleyball letter winner, while also lettering in softball and soccer … helped lead her team to back-to-back MHSAA Division 2 state championships in 2024 and 2025 … earned First Team All-State honors in both 2024 and 2025 … named AVCA All-Region in 2024 … received the 2025 JVA Best and Brightest Award … served as team captain during her senior season … finished her career as the school's all-time record holder in career kills, single-season kills, single-match aces and single-season aces … also helped capture the 2026 MHSAA Division 3 state soccer championship and earned Second Team All-State honors in soccer … contributed to multiple district championships in softball, earning All-District recognition in 2025 … competed for Legacy Volleyball Club from ages 13-18.
PERSONAL
Enjoys traveling, cooking, baking, watching sports and trying new foods … favorite sports memory was winning back-to-back state volleyball championships during her junior and senior seasons.
COACHES QUOTE
"Elise is an excellent dynamic athlete. She just recently won her high school state championship…as a goalkeeper in soccer. In addition, before concentrating on volleyball, Elise was an elite softball player. She has matured into a six-rotation stalwart on a Legacy team that was a perennial national championship contender, with her volleyball IQ and ability to always play hard."
CLAIRE MO – SETTER – 5'9" – SE – LANGLEY HIGH SCHOOL – FY – MCLEAN, VA.
PRIOR TO COLUMBIA
A four-year varsity volleyball player at Langley High School … finished her career with more than 2,000 assists … named Washington Post All-Met First Team in 2024 … selected as the Virginia All-State Player of the Year in 2024 … earned Virginia All-State First Team honors in 2024 and 2025 … named Regional Player of the Year in 2024 and earned Regional First Team honors in 2024 and 2025 … a two-time District Player of the Year and two-time District First Team selection … earned District Second Team honors in 2023 … helped lead Langley to back-to-back Virginia 6A state championships in 2023 and 2024 … competed for Vienna Elite Volleyball Club, Virginia Juniors Volleyball Club, Paramount Volleyball Club and Metro Volleyball Club … captained the United States AAU World Select Team at the 2026 ISF World School Volleyball Championship, leading the team to a fifth-place finish … helped her club team place third in the 17 Open division at the USA Volleyball Girls Junior National Championship.
PERSONAL
Enjoys cooking and baking, traveling and exploring local shops … favorite sports memory was competing at the ISF World School Volleyball Championship, where she met athletes from around the world and formed friendships through volleyball … volunteered as an assistant coach for ACE Volleyball Club … earned AIME Qualifier, National Commended Scholar and AP Scholar with Distinction recognition … a member of the National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta and National English Honor Society … plans on studying financial engineering.
COACHES QUOTE
"Claire is a fierce competitor whose calm energy affects everyone around her. Having played for Metro under Sylvia Johnson and Patrice Arrington the past two years, along with a host of exceptional coaches at Metro, Claire has been surrounded by the best the game has to offer. Her poise and command of the court are years beyond her age and she's one of the best teammates we have seen play."
DANICA NORDLICHT – MIDDLE BLOCKER – 6'0" – CC – TORREY PINES HIGH SCHOOL – SAN DIEGO, CALIF.
PRIOR TO COLUMBIA
Played club volleyball from the 11U through 18U levels … earned Varsity Offensive MVP honors twice after being named JV Offensive MVP … selected to the Westview All-Tournament Team in 2025 … graduated with Honors Cord recognition … helped lead her teams to success throughout her prep and club career, highlighted by winning the Open Division at the Red Rock Rave tournament.
PERSONAL
Enjoys drawing and athletic training … favorite sports memory was winning the Open Division at the Red Rock Rave during her 14U club season.
COACHES QUOTE
"Danica has also spent a significant amount of time around championship volleyball programs and coaches coming from Wave and Torrey Pines High School. Danica brings a great training mentality and spirit to our gym as a highly capable middle blocker, who uses hard work for some great late moves and transition attacking."
DAHLIA ROBERTS – RIGHTSIDE/OPPOSITE – 6'5" – CC – IMG ACADEMY – FORT WORTH, TEXAS
PRIOR TO COLUMBIA
Four-year varsity starter … ranked the No. 1 rightside/opposite hitter in Florida and No. 14 overall prospect in the state's 2026 class by PrepDig … named to the 2023 AVCA Phenom Watch List … earned USAV Girls Junior National Championship All-Tournament Team honors in 2023 … helped Team USA capture the Tricolore Games championship in Reggio Emilia, Italy … led Trinity Valley School to the 2022 SPC 3A Championship … served as captain of IMG Academy Ascender Elite 18-1 during her senior season, helping the team finish 10th nationally … recipient of the 2026 Ascender All-Star Award, Hailee Mack Award and Nick Bollettieri Power of Passion Award nominee … competed for Drive Nation Volleyball and IMG Academy Ascender Elite club teams throughout her prep career.
PERSONAL
Enjoys drawing, playing tennis and cooking … favorite sports memory was winning the Northeast Qualifier with IMG Academy Ascender Elite 18-1.
COACHES QUOTE
"Dahlia brings us great size on the right side along with a fierce work ethic, outstanding attitude and the ability to attack balls with a lot of range. Her time at IMG academy has served her well and she has gotten the chance to play on some big stages already, which was an environment she looked comfortable in."
AVA WANG – LIBERO/DEFENSIVE SPECIALIST – 5'4" – BC – MENLO SCHOOL - LOS ALTOS, CALIF.
PRIOR TO COLUMBIA
Four-year varsity volleyball player and three-year team captain at Menlo School … named Rookie of the Year as a freshman … earned Defensive Player of the Year honors three times and Most Valuable Player honors as a senior … garnered First Team All-League recognition twice and Second Team All-League honors once … became just the second libero in school history to surpass 1,000 career digs … selected to the Knights Leadership program, helping shape the culture of Menlo athletics … competed for Encore Volleyball Club before joining Vision Volleyball Club's top Gold teams from 14U-18U … helped Vision earn multiple Open bids to the USA Volleyball Girls Junior National Championships while the program was consistently ranked No. 1 in the Northern California region … ranked the No. 3 libero in California by PrepDig.
PERSONAL
Enjoys hiking, spending time with friends and family, trying new food and watching documentaries … favorite sports memory was helping Vision Volleyball Club earn its first Open bid to the USA Volleyball Girls Junior National Championships during her 15U season.
COACHES QUOTE
"Ava, from Vision, was another late addition to our recruiting class that we are excited to have in our gym. Ava is a driven defender who has innate leadership skill, and a big drive to help her teammates succeed. She has defended and passed at a very high level and comes from the same volleyball area as the iconic Lion libero Vanessa Pan."
FOLLOWING THE LIONS
For the latest on Columbia volleyball, follow @CULionsVB on Twitter and Instagram, and on the web at GoColumbiaLions.com.
"We're very excited to welcome our 2026 class," Santiago said. "Not only is this group big, but it is loaded with talent and they are hungry to pursue some very big goals. This group has given us the sense that they are ready to dive in headfirst, helping us continue developing our culture into one that is ready to see success at Morningside Heights. They are focused, driven, and most of all great teammates. We can't wait to work with them and our whole group who is coming off our most successful spring and is equally hungry. We are excited to see all they will do at Columbia and beyond."
Details on this season's incoming class are below. Fans can access the complete Columbia volleyball roster by clicking this link.
ALLIE ABERNATHY – MIDDLE – 6'3" – CC – PORTER-GAUD SCHOOL – CHARLESTON, S.C.
PRIOR TO COLUMBIA
A four-year varsity volleyball starter and team captain as a senior at Porter-Gaud School … also competed in varsity soccer and basketball … named to the 2025 AVCA Best and Brightest Team … a two-time team MVP … finished her high school career with more than 1,000 kills … holds the school record for single-match kills … earned All-Region honors three times … selected to the All-State Volleyball Tournament Team three times … helped lead Porter-Gaud to a pair of state runner-up finishes … played seven years of club volleyball with SC Elite Volleyball Club, competing with the 16s through 18s teams.
PERSONAL
Enjoys playing beach volleyball, walking and running around downtown Charleston, playing pickleball, going to the beach, reading, playing with her cats, trying new restaurants and going on the boat with friends … favorite sports memory was defeating her high school rival in its own gym during her senior season … passionate about animals and the environment and hopes to become a marine biologist or environmental lawyer … earned AP Scholar and High Honor Roll recognition … completed more than 100 hours of community service through school projects, including beach cleanups, Pet Helpers and local environmental fairs … plans on studying biology.
COACHES QUOTE
"Allie was a wonderful late addition to our 2026 class. What stands out about Allie is how much she loves playing volleyball and competing. She plays every point with intensity and poise. Allie is a natural blocker who understands how to get productive touches as a middle blocker and as a right side, who also has some undercover setting skill. Having spent time around the College of Charleston program and at SC Elite, she understands productive team culture well."
ALEXIA CORNEA – OUTSIDE HITTER – 6'1" – SEAS – ASSUMPTION CATHOLIC – OAKVILLE, ONTARIO, CANADA
PRIOR TO COLUMBIA
Played for Lakeside Volleyball Club from 2019-24 before joining Pakmen Volleyball Club from 2024-26 … qualified for the FIVB U17 World Championships after helping her team earn a third-place finish at the NORCECA U17 World Qualifier … consistently competed at one of Canada's highest levels of club volleyball … earned Honor Roll recognition all four years of high school.
PERSONAL
Enjoys skiing, paddle boarding, reading and playing video games … favorite sports memory was placing third and qualifying for the FIVB U17 World Championships at the NORCECA U17 World Qualifier … father, Ovidiu, competed for the Romanian National Rowing Team from 1995-2004.
COACHES QUOTE
"Alexia brings more dynamic athleticism to our pin group all the way from Canade. Her ability to play high and physical has earned her time on the Canadian Youth National team. Alexia's arm is a tremendous weapon and her potential to continue to grow her volleyball is exciting."
ELISE HIEMSTRA – OUTSIDE HITTER – GS – 6'0" – DETROIT COUNTRY DAY SCHOOL – BIRMINGHAM, MICH.
PRIOR TO COLUMBIA
Four-year varsity volleyball letter winner, while also lettering in softball and soccer … helped lead her team to back-to-back MHSAA Division 2 state championships in 2024 and 2025 … earned First Team All-State honors in both 2024 and 2025 … named AVCA All-Region in 2024 … received the 2025 JVA Best and Brightest Award … served as team captain during her senior season … finished her career as the school's all-time record holder in career kills, single-season kills, single-match aces and single-season aces … also helped capture the 2026 MHSAA Division 3 state soccer championship and earned Second Team All-State honors in soccer … contributed to multiple district championships in softball, earning All-District recognition in 2025 … competed for Legacy Volleyball Club from ages 13-18.
PERSONAL
Enjoys traveling, cooking, baking, watching sports and trying new foods … favorite sports memory was winning back-to-back state volleyball championships during her junior and senior seasons.
COACHES QUOTE
"Elise is an excellent dynamic athlete. She just recently won her high school state championship…as a goalkeeper in soccer. In addition, before concentrating on volleyball, Elise was an elite softball player. She has matured into a six-rotation stalwart on a Legacy team that was a perennial national championship contender, with her volleyball IQ and ability to always play hard."
CLAIRE MO – SETTER – 5'9" – SE – LANGLEY HIGH SCHOOL – FY – MCLEAN, VA.
PRIOR TO COLUMBIA
A four-year varsity volleyball player at Langley High School … finished her career with more than 2,000 assists … named Washington Post All-Met First Team in 2024 … selected as the Virginia All-State Player of the Year in 2024 … earned Virginia All-State First Team honors in 2024 and 2025 … named Regional Player of the Year in 2024 and earned Regional First Team honors in 2024 and 2025 … a two-time District Player of the Year and two-time District First Team selection … earned District Second Team honors in 2023 … helped lead Langley to back-to-back Virginia 6A state championships in 2023 and 2024 … competed for Vienna Elite Volleyball Club, Virginia Juniors Volleyball Club, Paramount Volleyball Club and Metro Volleyball Club … captained the United States AAU World Select Team at the 2026 ISF World School Volleyball Championship, leading the team to a fifth-place finish … helped her club team place third in the 17 Open division at the USA Volleyball Girls Junior National Championship.
PERSONAL
Enjoys cooking and baking, traveling and exploring local shops … favorite sports memory was competing at the ISF World School Volleyball Championship, where she met athletes from around the world and formed friendships through volleyball … volunteered as an assistant coach for ACE Volleyball Club … earned AIME Qualifier, National Commended Scholar and AP Scholar with Distinction recognition … a member of the National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta and National English Honor Society … plans on studying financial engineering.
COACHES QUOTE
"Claire is a fierce competitor whose calm energy affects everyone around her. Having played for Metro under Sylvia Johnson and Patrice Arrington the past two years, along with a host of exceptional coaches at Metro, Claire has been surrounded by the best the game has to offer. Her poise and command of the court are years beyond her age and she's one of the best teammates we have seen play."
DANICA NORDLICHT – MIDDLE BLOCKER – 6'0" – CC – TORREY PINES HIGH SCHOOL – SAN DIEGO, CALIF.
PRIOR TO COLUMBIA
Played club volleyball from the 11U through 18U levels … earned Varsity Offensive MVP honors twice after being named JV Offensive MVP … selected to the Westview All-Tournament Team in 2025 … graduated with Honors Cord recognition … helped lead her teams to success throughout her prep and club career, highlighted by winning the Open Division at the Red Rock Rave tournament.
PERSONAL
Enjoys drawing and athletic training … favorite sports memory was winning the Open Division at the Red Rock Rave during her 14U club season.
COACHES QUOTE
"Danica has also spent a significant amount of time around championship volleyball programs and coaches coming from Wave and Torrey Pines High School. Danica brings a great training mentality and spirit to our gym as a highly capable middle blocker, who uses hard work for some great late moves and transition attacking."
DAHLIA ROBERTS – RIGHTSIDE/OPPOSITE – 6'5" – CC – IMG ACADEMY – FORT WORTH, TEXAS
PRIOR TO COLUMBIA
Four-year varsity starter … ranked the No. 1 rightside/opposite hitter in Florida and No. 14 overall prospect in the state's 2026 class by PrepDig … named to the 2023 AVCA Phenom Watch List … earned USAV Girls Junior National Championship All-Tournament Team honors in 2023 … helped Team USA capture the Tricolore Games championship in Reggio Emilia, Italy … led Trinity Valley School to the 2022 SPC 3A Championship … served as captain of IMG Academy Ascender Elite 18-1 during her senior season, helping the team finish 10th nationally … recipient of the 2026 Ascender All-Star Award, Hailee Mack Award and Nick Bollettieri Power of Passion Award nominee … competed for Drive Nation Volleyball and IMG Academy Ascender Elite club teams throughout her prep career.
PERSONAL
Enjoys drawing, playing tennis and cooking … favorite sports memory was winning the Northeast Qualifier with IMG Academy Ascender Elite 18-1.
COACHES QUOTE
"Dahlia brings us great size on the right side along with a fierce work ethic, outstanding attitude and the ability to attack balls with a lot of range. Her time at IMG academy has served her well and she has gotten the chance to play on some big stages already, which was an environment she looked comfortable in."
AVA WANG – LIBERO/DEFENSIVE SPECIALIST – 5'4" – BC – MENLO SCHOOL - LOS ALTOS, CALIF.
PRIOR TO COLUMBIA
Four-year varsity volleyball player and three-year team captain at Menlo School … named Rookie of the Year as a freshman … earned Defensive Player of the Year honors three times and Most Valuable Player honors as a senior … garnered First Team All-League recognition twice and Second Team All-League honors once … became just the second libero in school history to surpass 1,000 career digs … selected to the Knights Leadership program, helping shape the culture of Menlo athletics … competed for Encore Volleyball Club before joining Vision Volleyball Club's top Gold teams from 14U-18U … helped Vision earn multiple Open bids to the USA Volleyball Girls Junior National Championships while the program was consistently ranked No. 1 in the Northern California region … ranked the No. 3 libero in California by PrepDig.
PERSONAL
Enjoys hiking, spending time with friends and family, trying new food and watching documentaries … favorite sports memory was helping Vision Volleyball Club earn its first Open bid to the USA Volleyball Girls Junior National Championships during her 15U season.
COACHES QUOTE
"Ava, from Vision, was another late addition to our recruiting class that we are excited to have in our gym. Ava is a driven defender who has innate leadership skill, and a big drive to help her teammates succeed. She has defended and passed at a very high level and comes from the same volleyball area as the iconic Lion libero Vanessa Pan."
FOLLOWING THE LIONS
For the latest on Columbia volleyball, follow @CULionsVB on Twitter and Instagram, and on the web at GoColumbiaLions.com.
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