GREAT FALLS, Mont, --Head coach Arunas Duda  has announced the addition of twelve players that will be attending the University of Providence and playing volleyball for the Argos. They join 10 total returners who all had experience at the national tournament last season.

"After graduating six key contributors, including two All-Americans, the NAIA Setter of the Year, three All-Conference players, and several valuable role players, we recognized the need to strategically reload and strengthen our talent pool." Stated head coach Arunas Duda, "While we have several impact players on the roster that contributed greatly to our incredible season last year and some more coming up, it was important for us to add more size, depth, some big arms, and strengthen our skill positions. Most importantly we found driven athletes that are successful on the court and in the classroom are people of high character, and have a desire to win championships. We are very pleased with this group and can't wait to get them all in the gym together."
 
Junior College Transfers
Addison Hinckley – 6'0 – OH/RS – Wylie, TX – Eastern Arizona College
Hinckley appeared in 34 matches for Eastern Arizona College last season under head coach Shari Kay. She averaged an impressive 3.31 kills per set while also contributing 2.51 digs per set, proving herself to be a dynamic six-rotation player and a major contributor to Eastern Arizona's #10 national finish. Addison put together one of the most decorated seasons in junior college volleyball, earning ACCAC Division I First Team All-Conference honors, ACCAC Player of the Year, and a spot on the All-Region Team. She was also named Region I Tournament MVP, NJCAA National Tournament All-Tournament Team, and earned NJCAA First Team All-American honors, solidifying herself as one of the top players in the country.
Coach Duda on Addison: "Addison is a significant addition to our program, as she chose to forgo several Division I opportunities in order to compete for the Argos and pursue our nursing program. She brings a very powerful arm, strong ball control, and a highly competitive mindset that will make an immediate impact on our team. Adding a player like Addison and her 424 kills last year will be significant to keep a balanced and powerful offense."
 
Karolina Karabasz – 6'3 – MB – Zlotow, Poland – Blinn College
Karo appeared in 40 matches for Blinn College last season and played a key role in the team's outstanding 38-5 record and #11 national finish her sophomore year and a #13 place finish her freshman year. She averaged 1.04 kills per set while posting an impressive .438 hitting percentage, showcasing her efficiency and ability to terminate offensively. Defensively, Karo was also a force at the net, averaging 0.88 blocks per set.
Coach Duda on Karo: "We are excited to welcome Karo to our program and begin integrating her into our system, as she possesses the ability to take over a match at any moment. Her size and length will make an immediate impact within the conference. Most importantly, she is an outstanding student who is deeply committed to her academics and eager to make a meaningful impact during her time at UP."
 
Kendall Picolet – 5'9 – OH – Claremore, OK – Iowa Western
Kendall appeared in 36 matches for Iowa Western Community College last season and was a key contributor to the Reivers' successful 29-10 campaign. She averaged 2.84 kills per set while hitting .205, consistently providing offensive production and versatility at the net. Kendall's strong season earned her First Team All-Region honors and helped solidify Iowa Western as one of the top programs in the region.
Coach Duda on Kendall: "Kendall was able to transfer in for the spring semester, so we have already had the privilege of coaching her and plugging her into our system. She is a dynamic pin hitter and can score in bunches, has good ball control, and is a quick and fearless athlete. She has meshed well with the girls and has learned our system quickly, and in our few spring scrimmages showed us she is a gamer, so we can't be more excited for her future!"
 
Zeynep Balci – 6'0 – MB/RS – Istanbul, Turkey – College of Southern Idaho
Zeynep is transferring from the College of Southern Idaho, widely recognized as the winningest junior college volleyball program in the country. She appeared in 24 matches for the Golden Eagles last season and made a strong impact with her physical presence and ability to contribute in the middle or right side. Zeynep was a force offensively while also controlling the net defensively, bringing high-level experience from one of the premier programs in junior college volleyball.
Coach Duda on Zeynep: "Zeynep was a late addition to the roster but we are very excited about what she can bring to our group. She is a quick and tireless middle that has the ability to flex to the right side as well which will help our blocking as well as our quick offensive attack. She has a strong desire to win and we look forward to her displaying that mindset everyday in practice and especially competitions."
 
Marli Lopeman – 5'6 – S – Thatcher, AZ – Eastern Arizona College
Marli appeared in all 35 matches for Eastern Arizona College last season under head coach Shari Kay and played a major role in the success of the program's #10 national finish. As a team captain, Marli brought leadership, consistency, and a high level of competitiveness to the court every day. Her experience competing deep into the postseason and at the national tournament level will bring tremendous value, maturity, and championship experience to the program.
Coach Duda on Marli: "Marli is the type of athlete and person you just want in your group because you know they will make the team and everyone around them better. She is a quick setter with pristine location, fast hands, and is an excellent defender. She will most certainly bring grit and fire to the court!"
 
Incoming Freshmen
Bree MacDonald – 5'10 – OH/RS – Great Falls, MT – Great Falls High School
MacDonald is a talented local athlete coming off an outstanding season in which she earned Second Team All-State honors. She helped lead her club team to a First-Place finish at the Emperor's Cup Tournament in Las Vegas, showcasing her competitiveness and ability to perform at a high level against top competition. In addition to her success on the volleyball court, MacDonald is also an All-State track athlete, highlighting her athleticism, explosiveness, and versatility as a multi-sport competitor.
Coach Duda on Bree: "Bree is an incredible athlete and an even better person so we knew early that we wanted her to be an Argo. As she continues to develop as a volleyball player, she often turns heads with a huge swing or dynamic defensive play. Her ceiling is incredibly high and we can't wait to see what we have in this gem! We can't wait for this local product to be able to play in front of her wonderfully supportive friends and family."
 
Cambria Western – 5'8 – S - Idaho Falls, ID – Bonneville High School
Cambria competed for one of the top high school programs in the state of Idaho and put together an outstanding senior campaign. Western, a First Team All-Conference selection and Second Team All-State honoree, finished the season with an impressive 984 assists while leading her team as a dynamic all-around player. She ranked second on the team with a .328 hitting percentage, second with 49 total blocks, and averaged 2.0 digs per set defensively. Cambria also finished third on the team with 43 service aces and recorded 225 digs on the season, showcasing her versatility, leadership, and ability to impact every aspect of the game.
Coach Duda on Cambria: "Every year it seems like we have a kid on the roster who daily we just say, man, I love this kid. It seems as though this year it will be Cambria. She is an incredible athlete who is just a baller on the court and during her visit showed us she has what it takes to run our offense, move the ball around to the right hitters, and all the intangibles it takes to be successful."
 
Evelyn McKay – 5'6 – DS- Bozeman MT – Heritage Christian High School
Evie has earned Honor Roll recognition eight times, won first place at her school's science fair, and was also a speech meet champion, showcasing her dedication and leadership in the classroom. On the court, Evie has built an impressive résumé as a competitor and teammate. She became the first athlete from her school to ever earn All-Tournament honors, was selected as an All-Star twice, earned her club program's prestigious G.O.A.T. Award, and was named Club MVP. Her work ethic, leadership, and competitive mindset make her an exciting addition both on and off the court.
Coach Duda on Evie: "When we met Evie at camp, we knew she was an Argo. She is kind and sweet, but a fearless and relentless competitor, and we can't wait for her to bring that grit into our gym. She has all the intangibles to be success at this level, has a strong volleyball IQ, and does many of the little things that helps a team win!"
 
Alexis Judge – 5'8 – OH/DS – Rimbey AB, Canada
Alexis earned Top Mark honors in Social Studies, Language Arts, and Work Experience, demonstrating her commitment and excellence in the classroom. Athletically, Alexis has been a proven leader, serving as both her high school team captain and club team captain. She has competed at a high level throughout her career, winning a Gold Medal at U18 Nationals, a Silver Medal at U16 Nationals, and a Gold Medal at U16 Provincials. She also captured championships at the Hawks Tournament U18 division and the Bentley Tournament. Her leadership and impact on her teams were further recognized with a Team Captain Plaque, highlighting the respect she has earned from coaches and teammates alike.
Coach Duda on Alexis: "We are very excited for Alexis to join the Argo volleyball program. She is a charismatic and energetic athlete that will undoubtedly push our defense to be better every day. We are excited about her potential and believe her best volleyball is still ahead of her. We can't wait to get her in the gym!"
 
Addison Thornsberry – 5'9 – RS/OH – Kalispell, MT – Flathead High School
Thornsberry earned Academic All-State honors along with Merit Distinction and Health Science Distinction recognition, highlighting her dedication and success as a student. Athletically, Addison is a four-time high school volleyball letter winner and also earned two varsity letters in track and field while competing in junior varsity basketball during her sophomore year. At the club level, she competed on elite 14s, 16s, and 18s teams, gaining valuable high-level experience on the national stage.
Coach Duda on Addison: "I had a great conversation with Addison over the phone when we first talked and it was clear to me that she was certain she was ready to be pushed by a program to become the best version of herself. We are excited for Addison to bring that passion, hard work, and energy into our gym. Addison is another Montana product who is a coaches kid which means she understands what it takes to be successful at this level."
 
Ava Jory – 5'8 – OH/DS – Dubois, Wyoming – Dubois High School
Jory earned High Honor Roll for four years and will graduate Summa Cum Laude with a 4.143 GPA as Class Salutatorian. She has also served as National Honor Society Treasurer for two years, Student Council Vice President for four years, and is a member of the National Society of High School Scholars. Athletically, Ava has been a standout volleyball player, earning All-Conference honors for three years, All-State honors for two years, along with Conference Player of the Year and WyoPreps Athlete of the Week recognition.
Coach Duda on Ava: "When Argo Men's Basketball Alum legend Kyle Miller calls as a reference about a player, you have to listen, and that's how we found Ava all the way from Wyoming. She is a great kid that has talent and a huge passion for the sport and will fit in nicely with the team and culture we have built here at UP. She adds depth, competitiveness and strong character to our incoming class."
 
Rachael Province – 5'8 – RS – Orofino, Idaho – Orofino High School
Province earned the Highest Honor Roll recognition and is a member of the National Honor Society, reflecting her commitment to strong academic performance and leadership. Athletically, Rachael has been a standout volleyball player for Orofino Varsity. She was named Offensive Player of the Year for the 2024 season and Team MVP for the 2025 season. She also earned CIL (Central Idaho League) All-League honors in 2025, highlighting her impact and consistency as a competitor.
Coach Duda on Rachael: "Rachael has the ability to develop into a strong and efficient pin hitter at the collegiate level. Her consistency, coachability, and willingness to learn and compete will make her an important part of culture. Her attitude and commitment to improvement have stood out throughout the recruiting process."