Skip To Main Content

Indiana Wesleyan University

Indiana Wesleyan University , go to homepage

Schedule

Events

Schedule
All Events
WVB Class

Women's Volleyball

Moats Announces 2026 Class

MARION, Ind. – Indiana Wesleyan Women's Volleyball is excited to announce the addition of eleven new members to the team with their 2026 recruiting class. The class features three transfers and eight freshman.

I’m incredibly excited about our 2026 class. This group of eleven athletes, three transfers and eight freshmen, brings not only outstanding talent and strong skill sets, but also a shared commitment to pursuing excellence every time they step on the court. What makes this team even more special is their heart—each of them is grounded in their faith and driven to compete for God’s glory, honoring the game and doing things the right way. The future is bright, and I can’t wait to see what they accomplish together.
Head Coach Candace Moats
vb 2026 class

ALANA DESHETSKY

JUNIOR

  • HOMETOWN: North Branch, MI
  • PREVIOUS SCHOOL: Ferris State University
  • HEIGHT/POSITION: 5'8" | DS/L
  • PLAYING ACCOMPLISHMENTS: With Ferris State University, played in NCAA Division II Elite Eight in 2024 and 2025
  • MAJOR: Marketing and Management

 

WHY IWU
“I chose IWU because I wanted a place where I could grow spiritually, develop great friendships, and keep the legacy of IWU volleyball #BothAnd!”

ASHLEE FREEMAN

JUNIOR

  • HOMETOWN: Loda, IL
  • PREVIOUS SCHOOL: Parkland College
  • HEIGHT/POSITION: 5'1" | Setter/DS
  • PLAYING ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Top 20 in NJCAA for service aces in 2024.
  • MAJOR: Business Marketing

 

WHY IWU
"I chose IWU because God led me here, the program and the community are great!"

vb 2026 class
vb 2026 class

TIARE FAUPULA

JUNIOR

  • HOMETOWN: Olivehurst, CA
  • HIGH SCHOOL: Feather River College
  • HEIGHT/POSITION: 5'9" | MB/Right-Side Hitter
  • PLAYING ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 2025 All-GVC Second Team, 2025 3C2A State Tournament Team, 2024 All-GVC Honorable Mention
  • MAJOR: Kinesiology

 

WHY IWU
"I chose IWU because it gives me the chance to compete at a high level while being part of a program that pushes me to grow both on and off the court. It feels like a place where I can develop as an athlete, stay disciplined in my goals, and be surrounded by a strong, supportive culture"

MARIANA VAN DER AA

FRESHMAN

  • HOMETOWN: Loogootee, Ind.
  • HIGH SCHOOL: Barr-Reeve H.S.
  • CLUB: Circle City Volleyball Club
  • HEIGHT/POSITION: 5'11" | Right Side Hitter
  • PLAYING ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Indiana Junior and Senior All-Star Teams; 2025 IHSAA Class 2A State Champion, Academic All-State
  • MAJOR: Nursing

 

WHY IWU
"Several years ago I had the opportunity to attend a volleyball camp at IWU and I was able to witness the positive environment and welcoming atmosphere the coaches and athletes had created. Displaying the many different things that IWU has to offer, for me however it was primarily its excellent nursing program and its faith-based learning. Making it clear that this is the place God has prepared for me!"

2026 VB Class
vb 2026 class

BLAIR GARDINER

FRESHMAN

  • HOMETOWN: Cardiff By the Sea, CA
  • HIGH SCHOOL: Santa Fe Christian H.S.
  • CLUB: Wave Volleyball Club
  • HEIGHT/POSITION: 5'8" | Setter
  • PLAYING ACCOMPLISHMENTS: All-Coastal League Second Team, All Tournament Team selection at the Scripps Ranch Invitational, 2x Varsity Beach Volleyball MVP, Eagle award recipient for being a great teammate and displaying Christ-like character.
  • MAJOR: Design

 

WHY IWU
"I chose IWU because I want to be part of a team that glorifies the Lord through the way they play. I also want to compete at the highest level on a national championship team within a strong, winning culture."

MORGAN OSBORN

FRESHMAN

  • HOMETOWN: Columbus, Ind.
  • HIGH SCHOOL: Columbus North H.S.
  • CLUB: The Academy Volleyball Club
  • HEIGHT/POSITION: 5'0" | DS/L
  • PLAYING ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Holds school records for career digs (1,683), career aces (177), and single-season aces (92)
  • MAJOR: Undecided

 

WHY IWU
"I chose IWU because Coach Moats is not only giving me an opportunity to continue my volleyball career but also giving me the opportunity to grow closer to God with my teammates."

vb 2026 class
vb 2026 class

AUBREE DESHETSKY

FRESHMAN

  • HOMETOWN: North Branch, MI
  • HIGH SCHOOL: North Branch H.S.
  • CLUB: Michigan Elite Volleyball Club
  • HEIGHT/POSITION: 5'10" | Outside  Hitter
  • PLAYING ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 3x First Team Allstate, 2x Division 2 State Champion, 2x League MVP, 2x All-American, and Michigan Miss Volleyball Finalist
  • MAJOR: Nursing

 

WHY IWU
"I chose IWU because of the amazing volleyball program, the Christian atmosphere, and the nursing program."

PAYTON BARENDSEN

FRESHMAN

  • HOMETOWN: Grand Rapids, MI
  • HIGH SCHOOL: Unity Christian H.S.
  • CLUB: Impact Dynamic Volleyball Club
  • HEIGHT/POSITION: 5'9" | Outside Hitter
  • PLAYING ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 2025 All Conference, 2025 All Region
  • MAJOR: Undecided

 

WHY IWU
"The faith-based community, amazing people, and great volleyball program!"

vb 2026 class
vb 2026 class

ALIVIA MORGAN

FRESHMAN

  • HOMETOWN: McCordsville, Ind.
  • HIGH SCHOOL: Mt. Vernon H.S.
  • CLUB: The Academy Volleyball Club
  • HEIGHT/POSITION: 6'0" | Middle Blocker
  • PLAYING ACCOMPLISHMENTS: All-District selection; Academic All-State honoree; four-time Academic All-Conference; two-time HHC All-Conference; Mt. Vernon Offensive Player of the Year; two-time Second Team All-County; Indiana Super Team Honorable Mention
  • MAJOR: Pre-Occupational Therapy

 

WHY IWU
"I chose IWU because of the strong faith-based family atmosphere within the volleyball program and the immediate sense of belonging. I was also drawn to how Coach Moats was interested in investing in me as a player and a person."

AIVA KRESGE

FRESHMAN

  • HOMETOWN: Greenwood, Ind.
  • HIGH SCHOOL: Greenwood Christian Academy
  • CLUB: The Academy Volleyball Club
  • HEIGHT/POSITION: 5'9" | Setter
  • PLAYING ACCOMPLISHMENTS: IHSAA USA Central Indiana Super Team, Second Team All-Conference, and 2x All County Honorable Mention
  • MAJOR: Sports Management

 

WHY IWU
"I chose IWU because of the Christ-centered community and how close the team is. There’s such a sense of unity and I can’t wait to be apart of the program!"

vb 2026 class
vb 2026 class

LONDON SMITH

FRESHMAN

  • HOMETOWN: Brownsburg, Ind.
  • HIGH SCHOOL: Brownsburg H.S.
  • CLUB: The Academy Volleyball Club
  • HEIGHT/POSITION: 5'9" | Middle Blocker
  • PLAYING ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Track and Field Indoor and Outdoor 2023 State champion
  • MAJOR: Business/Finance

 

WHY IWU
"I chose IWU because of the strong sense of community and the support felt across campus and within the volleyball team."

© 2026 Indiana Wesleyan University