Myrtle Beach, SC, February 17, 2026
News Summary
The Coastal Carolina University women’s volleyball team has announced the addition of four transfers during the offseason to enhance its competitive potential. These strategic acquisitions aim to bolster the team’s roster and replace offensive production ahead of the upcoming season. Among the new players are notable transfers who bring valuable experience and skill to key positions. This initiative reflects the dynamic nature of college sports and the importance of the transfer portal in developing competitive collegiate teams, ensuring a promising future for the program.
Myrtle Beach, SC — The Coastal Carolina University women’s volleyball team has significantly bolstered its roster during the offseason, announcing the acquisition of four transfers to enhance its competitive outlook for the upcoming season. This strategic move aims to replace offensive production and strengthen the team’s overall capabilities, underscoring the dynamic landscape of modern college athletics and the pivotal role of the transfer portal. The additions reflect Coastal Carolina’s commitment to maintaining a strong presence within South Carolina higher education athletics.
The focus on securing experienced talent through the transfer portal highlights the changing paradigms in collegiate sports, where student-athletes have increased opportunities to find programs that best fit their academic and athletic aspirations. For institutions like Coastal Carolina, a proactive approach to the transfer market is crucial for building and sustaining competitive teams, ensuring both immediate impact and long-term program stability. This influx of talent is poised to elevate the team’s performance, contributing positively to Coastal Carolina University athletics and providing engaging news for the Myrtle Beach SC college news community.
Chanticleers Welcome Key Additions to Volleyball Roster
Coastal Carolina’s women’s volleyball program officially announced the addition of three significant transfers for the Spring 2026 semester: Jonna Spohn, Natalie Hughes, and Hattie Welker, with these announcements made on January 19, 2026. These athletes are already enrolled and actively participating in offseason workouts, integrating with the team in preparation for the upcoming fall season. Their early arrival provides a valuable opportunity for team chemistry to develop and for established program standards to be reinforced. The strategic acquisition of multiple transfers during this period demonstrates the team’s commitment to addressing roster needs and enhancing its competitive edge [cite: 4, 5, Coastal Carolina Addresses Roster Needs Through Transfer Portal].
Experience and Skill Infusion Across Key Positions
The new transfers bring a wealth of collegiate experience and proven track records to the Chanticleer squad. Head coach Steve Loeswick expressed enthusiasm for the new additions, highlighting their experience, competitive spirit, and high volleyball IQ, anticipating their immediate positive impact on the team’s performance. Each player fills a crucial role, contributing to a more robust and versatile roster.
Natalie Hughes, a 6-foot-3 right-side hitter, joins Coastal Carolina from San Diego State. During her three seasons with the Aztecs, Hughes played in 61 matches and 211 sets, accumulating 282 kills and 137 total blocks. Her high school career was also distinguished, earning AVCA All-America honors as a senior and recording over 1,100 kills and 353 total blocks. Coach Loeswick noted Hughes’s size, physicality, and proven scoring presence, anticipating her to be a difference-maker offensively.
Jonna Spohn, a 5-foot-5 libero/defensive specialist, transfers after a three-year tenure at the University of Maryland. She participated in 85 matches, collecting 347 digs. Spohn’s high school accolades include AVCA All-American, Ohio Capital Conference Player of the Year, and First Team All-State honors. Her addition is expected to fortify the team’s backcourt with elite ball control and a fearless mentality.
Hattie Welker, a 6-foot-3 middle blocker, comes to Coastal Carolina after two seasons at Eastern Michigan. She was recognized on the Mid-American Conference All-Freshman Team in 2024, setting a school freshman record with 99 blocks. As a sophomore, Welker recorded 138 blocks, bringing her career total at EMU to 237 blocks, alongside 365 kills in 195 sets played. Loeswick praised Welker’s size, athleticism, and instincts at the net, expecting her to provide an immediate blocking and scoring presence.
The team also saw other significant roster developments, including the signing of four student-athletes during the early signing period for 2026, with Talia Johnson enrolling early for the spring semester. This comprehensive approach to talent acquisition demonstrates a clear strategy to build a competitive program.
The Impact of the NCAA Transfer Portal on Collegiate Athletics
The NCAA Transfer Portal, established in October 2018, has become a transformative mechanism in collegiate athletics, offering student-athletes greater transparency and control over their transfer decisions. This system has led to a notable increase in transfers across Division I women’s volleyball, with 8.2% of undergraduate student-athletes transferring in 2020-21, up from 7.7% in 2019-20. The portal essentially creates a form of “college athlete free agency,” allowing programs to address immediate needs and athletes to seek new opportunities.
While the portal offers benefits in terms of flexibility and athlete empowerment, it also presents challenges for coaches in managing roster stability and developing a consistent player pipeline. Despite these complexities, Coastal Carolina’s ability to attract seasoned talent reflects effective engagement with this evolving aspect of college sports. Over 600 Division I players entered the transfer portal since December, with many finding new homes by the start of the second semester.
Academic Excellence and Athletic Prowess
Beyond athletic performance, Coastal Carolina University emphasizes the holistic development of its student-athletes, recognizing the importance of academic achievement. The commitment to academic rigor is evident in the program’s success in fostering scholarly dedication. For instance, in December 2025, four Chanticleers were named to the CSC Volleyball Academic All-District team, highlighting the program’s dedication to balancing athletic commitments with academic excellence. This commitment ensures that student-athletes are not only succeeding on the court but also preparing for future careers and community leadership.
Looking Ahead: Spring Schedule and Future Prospects
The infusion of new talent arrives as the Chanticleers prepare for their Spring 2026 schedule, which includes four competitive matches designed to foster early team cohesion and test new strategies. The spring lineup features an away match against regional rival UNCW on February 24, a home match against College of Charleston on March 14, an away match versus the University of South Carolina on March 27, and a final contest at The Citadel on April 11. These matches offer valuable opportunities for the coaching staff to evaluate player integration and fine-tune team dynamics.
Having finished the last season with an 18-11 overall record and securing second place in the Sun Belt East Division with a 10-6 conference record, the addition of these experienced transfers positions Coastal Carolina for continued success. The program’s strategic use of the transfer portal, combined with a strong emphasis on academic achievement, lays a solid foundation for future triumphs.
The Coastal Carolina women’s volleyball team’s strategic acquisitions through the transfer portal underscore a commitment to athletic excellence and student-athlete development. By integrating experienced transfers and fostering academic success, the Chanticleers are poised for a compelling upcoming season. We encourage residents and fans in the Myrtle Beach SC college news community to follow Coastal Carolina University athletics and engage with the vibrant campus life that enriches South Carolina higher education. Stay updated on their progress and attend games to support these dedicated student-athletes as they represent the region with discipline and competitive spirit.
Key Transfer Portal Acquisitions for Coastal Carolina Volleyball
| Player Name | Position | Previous Institution | Key Statistics/Achievements (Previous Institution) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Natalie Hughes | Right-Side Hitter | San Diego State | 282 kills, 137 blocks in 3 seasons; AVCA All-America HS honors |
| Jonna Spohn | Libero/Defensive Specialist | University of Maryland | 347 digs in 85 matches; AVCA All-American HS honors |
| Hattie Welker | Middle Blocker | Eastern Michigan | 237 total blocks, 365 kills in 2 seasons; MAC All-Freshman Team (2024) |
Frequently Asked Questions About Coastal Carolina Volleyball Transfers
Q: How many transfers did Coastal Carolina volleyball acquire?
A: Coastal Carolina’s women’s volleyball team acquired four transfers during the offseason to replace offensive production and address roster needs. [cite: THE CHANTICLEER – The Student Voice of Coastal Carolina …, Coastal Carolina Addresses Roster Needs Through Transfer Portal]
Q: Who are some of the notable transfers joining Coastal Carolina volleyball for Spring 2026?
A: Some of the notable transfers joining Coastal Carolina for the Spring 2026 semester include Jonna Spohn, Natalie Hughes, and Hattie Welker.
Q: What positions do the new transfers for Coastal Carolina volleyball play?
A: Natalie Hughes is a right-side hitter, Jonna Spohn is a libero/defensive specialist, and Hattie Welker is a middle blocker.
Q: Who is the head coach for Coastal Carolina women’s volleyball?
A: The head coach for Coastal Carolina women’s volleyball is Steve Loeswick.
Q: What conference does Coastal Carolina women’s volleyball compete in?
A: Coastal Carolina women’s volleyball competes in the Sun Belt Conference.
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