JACKSON, Tenn. – The Union University Lady Bulldogs have returned to campus to prepare for another season of Gulf South Conference volleyball.
The squad is led by Emma Carter as she steps into her inaugural season with the Lady Bulldogs.
Joining her on the sidelines is former Lady Bulldog Sydney Whittaker, who begins her first season as an assistant coach.
Carter comes to Jackson from Davidson-Davie Community College. While at Davidson-Davie, Carter led the 2025 team to a 33-7 record and the most wins in program history. Her team claimed the NJCAA Region 10 title and the NJCAA District Southeast-A title. Carter led Davidson-Davie to its first ever NJCAA National Tournament. She was named District Southeast-A Coach of the Year.
The 2026 squad is composed of nine returners and eight newcomers.
Of those newcomers: Anna Edwards, Carly Edwards, and Isabella Messer were named to the 2025 GSC Newcomer Watchlist.
Seniors Hannah Hamill and Emily Priddy look to lead the Lady Bulldogs into a successful season.
Elizabeth Gilbert and Parker Golf return as the two kills leaders from last season with 253 and 173 kills respectively.
Union was picked ninth in the GSC Volleyball Preseason Coaches’ Poll with the University of Alabama-Huntsville claiming the top spot.
Fans can see the Lady Bulldogs in action at Fred DeLay Gymnasium free of charge thanks to the generosity of FirstBank.
Union will begin the season by hosting the 2026 Union University Volleyball Classic (8/27-29), before conference play begins September 18th, at home against the University of Montevallo.
To stay up to date with the squad, visit unathletics.com and on social media @UUAthletics. Follow @UUAthleticsVB on Instagram and X.
