Colorado State University has announced the addition of five new athletes to its women’s volleyball program for the 2026 season. The announcement was made by Head Coach Emily Kohan on National Signing Day.
The incoming class includes Abby Little from Billings, Montana; Ella Stowell from Olathe, Kansas; Olivia Ewing from Fort Collins, Colorado; Jaedyn Riley from Oakdale, California; and Hayden Grimes from Andale, Kansas. Each player brings experience in different positions on the court.
Coach Kohan commented on each athlete’s abilities and potential impact on the team. Regarding Abby Little, she said: “Abby is an extremely physical player with a naturally powerful armswing. She can play multiple attack positions in the front row, but also has a natural feel for the game as a defender and passer. She has tremendous upside with her raw power as she gets more time our gym.” Little expressed her enthusiasm about joining CSU: “I chose Colorado State because the championship winning culture and the legacy was something I wanted to be a part of. The community’s amazing support also stuck out to me, and the staff were so welcoming. I couldn’t imagine better coaches to have, and I knew they would help me to become a better volleyball player and person.”
On Ella Stowell’s recruitment, Kohan noted: “Ella has grown up in a volleyball family and has a very high volleyball iq. She’s a long attacker that also has great passing and ball handling skills. She’s a competitor and natural leader, serving as a captain on many teams as the youngest player.” Stowell stated: “I chose CSU because of the incredible coaching staff and community!”
For local recruit Olivia Ewing, Kohan remarked: “Olivia has the size and physicality to be a force at the net, and she is a local Fort Collins resident which our fanbase always loves. She has grown up around our program and fits into our core values and culture at every level.” Ewing shared her perspective: “Growing up in Fort Collins I’ve been able to be around the CSU volleyball program for many years, and their community and fan support is unlike any other. Also, the coaches and players have created an amazing competitive culture that I can’t wait to be a part of!”
Jaedyn Riley will join as setter. Kohan said: “Jaedyn has all of the attributes you love in a young setter: she’s very competitive, naturally athletic and has leadership skills to command the court. With her size, she is an offensive setter who also loves to block and will be a threat in the front row.” Riley commented: “I choose Colorado State because of it’s successful volleyball program, I really like all the coaches, the players, the campus and Fort Collins.”
Hayden Grimes rounds out this recruiting class as libero/defensive specialist. Kohan described her as follows: “Hayden is one of the most competitive and pure volleyball players you could ask for. She attacks on her high school team, has filled any role for team needs, and is a swiss army knife player that makes the court better no matter what skill it is. You can’t train her will to win and elevate the players around her and she will make the gym more competitive from day one.” Grimes added: “I chose Colorado State because I loved the community and all of the girls were very welcoming and kind. The coaching staff is great and I cannot wait to work with them!”
The five recruits are expected to join Colorado State next fall.
