Temple University Athletics
Women’s Volleyball Announces 2026 Incoming Class
6.22.26 | Women's Volleyball
PHILADELPHIA – Temple volleyball head coach Linda Hampton Keith announced the incoming freshman class of 2026 ahead of the fall season. The newcoming squad features six student-athletes that all hail from the United States.
"Collectively, this class adds depth, competitiveness, and long-term potential across multiple positions on our roster. We are excited about what these student-athletes will add to our program immediately through competition, culture, and daily habits, while investing in the long-term development that will allow them to reach their full potential. Their addition strengthens both the depth of our roster today and their foundation of where we believe this program is headed," said Hampton Keith.
Kennedy Crayton joins the Owls from Allen, Texas as an outside hitter. She was an early enrollee that came to Temple for the 2026 spring season as an outside hitter. Crayton brings a strong athletic ability paired with explosiveness and a deep competitive drive.
The lone transfer of the group is Khenedi Guest. Guest spent her freshman and sophomore seasons as a member of Illinois State University as a middle blocker. The junior hails from Benton, Ark. and came to Temple in the 2026 spring season. During her time at Illinois State she was named Freshman of the Year and garnered First Team All-Conference recognition in the Missouri Valley Conference in 2024. In her sophomore season she played in all 30 matches, starting in 29 of them for the Red Birds. Guest led the team with 301 points last season while also tallying a team-high 228 kills.
Leah Hampson joins Temple from Downingtown, Pa. as an outside hitter. Hampson brings versatility and depth to the Owls. She is poised to be an exciting addition to the outside hitter group.
Sarah Quarells comes to Broad & Cecil as another early-enrollee freshman that joined Temple in the spring season of 2026. The middle blocker from Pensacola, Fla. brings a work ethic that will make a great addition to the team.
Middle blocker Lily Smith joins the Owls as a freshman from Madison, Wis. Smith brings a strong physical presence at the net along with a technical foundation and competitive mindset that will be a welcomed addition to the Cherry & White.
The lone libero in the newly added members is freshman Maddix Taniguchi. She is from Oahu, HI and brings a defensive discipline that aligns with the identity of the team.
"Collectively, this class adds depth, competitiveness, and long-term potential across multiple positions on our roster. We are excited about what these student-athletes will add to our program immediately through competition, culture, and daily habits, while investing in the long-term development that will allow them to reach their full potential. Their addition strengthens both the depth of our roster today and their foundation of where we believe this program is headed," said Hampton Keith.
Kennedy Crayton joins the Owls from Allen, Texas as an outside hitter. She was an early enrollee that came to Temple for the 2026 spring season as an outside hitter. Crayton brings a strong athletic ability paired with explosiveness and a deep competitive drive.
The lone transfer of the group is Khenedi Guest. Guest spent her freshman and sophomore seasons as a member of Illinois State University as a middle blocker. The junior hails from Benton, Ark. and came to Temple in the 2026 spring season. During her time at Illinois State she was named Freshman of the Year and garnered First Team All-Conference recognition in the Missouri Valley Conference in 2024. In her sophomore season she played in all 30 matches, starting in 29 of them for the Red Birds. Guest led the team with 301 points last season while also tallying a team-high 228 kills.
Leah Hampson joins Temple from Downingtown, Pa. as an outside hitter. Hampson brings versatility and depth to the Owls. She is poised to be an exciting addition to the outside hitter group.
Sarah Quarells comes to Broad & Cecil as another early-enrollee freshman that joined Temple in the spring season of 2026. The middle blocker from Pensacola, Fla. brings a work ethic that will make a great addition to the team.
Middle blocker Lily Smith joins the Owls as a freshman from Madison, Wis. Smith brings a strong physical presence at the net along with a technical foundation and competitive mindset that will be a welcomed addition to the Cherry & White.
The lone libero in the newly added members is freshman Maddix Taniguchi. She is from Oahu, HI and brings a defensive discipline that aligns with the identity of the team.
Players Mentioned
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