Hesston enters the 2026 season looking to build on its first Kansas Class 3A state tournament appearance in seven seasons and brings back seven players from the 2025 squad.
The Swathers, a Sports in Kansas team to watch in 2026, open the season at the Central Kansas League meet at 9 a.m. Saturday at Hoisington.
The Swathers went 27-14 in 2025, including a 1-2 record in pool play at the Kansas Class 3A state tournament in Hutchinson.
Jessanna Schumann is in her first season as Hesston High School head varsity volleyball coach.
Schumann, a Hesston graduate who played collegiately at Hesston College and Tabor College, coached this group during their junior high seasons.
“We are returning a talented group of athletes,” Schumann told Sports in Kansas. “After returning to the state tournament last year for the first time in seven seasons, we will work to make another run.
“We are scheduled against some strong teams throughout the season that will hopefully prepare us for postseason.”
Junior setter AJ Reiff headlines the returning group after earning All-State recognition last season.
Junior opposite Maci Rhodes, junior middle blocker Jacy Proctor, sophomore middle blocker Tessa Martin and senior outside hitter Kylie Warden also are players to watch in 2026.
Hesston Swathers 2026 volleyball schedule
Aug. 29 at CKL League Tournament, Hoisington, 9 a.m.
Sept. 3 Minneapolis, Wichita Trinity Academy at Hesston Triangular, 5 p.m.
Sept. 8 Cheney, Hillsboro at Hesston Triangular, 5 p.m.
Sept. 12 Hesston at Valley Center Invitational, 8 a.m.
Sept. 15 Halstead, Haven at Hesston Triangular, 5 p.m.
Sept. 22 Hesston, Larned at Smoky Valley Triangular, 5 p.m.
Sept. 24 Garden Plain at Hesston, 7 p.m.
Sept. 26 Hesston at Cheney Tournament, 5 p.m.
Oct. 6 Hesston, Nickerson at Hoisington Triangular, 5 p.m.
Oct. 10 Hesston at Clearwater Invitational, 8 a.m.
Oct. 19 Hesston at Class 3A Regionals
Oct. 24 Class 3A Sub-State
Oct. 30-31 Class 3A State Tournament at Hutchinson Sports Arena
