2026 Volleyball Preview: New-look PND defined by defense

PEORIA – Since Peoria Notre Dame fell two points shy of a sectional title last October, much has changed for the Irish.

Three key hitters Mady Gibson, Aiden Maloney and Avery Ginglen graduated. Three-year head coach Patty Mingus resigned. Former varsity assistant Johnny Nguyen was hired. 

PND even moved up a class, getting the bump from Class 2A to Class 3A, meaning a tougher postseason road should the Irish want to repeat last season’s run that concluded with a three-set defeat to Port Byron Riverdale - who went on to finish third at state - in the sectional title match. 

Despite the change around them, the Irish’s veteran base has their eyes set on another winning season. Headlined by All-Big 12 first team honoree Lilly Dries and S/DS Alli Kinning, PND should be staunch defensively.

Offensively, the team will develop a varied attack with plenty of opportunity for players like second team All-Big 12 award winner Violet Gardner, Kate Targos and Ella Branch. 

Hear from Nguyen, Dries and Kinning and get to know this year’s Peoria Notre Dame volleyball team in its season preview below: