2026 Volleyball Preview: Threes wild for BCC volleyball as Saints reload behind Niepagen

BLOOMINGTON — Three is a significant number for Bloomington Central Catholic volleyball this season.

The Saints are looking for their third straight state berth —which would be an unprecedented feat for the program — after its second consecutive Class 2A runner-up finish in 2025. BCC returns three key starters from that group, including senior and Auburn commit Kampbell Niepagen, who has over 1,000 kills to her name.

Three is how many sets each of the Saints’ state championship games have gone, both of which ended in heartbreaking defeats after winning the first set. To top it all off, they’ll be looking to change that streak in Class 3A, a loaded class in the area that features Normal U-High, Limestone, Morton, Washington, Normal West and more.

The Saints have high expectations in 2026 with senior setter Kendall Fair and junior libero Regan Baker rejoining Niepagen in their starting group, but several other contributors are ready to step in and make big impacts as well.

Hear from head coach Jenny Menendez, Niepagen, Baker and Fair and get to know this year’s Bloomington Central Catholic volleyball team in its season preview below: