Oak Ridge looks to spike expectations in 2026
Camryn McGinnis celebrates a point during the 2025 volleyball season for Oak Ridge. McGinnis is one of four returning seniors who will lead the Lady Wildcats into the 2026 campaign as Oak Ridge looks to build on the momentum it gained last season and contend in a highly competitive District 3-AAA. (photo:Kirah Colston | ORHS Sports Media )
“I expect us to be a contender in the district and the region,” Ellis said. “I expect us to be competitive against every team we play.”
The Lady Wildcats didn’t advance to the Region 2-AAA tournament last season, but they showed flashes of promise.
The District 3-AAA race is expected to be one of the area’s most competitive in 2026. Anderson County is coming off the district tournament championship after claiming the tournament title and finishing as the Region 2-AAA runner-up.
Knox Central captured the regular-season district championship, while Clinton advanced to the regional tournament for the third consecutive season.
Powell and Knoxville Halls also figure to contend.
“Our district is going to be extremely competitive this season,” Ellis said.
Oak Ridge lost a pair of key players to graduation following the 2025 campaign, but Ellis believes depth will be one of her team’s biggest strengths.
“We are deep and we can go two deep at every position,” Ellis said. “We also have good team chemistry and good leadership.
“We lost two big players last year, and some people are going to take on some leadership roles. We’re going to need some people to step in.”
The Lady Wildcats return four seniors who made major contributions last season. Camryn McGinnis, Ali Rickart, Da’Miracle Strickland and Annyla Osborne are all back for their final high school season.
McGinnis is an outside hitter, Rickart and Osborne are defensive specialists, and Strickland can play both right side and outside hitter.
Other key returners include Stephanie Kenworthy (junior, defensive specialist), Caroline Laffoon (junior, right side), Vivian Sullivan (junior, setter/outside hitter), Lindley Sullivan (sophomore, setter), Coco Plophow (sophomore, middle blocker), Ella Hay (sophomore, defensive specialist) and Joshna Nandagopal (sophomore, setter).
Freshmen Aly Wilson and Jayeli Thompson will add to the team’s depth as middle blockers.
While Ellis is looking for a successful season on the court, she said continuing to establish the program’s culture remains a top priority.
“We’re trying to build a program and change the culture,” she said. “Our girls need to know that they’re good. We need to work on our mental toughness on our way to getting where we need to be.”
Kirah Colston | ORHS Sports Media
