Eastern Illinois Volleyball has released their 2026 incoming class, Head Coach Ryan Millar announced today. In addition to Kayla Coolman and Peyton Castillo, the Panthers have added five incoming freshman and two transfers from the JUCO ranks. EIU will welcome Addison Erb, Kaeden Foxx, Emma Hanson, Anna McEwen, McKenna Morton, Abana Teran, and Mirea Thederahn. Coach Millar and Coach Gardella believe the incoming recruiting class provides the necessary tools to compete for another OVC title. 

"This recruiting class is going to be very special. We have a lot of young players who are incredibly eager to compete at a high level combined with our JUCO transfers who bring some more experience to round out the group. I am incredibly excited to watch these girls learn, grow, and make their mark on EIU volleyball." - Coach Gardella 

Addison Erb (Roscoe, Illinois) is a 6'4 middle blocker who attended Hononegah Community High School. During her high school career, Erb was a four-year volleyball player who helped lead her team to two regional championships. In addition, she was a 2x scholar-athlete, a 2x all-conference recipient, and a 5x honor roll member. 

"Addison Erb brings an imposing physical presence to the net, but it's her coordination and feel for the game that truly separates her. Her size combined with her upside gives her the potential to be a game-changer in our program." - Coach Millar 

Kaden Foxx (Crestview, Florida) is a 5'10 outside hitter who attended Crestview High School. During her high school career, she participated in both beach and indoor volleyball, earning four varsity letters in each respective sport. Foxx was named an FCA Beach Volleyball nominee, Chick-fil-A Athlete of the Month, MVP of the Pensacola Sports All-Star Game, and recipient of the Pensacola Sports All-Star Game academic award. She also helped her high school team to a beach volleyball 6A runner-up title.  

"Kaeden Foxx brings an electric presence to the court with her competitive fire, incredible athleticism, and relentless work ethic. She's the kind of athlete who elevates everyone around her, competing with confidence while staying grounded. She will make an immediate impact on our program. " - Coach Millar 

Emma Hanson (Chaska, Minnesota) is a 6'3 middle blocker who attended Chaska High School. Prior to Eastern Illinois, she earned three varsity volleyball letters and played basketball during her freshman year.  She was a 2x varsity captain, 2025 MVP, 2025 best offensive player, 2024 & 2025 All-Conference selection, 2025 Academic All-Conference & All-State, and a 2x academic letter award winner. Hanson led her team to multiple top-three finishes at the Toni Kaiser Tournament.  

"Emma Hanson competes with confidence and calm, bringing a steady presence to every match. She's a great teammate and wants to get better each day. Her consistency and attention to detail make her someone we believe can contribute early and grow into a major impact player in our program." - Coach Millar 

Anna McEwen (Sheldon, Illinois) is a 5'5 defensive specialist/libero who attended Milford High School. Prior to her commitment to Eastern Illinois, McEwen spent the past two seasons at Parkland College in Champaign, Illinois. At Parkland, McEwen was the NJCAA D2 National Dig Leader and earned all-region honors. She helped lead her team to two Region 24 Championships. At Milford High School, she was the all-time dig leader, 2x First Team All-Area (Daily Journal), 2x Second Team All-Area (News Gazette), and was named AVCA Player of the Week. Off the court, she was an Illinois State Scholar and the valedictorian.  

"Anna McEwen arrives as a JUCO transfer from Parkland College with experience, resilience, and a championship mindset. Her leadership and composure will be invaluable as she transitions into our system and helps push our gym forward at the libero position." - Coach Millar 

McKenna Morton (Frisco, Texas) is a 5'8 libero/outside hitter who attended Prince of Peace Christian School. In high school, Morton was a TAPPS 2x First Team All-District, TAPPS 2x First Team All-State, TAPPS State Tournament All-Tournament Team, TAPPS 1st in state, and GMSports media athlete of the week. She totaled 1,397 kills, 915 digs, and 206 aces. Morton helped lead her team to a state title this past season.  

"McKenna Morton is a dynamic athlete who competes fearlessly and embraces big moments as demonstrated by her ability to lead her Texas high school team to a state championship. Her ability to impact the match in multiple ways makes her an exciting addition to our program." - Coach Millar 

Abana Teran (Kissimmee, Florida) is a 6'1 opposite hitter who spent the past two seasons at Daytona State College. She was named the national defensive player of the week and earned 2x second-team conference selections. At Daytona State, Teran appeared in 49 matches, playing in 172 sets, and totaled 312 kills and 108 digs. Prior to Daytona State, she attended Freedom High School in Orlando, Florida, where she was a two-year varsity volleyball player.  

"Abana Téran is an explosive talent with offensive versatility and a world-class block. As she continues to develop, her ceiling is incredibly high— we're excited to see her thrive in our system, while bringing her passion and leadership." - Coach Millar 

Mirea Thederahn (Friedland, Germany) is a 6'1" opposite/outside hitter who attended Montverde Academy in Florida. She was a decorated high school athlete, earning an Orlando Sentinel All-Area First Team beach volleyball selection, a Lake & Sumter All-County First Team indoor selection, and an All-State Team U17 Germany indoor volleyball selection. Thederahn helped lead her teams to 2x district indoor championships, one district beach volleyball championship, and a runner-up title in the Northern German Championship. Off the court, she was on honor roll and was an AP scholar.  

"Mirea Thederahn plays with intensity and purpose, bringing energy to every point. Her competitive spirit and attention to detail will allow her to make a strong impact as she transitions to the college level. - Coach Millar 

Kyla Coolman 
Last month, Coolman arrived after graduating high school early and has competed in the current beach volleyball season. Coach Millar has high hopes for the highly touted rookie.  

"Kyla Coolman is a dynamic setter from South Bend, Indiana, combining elite athleticism with a tireless work ethic. She runs the floor with energy, sets her teammates up for success, and competes with intensity every single day. Her upbeat energy is infectious and fits perfectly with our culture." - Coach Millar 

Peyton Castillo 
Along with Coolman, Castillo arrived on campus for the spring semester of beach volleyball season. Castillo is a transfer from New Mexico State, bringing a veteran presence in the locker room.  

"Peyton Castillo arrives in Charleston from New Mexico State University with experience, versatility, and a strong volleyball IQ developed at the Division I level. Her ability to adapt, lead, and continue growing makes her an exciting addition to the critical setting position." - Coach Millar