ROCHESTER, NY - Three members of the Utica University volleyball team have been named to All-Empire 8 teams, as announced by the league on Thursday.
Megan Wright (Clay Center, KS/Clay Center Community) has collected her second consecutive all-conference nod after being named to the second team at libero. Wright capped off her collegiate career with a historic senior campaign, establishing herself as one of the nation's premier defensive players. The senior finished the season ranked second nationally in NCAA Division III with 6.07 digs per set and third nationally with 589 total digs, leading the Empire 8 in both categories. The highlight of Wright's senior campaign came on September 26, when she surpassed the program's all-time career digs record of 1,490, previously held by Melissa Austin. The historic accomplishment further cemented Wright's place in Utica volleyball history, finishing her career with a mark of 1,821. Beyond her defensive dominance, Wright contributed 66 assists and 27 service aces throughout the season. Her consistency in the back row helped anchor a Utica defense that collected 1,682 digs and averaged 17.16 per set.
Trinity Bailey (West Winfield, NY/Mount Markham) has also received her second consecutive all-conference selection after being named to the third team. Bailey concluded her senior campaign as the focal point of Utica's offensive attack, leading the Pioneers with 302 kills and 345 total points. The outside hitter averaged 3.28 kills per set, ranking fourth in the Empire 8, while her 3.75 points per set placed her sixth among conference competitors. Bailey accounted for nearly one-third of Utica's 950 kills throughout the season, surpassing the 300-kill milestone for the second consecutive year. The senior also made significant contributions beyond the attacking front, collecting 243 digs, averaging 2.64 per set, and leading the team with 34 service aces. Bailey added 15 total blocks, showcasing her ability to contribute on both sides of the net.
Liv Leider (Miami, FL/Felix Varela) has been named Utica's recipient of the 2026 Empire 8 Women's Volleyball Tomorrow's Leaders award. One member of each team was named that institution's representative on the 2026 Women's Volleyball Tomorrow's Leaders Team. This team honors a student-athlete who has emerged as a leader not only on the field of play, but in the classroom and in the community. In addition, they "compete with honor and integrity" and have distinguished themselves and consistently exhibit the critical traits as outstanding sportswomen.
