KENOSHA, Wis. – The Parkside volleyball program has announced the addition of four student-athletes who will join the Rangers for the 2026 season. Head coach Leigh Barea welcomes a group that brings championship experience, academic success, and a strong commitment to the culture of the program.

"We couldn't be more excited about this entire group and what they bring to our program," Barea said. "Across the board, they share a competitive mindset, a strong work ethic, and a genuine commitment to being great teammates. Each of them comes from a winning background or has experienced high-level competition, and they understand what it takes to continue raising the standard in our gym. Just as important, they're the kind of people who will make a positive impact on our campus and within the Parkside community. We believe this class has the talent, character, and drive to push our program forward in a meaningful way, and we're excited to see the impact they'll make starting in 2026."
 
Hailey Warfel – 5'11 – Setter – Downs, Ill – Tri-Valley High School – Parkland College
Warfel joins the Rangers after spending the last two seasons at Parkland College, an NJCAA program in Champaign, Illinois. During her time there, Hailey earned Second Team All-American honors and was named to the Region 24 All-Region Team. She attended Tri-Valley High School, where she was part of a program that captured four conference championships. Individually, she was a three-time First Team All-Conference selection and earned First Team All-Area honors in 2023. In addition to her athletic accomplishments, she earned Honor Roll recognition every semester throughout her high school career.
 
"We've already had the opportunity to work with Hailey this spring, and she's made an immediate impression on our program," said Head Coach Leigh Barea. "She's a competitive, high-level setter who does a great job elevating the people around her. Coming from Parkland, one of the top junior college programs in the country, she brings experience and composure that you can feel in the gym every day."

Samantha Molenhouse – 5'3 – Libero/DS – Chicago, Ill – Marist High School – Heartland Community College
Molenhouse joins the Rangers after spending the last two seasons at Heartland Community College, an NJCAA program in Normal, Illinois. During her time with the Hawks, she helped lead the program to the 2025 NJCAA National Championship and earned All-Conference honors in both 2024 and 2025. She also received All-Region recognition following the 2025 season. Prior to Heartland, Molenhouse attended Marist High School, where she was part of a highly successful program that captured two conference championships and two regional titles during her prep career. In the classroom, she excelled academically, earning Honor Roll recognition every semester and being inducted into the National Honor Society.

"We're really excited to bring Sam into our gym this fall," said Head Coach Leigh Barea. "Coming from a national championship program at Heartland, she understands what it takes to compete and win. She's fast, consistent, and has a great feel for the game. What stands out most is her focus and work ethic—she's someone who shows up every day ready to get better."

Danielle Kopacz – 6'1 – Outside – Pewaukee, Wis – Pewaukee High School – Austin Peay State University
Kopacz joins the Rangers after spending the past two seasons at Austin Peay State University, a Division I program in Clarksville, Tennessee. During her time with the Governors, she earned Academic Dean's List recognition in both the Fall 2025 and Spring 2026 semesters.

Prior to Austin Peay, Kopacz starred at Pewaukee High School, where she helped lead the program to two conference championships and two appearances at the Wisconsin State Tournament. She was named Pewaukee High School's 2024 MVP Women's Athlete of the Year and finished her prep career as the school's all-time leader in kills (1,325) and aces (211). As a senior, she earned Wisconsin All-State honors after receiving All-State Honorable Mention recognition as both a sophomore and junior. In addition to her high school success, Kopacz competed for VC United Volleyball Club.

"We're so excited to welcome Dani back home to Wisconsin and into our program," said Head Coach Leigh Barea. "She brings a physical presence offensively and can score from both pins, but what really stands out is her energy and personality. She has a way of making the people around her better, and we expect her to make a big impact on our team over the next two years."

Rayna Nelson  – 5'9  – Pin Hitter – Greenville, Wis. – Hortonville High School 
Nelson joins Parkside after a standout prep career at Hortonville High School. During her time there, she helped lead the program to a regional championship in 2023 and a sectional semifinal appearance. The team also set a school record for conference success during the 2023 season. Individually, Nelson earned Honorable Mention All-Conference honors twice and was recognized as one of the Post-Crescent's Top 10 Volleyball Players. She also excelled in the classroom as a member of the National Honor Society. In addition to her high school accomplishments, Nelson competed for FC Elite Volleyball Club.

"Rayna is someone who truly believes in Parkside, and that means a lot to us," said Head Coach Leigh Barea. "She's a hardworking athlete who has trained across all front-row positions, and we're excited to continue developing her game. She comes from a strong club background and brings a willingness to learn and grow every day. Rayna is going to fit in really well with our group."

For all things Parkside Volleyball, please visit parksiderangers.com/coverage.