University of North Carolina Athletics
November 10, 2026 | Volleyball
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. – UNC volleyball head coach Mike Schall announced the 2026 signing class. The class is ranked No. 21 by Prep Dig.
"As a staff, we couldn't be prouder to officially announce our newest Tar Heels we are welcoming into the Carolina volleyball family today; Marlie Smith, May Durrill and Kalia Kroth," Schall said. "This is a class of more than just three very talented volleyball players, but three young women who embody what this program is all about; Love each other. Love the game. Love Carolina. That was made very clear in this process with each of them.
"There is no doubt that each will leave a mark on Carolina volleyball athletically, but we are looking forward to the impact that will have in this community and on our team's culture while they are here on our incredible campus. This is a class that fans will love watching as each will bring a tremendous amount of competitive maturity, experience playing on big stages and the desire and love to continue to grow Carolina volleyball each year."Â
May Durrill, 6-3, MB, St. Louis, Mo., Mary Institute and Country Day School, High Performance STL
"My Grandfather, dad, and older sister all went to UNC!"
Why Carolina?
"I picked Carolina because of how close-knit the program and school feels. Going to Carolina has always been a dream of mine, and getting the opportunity to play on the volleyball team has made that dream even better. The program already feels like home because of the incredible staff and players."
What stood out most about Carolina?
"What stood out to me the most about Carolina was the team, and the emphasis on tradition. Throughout the whole recruitment process the coaches were so incredibly caring and tentative. Additionally, Carolina having such a strong academic and athletic culture really stood out to me."
What are you looking forward to most about being part of the Carolina Volleyball family and this special community?
"I am most looking forward to being apart of a program that loves what they do so much. The volleyball family here truly loves Carolina and the game of volleyball. And of course, I am looking forward to getting to represent such an amazing school both on and off the court."
Intended major/area of study:
"Political Science"
Favorite spot in Chapel Hill:
"My favorite spot in Chapel Hill is the Old Well."
Â
Kalia Kroth, 5-9, OH, Chicago, Ill., DePaul College Prep, 1st Alliance
Why Carolina?
"I picked Carolina because of the winning mentality they have for this program and how they all are willing to fight for each other to succeed."
What stood out the most about Carolina?
"What stood out the most about Carolina was how welcoming and loving the coaching staff is and the love they have for their players."
What are you looking forward to most about being part of the Carolina Volleyball family and this special community?
"I am looking forward to getting to know all of my teammates and playing against some very competitive programs."
Intended major/area of study:
"Exercise and Sports Science"
Favorite spot in Chapel Hill:
"The Bell Tower or Yopo Froyo."
Marlie Smith, 5-10, S, Clarkston, Mich., Clarkston HS, Legacy Volleyball Club
"I choose Carolina because it provides every opportunity to grow and succeed, both as an athlete and as a person. The Carolina blue has a winning tradition, and I am thrilled to represent as a Tar Heel. The prestigious academics was also a major part of my decision. I know that Carolina will push me to growth intellectually and help me reach my full potential in the classroom. More than anything, Chapel Hill is truly a special place, and I couldn't be more grateful for the opportunity to call it home."
What stood out about Carolina?
"One of the things that stood out to me most about Carolina was the people. Everyone I met was incredibly genuine and made me feel valued, not only as an athlete but, more importantly, as a person. It was clear that Carolina is a place where people truly invest in one another and want to see each other succeed. I also think it is so unique to be part of an athletic community where so many programs compete at the highest level and contend for national championships year after year. I am beyond excited to surround myself with such elite athletes, coaches, and people who share the same passion and commitment to excellence."
What are you looking forward to most about being part of the Carolina Volleyball family and this special community?
"I am beyond excited to be a Tar Heel and wear Carolina blue with pride! I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to be part of something bigger than myself. I look forward to continuing to build the winning culture of Carolina volleyball while helping create more opportunities and make strides in women's sports. The Carolina community is so incredibly supportive, and I couldn't be more excited to be part of such a special place. Go Heels!"
Intended major/area of study:
Business
Favorite spot in Chapel Hill:
"My favorite spot in Chapel Hill is the Bell Tower. It has such an authentic feel and is so beautiful!"
Â
"As a staff, we couldn't be prouder to officially announce our newest Tar Heels we are welcoming into the Carolina volleyball family today; Marlie Smith, May Durrill and Kalia Kroth," Schall said. "This is a class of more than just three very talented volleyball players, but three young women who embody what this program is all about; Love each other. Love the game. Love Carolina. That was made very clear in this process with each of them.
"There is no doubt that each will leave a mark on Carolina volleyball athletically, but we are looking forward to the impact that will have in this community and on our team's culture while they are here on our incredible campus. This is a class that fans will love watching as each will bring a tremendous amount of competitive maturity, experience playing on big stages and the desire and love to continue to grow Carolina volleyball each year."Â
May Durrill, 6-3, MB, St. Louis, Mo., Mary Institute and Country Day School, High Performance STL
- All-State 24' 25' 26'
- First Team All-District 24' 25' 26'
- UA-NEXT MVP
- JVA Watchlist 24' 25'
- Most kills in MICDS history
- Most blocks in MICDS history
- Most aces in MICDS history
- Academic All-State
- 1st Honors Student (9th, 10th, 11th, 12th)
- Also played lacrosse and squash
"My Grandfather, dad, and older sister all went to UNC!"
Why Carolina?
"I picked Carolina because of how close-knit the program and school feels. Going to Carolina has always been a dream of mine, and getting the opportunity to play on the volleyball team has made that dream even better. The program already feels like home because of the incredible staff and players."
What stood out most about Carolina?
"What stood out to me the most about Carolina was the team, and the emphasis on tradition. Throughout the whole recruitment process the coaches were so incredibly caring and tentative. Additionally, Carolina having such a strong academic and athletic culture really stood out to me."
What are you looking forward to most about being part of the Carolina Volleyball family and this special community?
"I am most looking forward to being apart of a program that loves what they do so much. The volleyball family here truly loves Carolina and the game of volleyball. And of course, I am looking forward to getting to represent such an amazing school both on and off the court."
Intended major/area of study:
"Political Science"
Favorite spot in Chapel Hill:
"My favorite spot in Chapel Hill is the Old Well."
Â
Kalia Kroth, 5-9, OH, Chicago, Ill., DePaul College Prep, 1st Alliance
- PrepDig No. 2 Overall Player in Illinois/No. 2 Outside Hitter
- No. 100 OH Nationally
- Four-time MVP Varsity Team
- Set school single-match kill record of 24 kills
- Surpassed 1,500 kills at DePaul College Prep
- All-America team for USAV Nationals 16-1
- GCAC Player of the year as a sophomore
- Honor Roll
- Also played basketball and competed in gymnastics
Why Carolina?
"I picked Carolina because of the winning mentality they have for this program and how they all are willing to fight for each other to succeed."
What stood out the most about Carolina?
"What stood out the most about Carolina was how welcoming and loving the coaching staff is and the love they have for their players."
What are you looking forward to most about being part of the Carolina Volleyball family and this special community?
"I am looking forward to getting to know all of my teammates and playing against some very competitive programs."
Intended major/area of study:
"Exercise and Sports Science"
Favorite spot in Chapel Hill:
"The Bell Tower or Yopo Froyo."
Marlie Smith, 5-10, S, Clarkston, Mich., Clarkston HS, Legacy Volleyball Club
- 2x AAU National Champion
- 2x AAU MVP
- 4x AAU All American
- USAV All American
- UA NEXT Senior Game Invitee
- 8x USAV NTDP Invitee
- 1% Elite Setters Combine Champion
- AVCA All American
- Prep Dig ranked 2nd in State Class of 2027
- Honor Roll
- Member of Clarkston Leadership Program
"I choose Carolina because it provides every opportunity to grow and succeed, both as an athlete and as a person. The Carolina blue has a winning tradition, and I am thrilled to represent as a Tar Heel. The prestigious academics was also a major part of my decision. I know that Carolina will push me to growth intellectually and help me reach my full potential in the classroom. More than anything, Chapel Hill is truly a special place, and I couldn't be more grateful for the opportunity to call it home."
What stood out about Carolina?
"One of the things that stood out to me most about Carolina was the people. Everyone I met was incredibly genuine and made me feel valued, not only as an athlete but, more importantly, as a person. It was clear that Carolina is a place where people truly invest in one another and want to see each other succeed. I also think it is so unique to be part of an athletic community where so many programs compete at the highest level and contend for national championships year after year. I am beyond excited to surround myself with such elite athletes, coaches, and people who share the same passion and commitment to excellence."
What are you looking forward to most about being part of the Carolina Volleyball family and this special community?
"I am beyond excited to be a Tar Heel and wear Carolina blue with pride! I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to be part of something bigger than myself. I look forward to continuing to build the winning culture of Carolina volleyball while helping create more opportunities and make strides in women's sports. The Carolina community is so incredibly supportive, and I couldn't be more excited to be part of such a special place. Go Heels!"
Intended major/area of study:
Business
Favorite spot in Chapel Hill:
"My favorite spot in Chapel Hill is the Bell Tower. It has such an authentic feel and is so beautiful!"
Â
Friday, November 13
Friday, November 13
Friday, November 13
Thursday, November 12