Volleyball Adds Six Recruits For The 2026 Season

MIDLAND, MICH. – The Northwood University volleyball team has announced the addition of six student-athletes for the 2026 season.

Darby Crystal, Sydney Damude, Ashton Ehle, Kennedy Hinkle, Ava Janusch and Emma Johnston will all join the team next season.

"We are thrilled to welcome this talented and competitive group to the Northwood family," said head coach Dave Shumaker. "Each of these young women brings a unique skill set, a strong work ethic, and a passion for the game that will elevate our program both on and off the court. This class has the potential to make an immediate impact in the G-MAC and help us continue building toward postseason success."

2026 NORTHWOOD VOLLEYBALL SIGNEES

Darby Crystal – Middle/Opposite Hitter – Davison, Mich. 
A 6- 2 middle/opposite hitter, Crystal was a two-time All-Conference and All-Region selection and helped lead Davison High School to a district championship as a senior.

Sydney Damude – Middle Hitter – Sanford, N.C. 
A 6-2 middle blocker, Sydney is a dominant hitter and blocker at Grace Christian High School (independent).  Attending Northwood means a return to Midland for Sydney, who attended Elementary school in Midland before moving to Sanford, N.C.  Sydney's parents both attended and met at Northwood University.

Ashton Ehle – Outside Hitter – Ovid, Mich.
A 5-9 outside hitter, Ashton is a four-year starter at outside hitter for Ovid-Elsie High School.  She holds the Ovid-Elsie school record for career kills and has garnered three All-Conference and All-Region awards.  She joins her sister, Kyden, who is currently a freshmen setter at Northwood. 

Kennedy Hinkle – Outside Hitter – Livonia, Mich. 
At 6-0, Kennedy is a powerful and athletic outside hitter.  She is a three-year starter for Stevenson High School in Livonia.  Kennedy earned three All-Conference and All-Region Player awards. 

Ava Janusch – Libero, Defensive Specialist – Warren, Mich. 
A standout libero at Regina High School, Janusch was named All-Catholic, All-County, and All-Region her junior and senior years.  Ava capped her career off, garnering All-State honors her senior year.  Ava's parents and brother all attended Northwood University.

Emma Johnston – Setter/Opposite Hitter – Reed City Mich. 
A 6-0 setter/opposite hitter, Johnston is a multi-year All-Conference and All-Region performer who finished her career with over 2,500 assists and directed Reed City to back-to-back district titles. 

Northwood University competes at the NCAA Division II level and is a member of the Great Midwest Athletic Conference (G-MAC).