NEWS

Davidson Volleyball Head Coach Chris Willis

DAVIDSON, N.C. – Continuing one of the most successful periods in Davidson volleyball history, head coach Chris Willis announced the addition of four scholar-athletes to his 2025 roster on Monday.

“The recruiting class of 2024 gives me confidence in the future of Davidson Volleyball,” Willis said. “These four women will build on the recent success of the program. I look forward to getting to work with them in the fall.”

Next fall, Chloe Popkin, Kinsey Smith, Cayla Weisner and Meile Songaila will join the ‘Cats, who have compiled a 56-34 overall record and 35-17 mark in Atlantic 10 play over the last three seasons.

Chloe Popkin | DS/L | 5-8 | Houston, Texas
Chloe Popkin tallied 330 digs and 222 kills during her senior season at Stratford High School, leading her team to back-to-back undefeated District Championships along with a 2023 Bi-District title. The Houston native captured 2023 AVCA All-American honors in addition to 17-6A First Team All-District recognition in 2022 and 2023.

Coach’s Take:
“Chloe is an explosive athlete who brings high-level ball control to the floor. I expect her to push for playing time this fall, and she will help us continue to be one of the best defensive teams in the Atlantic 10.”

Kinsey Smith | S | 5-10 | River Forest, Ill.
With 1,896 assists in high school, Kinsey Smith will join the Wildcats as the all-time leader in assists in Oak Park River Forest High School history. In addition to leading IHSA 4A in assists per set (10.7) and total assists (924), Smith captured All-Region, All-State and Academic All-American honors in 2023. After playing with First Alliance Volleyball, Smith also helped lead her club team to a top-5 national finish in 2021 and 2022.

Coach’s Take:
“Kinsey is a dynamic setter who can run an offense with tempo and consistency. She makes everyone around her better. The attackers in our program will love playing alongside her.”

Cayla Weisner | MB | 6-2 | Deer Park, Ill.
Cayla Weisner is Davidson’s second Wildcat to hail from Illinois, as the middle blocker struck 137 total blocks during her senior season while leading Stevenson High School to the 2023 Regional, Conference and County Championships. Individually, Weisner collected All-Area and All-Conference honors while earning the NSC Sportsmanship Award. 

Coach’s Take:
“Cayla brings another terminal arm to the middle for our offense. Her open-level experience will help her transition into our system quickly. I’m looking forward to having such quality depth at the middle hitter position again.”

Meile Songaila | OH | 6-0 | Kings Mountain, N.C.
Meile Songaila joins the ‘Cats after back-to-back All-State seasons at Kings Mountain High School, just south of Davidson. The outside hitter notched 499 kills during her senior season, while leading her school to a 2023 State Championship, in addition to four straight Big South Conference titles. Songaila was named the MVP of the state tournament, while also being named North Carolina’s 3A Volleyball Player of the Year and Big South Conference Defensive Player of the Year.

Coach’s Take:
“Despite missing most of her junior year, Meile showed incredible determination to win a state championship and the NC 3A Player of the Year. Her talent and resilience will be a huge asset to our program.”