Volleyball Team Preps for 2026 Season

Edison State Community College’s volleyball team will kick off the 2026-27 athletics seasons on Friday, August 21. The Lady Chargers have worked hard to prepare for the season.

Head Coach Shai Habel is leading the Lady Chargers for the first time. A former collegiate student-athlete and Arcanum High School graduate, Habel played volleyball at Sinclair Community College for two years, where she continued to grow her love for the game and build a strong foundation in competition and teamwork.

She started her coaching journey at Lehman Catholic High School and then Russia High School, working with student-athletes to develop their skills, confidence, and understanding of the game. Since 2018, she has also coached travel volleyball. As a coach, Habel focuses on player development, building a strong team culture, and helping student-athletes reach their potential on and off the court.

“We’re excited to kick off the 2026 season! This group has been through a lot in a short amount of time, including a coaching change, and I couldn’t be more proud of how they’ve handled it,” said Habel. “From day one, they’ve shown up with positive attitudes, a willingness to learn, and a commitment to building something special together.”

The Lady Chargers return to the court with one sophomore and eight freshmen.

“With only one returning player, this team has had to grow quickly,” Habel said. “Every practice has been an opportunity to learn more about each other, build trust, and create the foundation for the culture we want at Edison State. It’s been fun watching this group come together and embrace the challenge.”

She added, “I’m excited to see this team’s growth throughout the season and watch them compete with energy, grit, and pride every time they step on the court. I hope our fans will come out and support these young women as they continue building something special here at Edison State.”

Joining Habel is Assistant Coach Casie Sowers, bringing energy, experience, and a deep passion for the sport to her first season with the Edison State program. A 2014 graduate of Greenville Senior High School, Sowers planned to continue her volleyball career at Bluffton University before an injury shifted her path. She studied sports medicine at Wright State University, strengthening her understanding of athlete development and performance.

Sowers believes that leadership, hard work, and a genuine love for the game build strong teams. She is committed to helping Edison State student-athletes grow both on and off the court while contributing to a positive, competitive program culture.

She said, “I’m honored to be part of the Edison State volleyball program and excited to begin this journey with these young women. I look forward to helping them reach their full potential while continuing to learn and grow alongside them throughout the season.”

The team will travel for an opening weekend tournament on Friday, August 21, and Saturday, August 22. Their regular season kicks off Wednesday, August 26, at home, when the Lady Chargers face Miami University–Hamilton.

Edison State’s volleyball team competes in the Ohio Community College Athletic Conference and as a Division II member of the National Junior College Athletic Association. Visit athletics.edisonohio.edu for the latest news, upcoming games, and complete rosters.