North Carolina volleyball has its 2026 class locked in, and head coach Mike Schall says the group brings more than talent to Chapel Hill.
UNC announced three signees - Marlie Smith, May Durrill and Kalia Kroth - in a class ranked No. 21 by Prep Dig. Schall pointed to the mix of ability, maturity and fit as the defining traits of the group.
"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."
Durrill, a 6-foot-3 middle blocker from St. Louis, Mo., comes to UNC from Mary Institute and Country Day School and High Performance STL.
Her résumé is loaded: All-State in 2024, 2025 and 2026; First Team All-District in those same three seasons; UA-NEXT MVP; JVA Watchlist honors in 2024 and 2025; and school records for most kills, blocks and aces in MICDS history. She was also an Academic All-State selection and a 1st Honors student from ninth through 12th grade, and she played lacrosse and squash.
Her Carolina connection runs deep. "My Grandfather, dad, and older sister all went to UNC!"
Durrill said Carolina felt like the right fit because of the atmosphere around the program and school. "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 to her was the program’s approach. "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."
She said she is eager to join a group that loves the sport and the school. "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."
Durrill plans to study political science, and her favorite spot in Chapel Hill is the Old Well.
Kroth, a 5-9 outside hitter from Chicago, Ill., arrives from DePaul College Prep and 1st Alliance. PrepDig lists her as the No. 2 overall player in Illinois and No. 2 outside hitter, while also ranking her No. 100 nationally at her position.
Her list of accomplishments includes four MVP awards with her varsity team, a school single-match kill record of 24, more than 1,500 kills at DePaul College Prep, an All-America team nod for USAV Nationals 16-1, GCAC Player of the Year as a sophomore and honor roll recognition. She also played basketball and competed in gymnastics.
Her reason for choosing UNC was straightforward. "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 most to her was the people around the team. "What stood out the most about Carolina was how welcoming and loving the coaching staff is and the love they have for their players."
Kroth said she is looking forward to the competition and the relationships ahead. "I am looking forward to getting to know all of my teammates and playing against some very competitive programs."
She plans to study exercise and sports science, and her favorite Chapel Hill spots are "The Bell Tower or Yopo Froyo."
Smith, a 5-10 setter from Clarkston, Mich., rounds out the class after a decorated run at Clarkston High School and with Legacy Volleyball Club. Her honors include two AAU national championships, two AAU MVP awards, four AAU All-America selections, a USAV All-America honor, a UA NEXT Senior Game invitation, eight USAV NTDP invitations, a 1% Elite Setters Combine championship and AVCA All-America recognition.
Prep Dig ranks her second in the state in the Class of 2027. She also made honor roll and was part of the Clarkston Leadership Program.
Smith said Carolina offered her room to grow in every way. "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 to her was the people and the standard around the athletic department. "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."
Smith said she is eager to join the program and add to what UNC is building. "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!"
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