The Arizona Wildcats volleyball program is making serious moves this spring, and the latest addition is a big one—literally and figuratively. After announcing the signing of San Diego transfer Kennedy Osunsanmi earlier this month, the Wildcats have now secured a verbal commitment from former Howard University middle blocker Kristen Dear. With rumors swirling about a third potential addition, it's clear that head coach and staff are working overtime to reload the roster.
Dear, a 6-foot-1 middle blocker from Carson, California, is heading back to the West Coast after a standout freshman season with the Bison. A product of the powerhouse Long Beach Poly program, she made an immediate impact in Washington D.C., appearing in 56 sets across 19 matches. Her stat line turned heads: 2.32 kills per set on an impressive .443 hitting percentage, plus 0.86 blocks per set, good for 2.79 points per set. Those numbers placed her second on the team in kills per set and third in both blocks and points per set.
Dear’s lone season with Howard was a successful one, as the Bison posted an 18-11 overall record and a 10-4 mark in MEAC play. Their campaign ended in the MEAC Tournament championship match, where they fell 3-1 to top-seeded Coppin State. Now, she brings that experience and production to a Wildcats squad that is clearly prioritizing the middle blocker position.
With Dear and Osunsanmi in the fold, Arizona now has 14 players committed for the 2026 season. But the roster isn't finished yet. An unannounced verbal commitment—rumored to be an outside hitter—could be on the way. The Wildcats have also yet to officially add former Notre Dame setter Harmony Sample to the online roster, though her signing was announced back on April 15. Freshmen who didn't enroll early and Osunsanmi are also not listed yet, so expect the official roster to keep evolving.
Looking at the current depth chart, Arizona is shaping up nicely. The team now has seven pins (outside hitters and opposites) either returning, announced, or rumored. With Dear, the Wildcats boast four middle blockers. The setter position is covered by two players, including Sample, while the back row is stacked with four libero/defensive specialists. It's a balanced roster with plenty of competition heading into the fall.
For fans of Wildcats volleyball, this spring portal window has been anything but quiet. With Dear’s return to the West, Arizona is adding a proven, efficient middle blocker who can make an immediate impact. Keep an eye on Tucson—there might be more good news on the way.