Local programs return experienced cores as 2026 season nears
Fort Collins-area high school volleyball programs enter the 2026 Colorado High School Activities Association season with a deep pool of returning talent and strong team pedigrees. Two programs in particular — Fossil Ridge and Windsor — have been fixtures on the state stage in recent years, and several other squads around the city and neighboring communities figure to be competitive.
Local reporters and coaches point to a combination of established veterans and rising underclassmen that could shape playoff races in multiple classifications. The region’s strength includes teams such as Timnath, 5A contenders like Rocky Mountain and Poudre, and smaller but solid programs including Heritage Christian and Windsor Charter Academy.
Players who could carry teams deep into postseason
Statewide lists of top players feature several athletes with direct ties to Fort Collins-area programs. Below are key names local fans should watch, with statistics from last season where available.
- Emery Johnson, Fossil Ridge — A returning 5A first-team all-state selection and one of the region’s most intimidating hitters. Last season Johnson paced Fossil Ridge with 246 kills, along with 39 aces, 25 blocks and 200 digs on a Sabercats squad that reached the 5A semifinals. With an experienced junior poised to lead and a new coach in place, Johnson is expected to be Fossil Ridge’s primary offensive weapon.
- Avery Smiley, Windsor — A senior libero who earned first-team all-state recognition during Windsor’s run to the 4A title game. Smiley’s defensive contributions were substantial last year: 548 digs, 477 serve-receive passes and 49 aces. Her play stabilizes Windsor’s backcourt and supports a deep Wizards hitting rotation.
- Jersey McCollum, Timnath — A three-time all-conference player and 4A all-state honorable mention last season. McCollum is one of the area’s top setters, distributing the offense with 459 assists while adding 255 digs, 93 kills and 26 blocks. Her balanced contributions make Timnath a contender to return to the 4A state tournament.
- Annabelle Loucks, Heritage Christian — A multiple-time all-conference performer and 2A honorable mention all-state selection last season, Loucks is among the standouts in smaller-class programs across the region.
What these returners mean for Fort Collins-area teams
The presence of high-volume attackers, a steady libero, and a playmaking setter across Fort Collins-area teams suggests a competitive landscape across classifications. Fossil Ridge and Windsor will again be judged by how well they replace graduated contributors and integrate any coaching changes. Programs such as Timnath, Rocky Mountain and Poudre appear positioned to chase 5A playoff berths, while Heritage Christian and Windsor Charter Academy provide depth to the region’s competitive ladder.
| Player | School | Notable 2025 Stat |
|---|---|---|
| Emery Johnson | Fossil Ridge | 246 kills |
| Avery Smiley | Windsor | 548 digs |
| Jersey McCollum | Timnath | 459 assists |
Coaches and fans should watch whether these individuals can elevate younger teammates and sustain performance under the pressure of postseason play. For programs that rely heavily on a handful of elite players, depth will be a decisive factor once district and state tournaments begin.
High school sports in the Fort Collins area have produced consistent state contenders and a steady pipeline of skilled athletes. The 2026 CHSAA volleyball season promises more competitive matches and familiar faces seeking deeper postseason runs.
