By: Sarah Seaman, Hiram Assistant SID
HIRAM, Ohio – July 13, 2026 – The Hiram women's volleyball program is coming off its first full year in its return to the Presidents' Athletic Conference. The program made its presence known – advancing to the conference championship game for the first time since 2018. Their 26-win season was the most wins in a single season since 2012.
Looking to build off the historic season - the program added experience to the coaching staff with the hires of Riley France and Grace Van Niel.
France re-joins the Terriers as an assistant coach beginning in the fall of 2026, having previously logged two seasons as a middle blocker and outside hitter on the Terriers. She also competed collegiately at West Virginia Wesleyan and Mercyhurst.
France made a splash in the final season of her collegiate volleyball career, breaking out for career-highs in kills (142), kills per set (1.34) and total blocks (40). As a leader on the team, the Powell, OH native played a key part in spearheading the 2025 Terriers to a PAC regular-season title and the program's best win percentage (.897) in a single season in program history.
France graduated from Hiram College in May 2026 with a bachelor's degree in Communication.
Van Niel joins the Terriers as the assistant women's volleyball coach beginning in the 2026 season following a standout playing career at the Division II level.
She logged four seasons at Ursuline College where she was a member of the women's volleyball team. During her tenure with the Arrows, Van Niel appeared in 242 sets while tallying 250 kills. She ranks ninth in program history in solo blocks (24). Also during her time at Ursuline, Van Niel was a 4x GMAC All-Academic member.
The Amherst, OH native has spent her young coaching career on the FORCE volleyball club and Eastside Volleyball 15.2 National Team coaching staff.
Van Niel graduated from Ursuline College in December 2025 with a Bachelor of Arts in Sports Management.
Head Coach Macy Roell and company will open the 2026 campaign on Tuesday, Sept. 1 for a PAC-NCAC battle at Oberlin.
