DAYTON – The University of Dayton women's volleyball team has added five transfer players for the upcoming season. Emily Harden, Gabriela Machin Borges, Kaleigh Meritt, Rylee Sloss and Charlotte Vinson are part of the nine newcomers for the Flyers.

Harden is a setter from Jonesboro, Ga. At Georgia State last season, she appeared in all 28 matches, tallying 453 assists, good for second on her team. The incoming sophomore set a career high of 25 assists last season. Harden also compiled 167 digs and 14 kills in her rookie campaign. At the service line, she posted 16 aces on the season.

"I chose UD because of its competitive volleyball program and campus. From conversations I had with the coaches and players, everyone here wants you to succeed," explained Harden. "I also loved how safe campus is, along with the Catholic church being in the center and the many resources Dayton offers that set students up for success."

"Emily is a fast, dynamic setter who plays with great energy. She's technically sound and immediately makes us better," said Horsmon. "Emily had a strong freshman year at Georgia State, and we're excited she has multiple years to compete in front of her."

Senior right-side Machin Borges spent the last three seasons at Youngstown State, appearing in 78 matches. She tallied 677 kills across her first three seasons, averaging 2.51 kills per set. Last season, she totaled 388 kills, 16 aces, 103 digs and 74 blocks. The San Lorenzo, Puerto Rico native also recorded a career-high 27 kills in her junior campaign. Machin Borges was named to the All-Horizon League First Team and to the All-Academic Team in 2025.

"UD stood out to me because of the competitive environment and the coaches' commitment to helping me reach my full potential. From my first call, I could feel the pride and sense of community throughout the university," said Machin Borges. "The strong academics, athletics and environment made it an opportunity I couldn't pass up."

"She's a really highly efficient left-handed attacker and opposite from Youngstown State, where she was an all-conference player," stated Horsmon. "Gaby will compete immediately in this position, and we like her ability to play with range and attack different areas of the court."

Meritt is a two-time All-SoCon selection as a redshirt senior from Samford. In 2023, the Evansville, Ind. native was named SoCon Freshman of the Year, playing in all 31 matches for the Bulldogs with 380 kills, 32 aces and 45 total blocks. Last fall, the outside hitter earned 392 kills, 262 digs and 32 blocks, leading her team in kills. Placed on the Preseason All-SoCon Team in 2025, Meritt was named SoCon Offensive Player of the Week and crossed the 1,000-career kill mark.

"I chose the University of Dayton because it offered everything I was looking for as a graduate transfer. I wanted to join a highly competitive program that would push me to become the best version of myself on the court while continuing to grow as a person," remarked Meritt. "I also fell in love with the incredible sense of community and the electric atmosphere that Frericks brings on game days. I'm so excited to experience that environment firsthand and be part of such an amazing program and family."

"Kaleigh is an athletic, smooth and explosive outside hitter, earning all-conference awards while playing six rotations at Samford," said Horsmon. "She immediately gives us a point-scoring pin that solidifies us both offensively and defensively."

Sloss is a graduate transfer who played three seasons with Radford. The setter recorded 261 kills, 372 assists, 21 service aces, 202 digs and 67 total blocks. Last season, Sloss spent time as an outside hitter with 26 matches played, earning 198 kills, good for second on the team. The Christianburg, Va. native was also named to the Big South All-Academic Team.  

"I chose Dayton because of the culture built both on and off the court. The program is centered on high-level competition, hard work and genuine relationships," explained Sloss. "The staff and players were incredibly personable and welcoming. I'm so excited to be part of such a devoted and driven team, and I can't wait for the fall."

"Rylee played both opposite and set for her Radford team and shows great athleticism both offensively and defensively," said Horsmon. "She will compete for our setting position immediately, and we're excited about how she plays the game and her maturity."

An incoming sophomore, Vinson is an outside hitter from Yorktown, Ind. The outside hitter played in 11 matches in her freshman season at Indiana. She notched five service aces, three digs and one kill, tallying a kill and an ace against Texas. Vinson also won AVCA's AVCA-The Marines Battles Won Award. In high school, she was named IHSVCA Ms. Volleyball and was a finalist for MaxPreps National Player of the Year.

"I chose Dayton because from the moment I connected with the coaches and team, I felt a sense of belonging and competitiveness. I knew I wanted to be somewhere that believed in me, supported me and allowed me to grow both on and off the court, while still pushing me to be the best," described Vinson. "I'm so grateful for this opportunity and excited for this next chapter as a Flyer!"

"Charlotte was one of the highest recruits in the country in her class," explained Horsmon. "She's coming to us from Indiana and has the potential to be a six-rotation player who can score from either pin. Charlotte has a great arm and can score points in bunches behind the service line."

These five will join Sienna Fry, Natalie Harrington, Ava Liening and Sidney Sprada as the new faces on this year's roster. Addi Gallentine and Isabel Simmons, who redshirted last season, will make their Flyer debuts this fall. Returners include Corrie Anderson, Morgan Asleson, Sydney Barrett, Lily Barry, Abigail Cresse, Kamryn Hunt and Melina Schrader.

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