Purdue Volleyball Coach Vows Postseason Recognition for Libero Ryan McAleer
The Boilermakers enter the 2026 campaign ranked ninth in the coaches poll, with coach Dave Shondell highlighting Ryan McAleer’s role in uniting a roster featuring three returning All-Americans.
Purdue University volleyball coach Dave Shondell has issued a strong endorsement of libero Ryan McAleer, describing her as one of the best players at her position in the country and the squad’s most natural leader. The assertion comes as the Boilermakers prepare for the 2026 season, ranked ninth in the coaches poll, with Shondell predicting that McAleer will secure formal recognition on the Big Ten’s postseason all-conference team.
McAleer, a second-year player standing at 5-foot-6, was notably excluded from the 19 players named to the Big Ten’s 2026 preseason all-conference team. This omission stands in contrast to her performance during the previous season, where she ranked second in the league in digs per set and was named Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week on two occasions. She was also a second-team honoree last year.
Shondell acknowledged that McAleer’s stature is an exception to the typical profile for Purdue’s libero position. The programme traditionally recruits athletes who are 5-foot-10 or 5-foot-11, often converting six-rotation players from high school and club seasons into backcourt specialists to maximise court coverage. Despite being nearly half a foot shorter than the usual standard, Shondell insisted her talent compensates for the height discrepancy.
The libero role requires significant vocal presence to organise the backline, a trait McAleer provides in abundance. Shondell described her as the "heart and soul" of the team, noting that her extroverted nature helps balance a roster that includes several soft-spoken veterans. Middle blocker Bianka Lulić added that McAleer’s personality allows the team to feed off her energy, which is critical for a position tasked with defensive command.
This leadership dynamic is viewed as essential for a squad that returns three All-Americans: Kenna Wollard, Taylor Anderson, and Grace Heaney. Shondell emphasised that while the veteran players are committed, McAleer brings a distinct spirit necessary to unite the group. He expressed confidence that her contributions would be validated when the conference releases its postseason honours following the season's conclusion.
