COLUMN: Top non-football storylines to watch for in 2026
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Another school year is upon us, and Wednesday will mark the start of the 2026 regular season for fall sports.
Obviously, football gets the bulk of the attention when it comes to fall sports in the coverage area, but there are plenty of other teams and athletes poised to make a splash in their respective sports. I've come up with a short list of things to look out for outside of Friday Night Lights.
Can Morgantown High volleyball repeat as state champions?
The Morgantown High School volleyball team had a season for the books in 2025 with the program's second state title in three years and rising junior Leah Greeny earning the State Gatorade Player of the Year award along with her commitment to play for WVU after high school. After losing a talented senior class, my main question for MHS is: can they repeat last season’s success and lift the trophy again? Returners like Greeny, Abby Paulsen, and a plethora of 2027 seniors will be a solid mix, and I'm curious to see how the Mohigans 2026 campaign unfolds.
How far can the University High girls' soccer team go?
When the University High girls soccer team takes the field for the 2026 season opener on Wednesday at home against Lewis County, it will do so as one of the youngest teams in the state, regardless of class, with nine projected starters entering their sophomore or freshman seasons. But that doesn't mean UHS won't be talented. The Hawks return multiple players who earned WVHSSCA first-team all-state honors across all phases of the pitch in 2025 and have added an equally talented freshman class, most of whom competed nationally over the summer for local club BVB West Virginia. Youth and inexperience will be present, but I think the Hawks can put together a great season after 14 wins in 2025.
How dominant can Micah Gainer and the University High boys' cross-country team be?
University High junior Micah Gainer exploded onto the high school running scene last year by capturing the Class AAAA individual state championship, lifting UHS to its seventh straight team championship as well. He followed that up with a strong spring season on the track, winning the 3200-meter championship at the 2026 state track meet in May. The Hawks seem to always have a talented roster, and the 2026 team won't be any different, led by Gainer. Don't be surprised if we see one of the most dominant seasons in UHS cross-country history in 2026, with Gainer at the forefront.
How will Clay-Battelle volleyball fare without first-team all-state selection Ginger Gross?
Clay-Battelle graduate Ginger Gross became the program's only WVSWA First-Team All-State selection in 2024 and left a lasting legacy on the court before heading to Davis & Elkins for her college career. Simply put, I'm curious to see how the Cee-Bees do in their first year without arguably one of the best players in the history of the program. Returners like Nevaeh St. Clair and Adelyn King bring back some experience and leadership for their senior season. Emily Spears will be a solid setter for C-B and has become a vocal leader for head coach Matthew Wood. I'm excited to see the 2026 Cee-Bees in action soon.
Can Trinity Christian cross-country take the next step?
It's rare that a high school sports team doesn't include a senior class, but that's what made up the 2025 boys cross-country roster at Trinity Christian. Every single runner who competed for the Warriors in 2026 returns in 2025, along with some new faces. Both the boys and girls finished as runners-up at the Class A state meet last season and are poised to build on their successes in 2025. Seniors Miles Steptoe and Bri Blake each took home sixth place overall to pace their teams at the meet and are leading a talented group of runners behind them. I think both the girls’ and boys’ teams for TCS can reach new heights this season.