DALLAS — Bishop Lynch volleyball announced its team captains for the 2026 season on Thursday, with seniors Kylie Love, Maia Raleigh, and Charlie Wells earning the honor for the second consecutive year.

The trio helped lead the Friars to the 2025 TAPPS 6A State Championship match and returns with a combined 211 career matches of experience in the Black & White. Each is coming off the most productive season of her career and will once again provide leadership for a Bishop Lynch team with high expectations entering the new season.

Raleigh established herself as one of the top setters in TAPPS last season, earning Second Team All-State, First Team All-District, and TAPPS District II Setter of the Year honors. The Fordham University commit finished with career highs of 974 assists and 86 service aces while directing one of the state's most efficient offenses.

"Being named a captain means the world to me," Raleigh said. "I'm blessed that my teammates trust me and want me to help guide them through this season. It comes with a great responsibility to be the best leader I can be while also being someone my teammates can always count on. I want everyone to feel like they belong and that we're one team. To me, being a captain means taking responsibility for those around you and always wanting everyone to succeed. It's not about being the loudest voice or the oldest player — it's about earning your teammates' trust through your actions. I'm beyond grateful they chose me to be a captain again."

Love paced the Friars with 329 kills, the most by a Bishop Lynch player since Lyric Berry '23 recorded 354 during the 2022 season. The outside hitter closed the year on a dominant stretch, recording double-digit kills in each of the team's final 10 matches. She also posted seven double-doubles during that span, highlighted by a 25-kill, 20-dig performance in the state semifinal victory over Nolan Catholic. Her outstanding season earned Second Team All-District honors.

"Being a captain means leading by example, encouraging those around you, and always putting the team first," Love said. "It's about being someone younger players can look up to, creating a positive environment, and helping everyone become the best version of themselves both on and off the court. I'm grateful for the opportunity to be a leader and make a positive impact on my teammates."

Wells also returns after receiving Honorable Mention All-District recognition in 2025. The middle hitter totaled 169 kills and 62 blocks while becoming one of the Friars' top defensive leaders at the net. She recorded two or more blocks in 12 of the team's final 14 matches, including a career-high six blocks in the state championship match against Antonian.

"Being named a captain means my teammates trust me and look to our leadership to help them succeed and persevere through challenges," Wells said. "It's an honor to have that trust, and I want to do everything I can to help our team be successful."

The Friars open the 2026 season on Tuesday, Aug. 11, when they host Hillcrest in the Competition Gym. First serve is scheduled for 6:30 p.m.