BEAUMONT, Texas — With the volleyball season approaching, Lamar University has added middle blocker Saida Maksoud to its roster.
The 2026 season opens with a home exhibition against Houston Christian on Saturday, Aug. 15, at 2 p.m.
Lamar begins the regular season on the road at the Wildcat Classic in Abilene, playing two matches Friday, Aug. 28, against Cal State Bakersfield and Abilene Christian.
The Cardinals host the Lamar Invitational on Sept. 18-19, marking their official home opener with two matches against North Dakota and UL Monroe.
Maksoud joins a signing class that now includes six freshmen and four transfers.
The freshman class features opposite Gabrielle St. Louis (Houston / Fort Bend Dulles HS), setter Katelyn Hughes (Cedar Park / Cedar Park HS), outside hitter Leila Ceaser (Conroe / Oak Ridge HS), middle blocker Rihanna Bryant (Pflugerville / Weiss HS) and outside hitter/opposite Madelynn Coy (Rosenberg / George Ranch HS).
The transfer class includes outside/right side
Grace Hill (Texas Southern), middle/right side
Nisaan Martinez (Alabama A&M), middle blocker
Kimaya Webb (UT Permian Basin) and defensive specialist/libero
Kiana Souza (Weatherford College).
LU posted the Southland Conference's largest turnaround in 2025, finishing 17-15 overall and 10-6 in league play to place fifth under head coach
Ariel Apolinario, who enters his third season.
The Cardinals also recorded back-to-back winning seasons for the first time since 2008-2009 and earned consecutive conference tournament appearances for the first time since 2010-2011.
Saida Maksoud, 6-foot-1, MB | Mission Viejo, Calif. | Mission Viejo HS
Maksoud was a team captain at Mission Viejo High School.
She earned four Most Valuable Player honors, was a four-time second-team All-Seaview League selection and qualified for nationals during club season.
She played club volleyball for S.C. Rockstar LOVB 18 – Joy and TStreet Volleyball Club's Irvine 17-1.
Apolinario on Maksoud: "We identified Saida late in the recruiting process. Once again, very fortunate we were able to add such a quality person to our 2026 class. Time will tell, however. This is a class with the makings of building something special at Lamar. Saida is a highly skilled player with a bright future. She brings a lot of energy to the court and is known for her infectious enthusiasm and versatility."
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