Mishinkash Named AVCA Ambassador for Summer Tour in Tanzania and Kenya

Lexington, Ky.- Juniata women's volleyball standout Molly Mishinkash was selected to the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) Ambassador Tour in its inaugural campaign during the summer of 2026. Mishinkash is part of a select group of student-athlete ambassadors across Divisions I, II, and III who were named AVCA All-Region or AVCA All-America selections during the 2025 season who will serve as ambassadors for the sport and engage with volleyball communities in Tanzania and Kenya. 

The initiative reflects the AVCA's commitment to growing the game and to creating meaningful opportunities for athletes and coaches to contribute beyond competition.

"This is about using volleyball as a vehicle for connection, leadership, and impact," said AVCA CEO Dr. Jaime Gordon. "The AVCA Ambassador Tour brings together some of the top student-athletes in the country to serve as ambassadors of the sport to share knowledge, build relationships, and compete at a high level while helping grow volleyball."

Because the AVCA Ambassador group is composed of standout collegiate players representing all three NCAA divisions, the unique roster reflects the breadth and depth of collegiate volleyball. Throughout the tour, these athletes will not only compete against local and regional teams but will also participate in:

• Youth volleyball clinics
• Coaching education sessions
• Community engagement initiatives
• Leadership and cultural exchange opportunities

The 2026 tour marks the launch of what the AVCA intends to become an ongoing ambassador program, expanding opportunities for coaches and athletes to engage and support volleyball growth. By combining competition with service and coaching, the initiative can create lasting volleyball development opportunities in host communities while also providing transformative experiences for participants.

This initiative is being developed in collaboration with Tim Kelly of Bring It Promotions, who is providing planning and logistical support.

The 2026 Ambassadors:
Elizabeth Blinn, Bentley University
Gwen Eustace, Salisbury University
Courtney Fitzgerald, Morehead State University
M.E. Hargan, Morehead State University
Allison Jacobs, University of Michigan
Cordelia Kearns, Florida Institute of Technology
Lauren Lee, Hope College
Molly Mishinkash, Juniata College
Peyton Neff, University of Nebraska-Kearney
Kelsey Niesen, Xavier University
Alec Rothe, University of Florida

Coach: Charita Stubbs