HARRISONBURG, Va. – We are a week away from the start of the 2026 men's volleyball season, so that means it's time to introduce the newest members of the Royals. Royals Head Coach Omar Hoyos, who begins his fourth season patrolling the sidelines for EMU, has brought in six new faces: five first-years and one. Read on to learn more about EMU's newest men's volleyball players:

Johnathan Badowski
Class: First-year
Hometown: Chesapeake, Va. 
High School: Great Bridge
Club Team: Ocean Volleyball Club
Position: Opposite Hitter
Major: Accounting
Minor: Finance
Athletic Achievements: Four-year starter and letter winner at Great Bridge, All-Region First Team, All-Region Second Team, Business Student of the Year

Why EMU:  I chose EMU because of the great community and the vast opportunities to experience

Bennett Barco
Class: First-year
Hometown: Virginia Beach, Va.  
High School: Floyd E. Kellam
Club Team: Ocean Volleyball Club
Position: Outside Hitter
Major: Environmental Science
Minor: Business Administration
Athletic Achievements: Seven-time letter winner and three-year starter at Floyd E. Kellam, Team was VHSL State Champions, Honor Roll

Why EMU:  I chose EMU because of the beautiful campus and established volleyball program

Gael Bravo
Class: Junior
Hometown: Bowie, Md.   
Previous School: Hood College
Club Team: Annapolis Volleyball Club
Position: Setter
Major: Psychology
Athletic Achievements: Assists and digs leader in 2025 at Hood College

Why EMU:  I chose EMU to play on a competitive team and have a good experience for my last two years of college

Layne Kemp
Class: First-year
Hometown: Virginia Beach, Va.    
High School: Ocean Lakes
Club Team: Ocean Volleyball Club
Position: Middle Blocker
Major: Business Administration
Athletic Achievements: All-Region First Team, Honor Roll

Why EMU:  I chose EMU because it's were I felt that I would be able to excel at the college level and make me into the man and volleyball player I want to be.

Gabriel Moreau
Class: First-year
Hometown: Tarmac, Fla.     
High School: American Heritage
Club Team: Legion Volleyball Club
Position: Setter
Major: Bio Chemistry
Athletic Achievements: Five-year starter and three time letter winner at American Heritage, Team MVP Award, Team Patriot Award, Chemistry Honor Award

Why EMU:  I chose EMU because I know it will further help my dream of becoming a great volleyball player and a bigger piece in the puzzle we call life!

Jonas Stafford
Class: First-year
Hometown: Norfolk, Va.      
High School: Maury
Club Team: Ocean Volleyball Club
Position: Setter
Major: Biology
Minor: Kinesiology
Athletic Achievements: All-Region First Team, All-District First Team, National Honor Society 

Why EMU:  EMU has given me the opportunity to grow and continue my volleyball career: while also preparing me for my future career goals into medical field.

To see the entire 2026 Royals roster, click here.
 
Be sure to check back next week when we'll have a full season preview for our 2026 men's volleyball team. 

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