COMMERCE – East Texas A&M University volleyball coach Joe Morales has announced the addition of two for the Fall 2026 season during the early signing period this week.
 
The first two newcomers to the roster for the 2026 season are Jill Vinal from College Station and Sabine Wenzel from Melrose, Massachusetts. Both will be incoming freshmen. Below is deeper look at the two Lion newcomers.

"Our 2026 class is exciting and moving in the right direction with amazing humans and stellar volleyball players. We have two Lions in this class that will represent us and exceed expectation here at East Texas A&M," said Morales. "The future is bright"
 
JILL VINAL
5-8 • S
College Station, Texas • A&M-Consolidated High School
Letter winner in volleyball … Played for coach Laura Korenek … 2024 District 17-5A Setter of the Year … 2024 First Team All-Brazos Valley … Made the All-Tournament team at Katy-Cypress and CCISD Tournaments … District Champion in 2024, Regional Finalist in 2025 … Reached the Final Four round of the UIL State playoffs in 2025 … Played club volleyball for Houston Skyline
 
PERSONAL INFORMATION
Daughter of Crystal and James Vinal … Intends to major in sport management … Aunt, Abigail O'Connor, played softball at Southwestern
 
WHY EAST TEXAS A&M? "I chose East Texas A&M because it will be challenge me to do my best both athletically and academically."

COACH MORALES' THOUGHTS: "Jill is an amazing addition to our offense. Her ability to run a fast offense and her speed of her hands are elite, not to mention her defense in the setter position is relentless. Jill has all the tools but her IQ of the game is beyond her years. We are thrilled have her part of our family and cannot wait to get working with her." 
 
SABINE WENZEL
6-6 • MB
Melrose, Massachusetts • Melrose High School
Four-year letter winner in volleyball and one-time letter winner in basketball … Played for coach Scott Celli … Three-time Middlesex League All-Star, Two-time all-conference all-star … 2025 Middlesex League MVP … All-State team honoree … Received Player of the Week awards from MaxPreps/AVCA, Boston Globe, Melrose Weekly News … Three-time league champions … State leader in kills in a season … Broke the school record for kills in a season (369) and tied the school record for most kills in a match (30) … Played club volleyball for Avidity Volleyball Club and Smash Volleyball Club
 
PERSONAL INFORMATION
Daughter of Meggan and Ryan Wenzel … Intends to major in nutrition … Born in Zurich, Switzerland … Father, Ryan, played basketball at McPherson and then played professionally in the Swiss National League A and B
 
WHY EAST TEXAS A&M? "I chose East Texas A&M for the opportunity to play high-level volleyball, the supportive coaching staff, and the fun and inviting girls on the team. I am so excited to further my education towards being a certified dietitian at East Texas A&M while playing the sport I love with great people!"

COACH MORALES' THOUGHTS: "I am thrilled to welcome Sabine to our program and family. She will bring amazing length to our middle blocker position and enhance our blocking and offense. Not to mention, her ability to run off one foot behind the setter which is probably her best trait in offense. Her speed to move laterally will make her transition very smooth in this level and her desire to get better and work at her craft is remarkable. Can't wait to get started working with her."