MILLIGAN, Tenn. – On Wednesday evening, the Milligan University men's and women's bowling programs have revealed the newcomers for their programs for the 2026-27 campaign.
The men's squad brings in eight new bowlers, while the women have a trio of new faces joining the group this season.
"We are thrilled to add these 11 new bowlers to our men's and women's rosters this season," stated
Brian Rickert and
Michael Hall. "It will be exciting to see what each of them can bring to the table in their first years with the program."
The full recruiting class is below:
2026 Recruiting Class
Men
William Smith – JR – 5'6, 230lbs – Smyrna, Tenn. – Trine University
William Smith, a junior transfer from Trine University, joins the Buffaloes' men's bowling program in 2026-27. He is a native of Smyrna, Tenn. and is the son of Ryan and Tina Smith. William graduated from Oakland High School in 2024 before heading to Trine for his first two years at the collegiate level. He will spend his final two years with the Buffs in pursuit of a degree in Business Administration.
Brooks Walter – FR – 5'9, 156lbs – Tallahassee, Fla. – Lawton Chiles HS
Brooks Walter joins the Milligan fray in 2026-27 after a strong four-year high school bowling career at Lawton Chiles HS in Tallahassee, Fla. under the direction of head coach James Marshka. He was a three-year team captain and was a district runner-up in 2025. The son of Tim and Kelli Walter will be studying Political Science at Milligan.
Clayton Washington – FR – 6'1, 230lbs – Midlothian, Va. – Clover Hill HS
Clayton Washington, the son of James Washington and Dawn Hamilton-Washington, will become a member of the Milligan men's bowling program in 2026-27. The Midlothian, Va. native was a four-time national qualifier during his time at Clover Hill HS and won a state tournament. He averaged 226 pins per game and an 812 series tally with the Cavaliers. Academically, he produced straight A's throughout high school and earned the Calculus Excellence Award and Perfect Attendance. He will major in Mechanical Engineering at Milligan.
Talan Pockat – FR – 5'10, 190lbs – Hazelhurst, Wis. – Lakeland Union HS
Talan Pockat, an incoming freshman from Hazelhurst, Wis., will join the ranks of the Milligan University men's bowling team in 2026-27. The son of Scott and Jennifer Pockat comes to the Buffs from Lakeland Union HS, where he was a nine-time All-Conference selection as a member of the Thunderbirds. He graduated Summa Cum Laude from Lakeland Union and will study Exercise Science during his four years at Milligan.
Elijah Pipkin – FR – 5'7 – 131 lbs. – Lakeland, Tenn. – Gateway Christian Homeschools
Elijah Pipkin joins Milligan's men's bowling program as a freshman for the 2026 season. Prior to Milligan, Pipkin competed at Gateway Christian Homeschools under head coach Steven Woody. As a Panther, he was part of the 2023-24 team state championship squad, won the 2024-25 individual state championship, served as a two-time Bartlett team captain, earned high team average twice, and was a three-time starter. Pipkin plans to major in sport management at Milligan. He is the son of Jason and Lindsey Pipkin and has one sibling, Hailey.
Zhavian Castañeda – FR – 5'9 – 238 lbs. – San Antonio, Texas – Harlan HS
Zhavian Castañeda joins Milligan's men's bowling program as a freshman for the 2026 season. Prior to arriving at Milligan, Castaneda attended Harlan High School, where he was a Hawk. He plans to major in biology at Milligan and is the son of Gilberto and Linda Castañeda.
Bryson Headrick – JR – 5'8 – 190 lbs. – Maynardville, Tenn. – University of Pikeville
Bryson Headrick, a native of Maynardville, Tenn., comes to Milligan as a junior in 2026, transferring from the University of Pikeville. Prior to that, Headrick attended Karns High School. He is the son of John and Krista Headrick and will study business administration at Milligan.
Nate Rickert – FR – 5'8 – 135 lbs. – Blountville, Tenn. – West Ridge HS
Nate Rickert, a Blountville, Tennessee native, joins the Milligan men's bowling program as a freshman for the 2026 season. Rickert prepped at West Ridge High School before joining the Buffs, where he will bowl under the direction of his father, head coach
Brian Rickert. He is the son of Brian and Jennifer Rickert and has three siblings Caden, Brianna, and Abigail. He plans to double major in Psychology and Criminology.
Women
Via Svitek – FR – 5'8 – Freeport, Pa. – Serra Catholic HS
Olivia "Via" Svitek will join the nationally lauded Milligan women's bowling program for the 2026-27 campaign. The 5'8 Freeport, Pa. native joins the Buffaloes after graduating from Serra Catholic HS and was a member of the Eagles' bowling squad during her prep years.
Carly Wireman – FR – 5'5 – Yorktown, Va. – Tabb HS
Wireman is set to begin her inaugural season in the Lady Buffs bowling program. She joins the collegiate ranks after completing her high school education at Tabb High School in Virginia. The daughter of Christopher and Kelly Wireman, she has made the move from Yorktown, Virginia, and is currently pursuing a degree in nursing.
Sydnie Vohs – FR – 5'0 – Sumter, S.C. – Laurence Manning Academy
Sydnie Vohs joins Milligan's women's bowling program as a freshman for the 2026 season. Prior to Milligan, Vohs competed at Laurence Manning Academy under head coach Jay Atkins. As a Swampcat, she was part of five SCISA Co-ed State Championship teams and claimed three SCISA Individual State Championships. She also earned one most improved award and six best all-around awards. Academically, Vohs was a member of the National Honor Society, Beta Club, and Anchor Club and was an honors student. She plans to major in biology at Milligan and is the daughter of Brad and Amy Vohs.
