ORLANDO, Fla. –

Last week, Coast Guard volleyball alumni Kaela France and Julianne Barkholz competed at the 2026 Armed Forces Women's Volleyball Championships in Orlando, Florida. 

"Kaela and Julia embody what it means to carry the Coast Guard legacy forward." said Coast Guard volleyball Head Coach Mark Thomas. "Competing for the All-Navy team at the Armed Forces Volleyball Championships is an incredible achievement, and I couldn't be more proud of the dedication and resilience they've shown to continue performing at such a high level while serving on active duty."

With Kaela France locking down the back row for the All-Navy Team at defensive specialist/libero and Julianne Barkholz in the front row hitting, the All-Navy team performed exceptionally down in Orlando. The five-day Armed Forces Volleyball Championship featured 48 teams, with the All-Navy team finishing in 4th place. 



Kaela and Julia follow in the footsteps of numerous outstanding volleyball players who previously competed at the Armed Forces stage including Christine Rustowfske ('07), Nicole Gurr ('09), and Amanda Dake ('22). 

Julianne Barkholz is a 2023 Naval Academy graduate who spent the 2021 season on exchange at CGA. In 20 sets played, Barkholz totaled 21 kills for the Bears in a successful 17-8 season. Kaela France is a 2025 graduate and one the best defenders in Coast Guard history. France owns the CGA record in both single season and career digs (672 & 1875) and was named the 2023 NEWMAC Defensive Player of the Year. 

"Beyond the competition, opportunities like this are special" coach Thomas continued, "because they allow athletes to reconnect with former teammates while building new relationships across the services. I hope Kaela and Julia's success encourages even more Coast Guard alumni to pursue a spot on the All-Navy team in the years ahead."