KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Washburn volleyball was picked to finished tied for first in the MIAA Preseason Coaches Poll released by the conference office on Monday morning. The Ichabods finished in a tie for the top spot with Nebraska Kearney.  

Fresh off receiving a No. 8 national ranking in the AVCA poll a week ago, Washburn receives the most preseason first-place votes in the conference. Last season the Ichabods posted a 27-5 record going 13-3 during the MIAA regular season, sharing the conference regular season title. They advanced to the NCAA Central Region semifinals and ended the season ranked No. 8 in the nation.  

Joining Washburn at the top of the poll are the Lopers who also received 134 total points with four first-place votes to the five awarded to the Ichabods. Missouri Western comes in third with 123 points and two first-place votes while Emporia State lands the final two first-place nods and collects 107 points. Central Oklahoma rounds out the top-five with 104 points.  

The regular season begins at home for Washburn on Thursday, Aug. 27 against Oklahoma Christian inside of Lee Arena with first serve at 6 p.m.  

2026 MIAA VOLLEYBALL
PRESEASON COACHES POLL
T1. Washburn [5] – 134 points
T1. Nebraska Kearney [4] – 134 points
3. Missouri Western [2] – 123 points
4. Emporia State [2] – 107 points 
5. Central Oklahoma – 104 points
6. Central Missouri – 90 points
7. Pittsburg State – 81 points
8. Fort Hays State – 63 points
9. Northwest Missouri – 57 points
10. Missouri Southern – 46 points
11. Arkansas-Fort Smith – 40 points
12. Newman – 23 points
13. Northeastern State – 12 points 
[#] - First Place Votes