Big Ten Volleyball Media Day Sets Stage for 2026 Season

The Big Ten Conference will host its fifth‑annual Volleyball Media Day on August 3 at the Big Ten Network studios in Chicago. Rutgers head coach Caitlin Schweihofer and junior setters Lily Bolen and junior outside hitter Aspen Maxwell will appear alongside host Rick Pizzo and analyst Elena Shkylar. Minnesota head coach Keegan Cook will be joined by junior setter Stella Swenson and outside hitter Mckenna Wucherer.

The preseason poll released ahead of the event named Nebraska the unanimous favorite to repeat as conference champion, while Minnesota was projected to finish fifth. Rutgers highlighted a record‑setting home crowd of 8,000 against Nebraska and its first Big Ten win over Ohio State. Minnesota entered the season after a Sweet‑16 appearance and a 24‑10 overall record in 2025.

Both programs will use the media day to introduce their rosters, discuss preseason honors—including Minnesota’s Carly Gilkwas on the Preseason All‑Big Ten Team—and outline expectations for the 2026 campaign.