Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference Volleyball Preseason Poll Ranks Bemidji State 13th, Minnesota State 6th

The Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC) released its preseason coaches’ poll for 2026. Bemidji State University’s women’s volleyball team was placed 13th after a 7‑21 overall record in 2025, highlighted by a historic win over the University of Minnesota‑Duluth. First‑year head coach Hahni Johnson praised the returning roster, and sophomore setter Madison Tripp earned the program’s Preseason Player‑to‑Watch honor after posting 631 assists and 25 kills last season.

Minnesota State University’s Mavericks were projected to finish sixth, receiving 156 points in the poll. The Mavericks entered the season after a 23‑6 record in 2025 and a fourth‑place conference finish. Junior Jadyn Lester was named the team’s Player‑to‑Watch, having logged 1,067 assists and 61 service aces in the prior campaign. The poll’s top five spots were claimed by Concordia‑St. Paul, Wayne State, St. Cloud State, Southwest Minnesota State and Sioux Falls.