INDIANAPOLIS - As the 2026 season is nearing its beginning next week, the Great Midwest Athletic Conference has unveiled the 2026 Volleyball Coaches Preseason Poll on Tuesday (August 18) afternoon.
The reigning Great Midwest Volleyball Tournament Champions, the Ohio Dominican Panthers, were voted second in the South Division by the 13 head coaches of the circuit. The Panthers earned 27 points and three first-place votes, behind Cedarville - who garnered 34 points and ten votes in first place after being the #1 seed in the league last season. Thomas More (16 points) and Kentucky Wesleyan (13 points) round out the South Division.
In the East Division, Walsh edged Ashland for the top spot 44-43 despite the Cavaliers getting eight first-place votes to five for the Eagles. Lake Erie (18 points), Malone (14 points) and Ursuline (13 points) were third through fifth, respectively.
Hillsdale was selected as the North Division favorite with 31 points, in front of Findlay at 28 points, having the closest first-place battle with 7-6. Northwood was third and Tiffin in fourth with 14 and 13 points, respectively.
The Panthers were 26-6 overall and 13-2 in G-MAC play en route to their first tournament title and first NCAA Regional appearance last season. Ohio Dominican returns nine from the 2025 team with
Amy Bambenek at the helm for her seventh season.
The 2026 season will begin next Friday (August 28) at Trevecca Nazarene for the Ray Thrasher Classic. Conference play begins September 11th against Northwood at home.
2026 Volleyball Coaches Preseason Poll
East Division
1. Walsh - 44 points (8 first place votes)
2. Ashland - 43 points (5 first place votes)
3. Lake Erie - 18 points
4. Malone - 14 points
5. Ursuline - 13 points
North Division
1. Hillsdale - 31 points (7 first place votes)
2. Findlay - 28 points (6 first place votes)
3. Northwood - 14 points
4. Tiffin - 13 points
South Division
1. Cedarville - 34 points (10 first place votes)
2. Ohio Dominican - 27 points (3 first place votes)
3. Thomas More - 16 points
4. Kentucky Wesleyan - 13 points
