KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association announced the results of its 2026 Volleyball Preseason Coaches Poll, with MoWest picked third in the conference.

The Griffons received 123 points and two first-place votes in the preseason poll. Washburn and Nebraska Kearney tied for the top spot with 134 points apiece, while Emporia State was picked fourth with 107 points and Central Oklahoma rounded out the top five with 104 points.

MoWest enters the 2026 season after going 21-8 overall and 13-3 in MIAA action last fall, earning a share of the MIAA Regular Season Championship. The Griffons also advanced to the NCAA Central Regional and finished the season ranked No. 17 in the final AVCA Division II Poll.

The Griffons begin their 2026 campaign with four matches at the Bahama House Classic in Daytona Beach, Fla. MoWest opens Friday, Aug. 28, against St. Edward's at 10:30 a.m. CST before facing host Embry-Riddle at 6 p.m. CST. Tournament action concludes Saturday, Aug. 29, against Florida Southern at 10:30 a.m. CST and Florida Tech at 3:30 p.m. CST.

MoWest makes its home debut Thursday, Sept. 3, when the Griffons welcome Southwest Minnesota State to the MWSU Fieldhouse at Looney Complex. First serve is set for 6 p.m. as the match opens the Fairfield Inn Griffon Volleyball Classic.

2026 MIAA Volleyball Preseason Coaches Poll

T1. Washburn [5] – 134 points
T1. Nebraska Kearney [4] – 134 points
3. MoWest [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