Volleyball Tabbed Sixth in GAC Preseason Poll
RUSSELLVILLE, Ark. – The Great American Conference released its preseason coaches poll for the 2026 volleyball season on Tuesday, with East Central University picked to finish tied for sixth with Henderson State University at 62 points.
Harding was selected as the preseason favorite with 114 points and four first-place votes, while defending GAC Tournament champion Oklahoma Baptist finished second with 111 points and six first-place votes. Ouachita Baptist, the 2025 regular-season champion, was third with 96 points and received the remaining two first-place votes. Southwestern Oklahoma State and Arkansas Tech rounded out the top five, followed by ECU and Henderson State.
Southern Nazarene, Southern Arkansas, Southeastern Oklahoma State, Northwestern Oklahoma State and Arkansas-Monticello rounded out the conference poll.
ECU finished the 2025 campaign with a 10-21 overall record and went 7-9 in conference play, earning its fifth consecutive postseason berth. The Tigers will look to build on that experience in 2026, returning to the court with added depth and talent from a strong group of 13 newcomers as they pursue a sixth straight postseason appearance.
ECU will begin the new campaign Aug. 28-29 at the Kathleen Brasfield Invitational, hosted by Angelo State University in San Angelo, Texas. The Tigers will play four matches over the opening weekend.
