HOUGHTON, Mich. – The Michigan Tech volleyball team is the seventh pick in the GLIAC Volleyball Preseason Poll the conference announced on Monday (Aug. 24). The Huskies begin the season on Thursday with the home-opener against Minnesota Duluth at 5 p.m.
In the 2026 Preseason Coaches' Poll, the Huskies are behind Ferris State, Grand Valley State, Wayne State, Northern Michigan, Parkside, and Davenport. Purdue Northwest, Saginaw Valley State, Lake Superior State, and Roosevelt round out the poll. The Bulldogs received nine first-place votes, and the GVSU Lakers garnered a pair of votes.
The Huskies, under second-year Head Coach Cindy Pindral, return 10 student-athletes from 2025, with four who earned All-GLIAC honors. The Black and Gold welcome seven newcomers, with six freshmen and a transfer. Tech will lean on the experience of senior outside hitter
Rachel Zurek, senior middle blocker
Tricia Kennedy, junior middle blocker
Paige Wagner, and sophomore setter
Madelynn Kreider. NCAA Division I transfer
Keeley Nellis will battle with a group of others to solidify the backrow defense.
The Huskies will play 27 matches in the fall with 16 GLIAC contests and nine games at the SDC Gym. Opponents Ferris State, St. Cloud, UCCS, and Wayne State went to the NCAA Tournament last season. Tech plays in the UP North Tournament to begin the season, followed by a trip to Colorado Springs to play against coach Cindy Pindral's college team.
2026 GLIAC Volleyball Preseason Coaches' Poll
| 1. Ferris State |
99 (9) |
| 2. Grand Valley State |
90 (2) |
| 3. Wayne State |
78 |
| 4. Northern Michigan |
73 |
| 5. Parkside |
|
69 |
| 6. Davenport |
|
52 |
| 7. Michigan Tech |
49 |
| 8. Purdue Northwest |
34 |
| 9. Saginaw Valley State |
32 |
| 10. Lake Superior State |
16 |
| 11. Roosevelt |
13 |
