New Braunfels, TX – East Texas Baptist received every first-place vote to claim the top spot in the 2026 American Southwest Conference Volleyball Preseason Poll. Voting was conducted by the head volleyball coaches and sports information directors from each ASC institution.

The Tigers enter the 2026 season following a historic 34-1 campaign that saw them advance to the NCAA Division III National Championship Elite 8. ETBU went undefeated in ASC play last season and return five 2025 All-Conference selections, including All-Americans Anita Hancock and Lara Hornsby. The Tigers earned 72 total points in this year's preseason poll.

Hardin-Simmons was picked to finish second with 53 points. The Cowgirls return first-team All-Conference middle blockers Jadyn Hernandez and Avery Tumlinson. Mary Hardin-Baylor follows closely in third with 47 points, led by 2025 All-Conference selections Natalie Hughes and Baylee Mobley.

Schreiner and McMurry, both returning to the ASC, were selected to finish fourth and fifth, respectively. Schreiner enters the season after a strong 24-7 campaign in 2025, while McMurry looks to make an impact in its return to conference competition.

Howard Payne rounds out the six-team preseason standings. The Yellow Jackets return a pair of 2025 All-Conference Second Team selections in Tara Bennett and Carli Briese.
 
2026 Preseason Poll
1. East Texas Baptist, 72 (12)
2. Hardin-Simmons, 53
3. Mary Hardin-Baylor, 47
4. Schreiner, 37
5. McMurry, 24
6. Howard Payne, 19
 
2026 Players to Watch
Name                                      Position             Class                     School
Tara Bennett *                         OH                     Jr.                          Howard Payne
 Carli Briese *                          RS                     So.                         Howard Payne
Harlie Gallaspy *                     S                        Sr.                          Schreiner
Anita Hancock *                      MB                     Sr.                          East Texas Baptist
Jadyn Hernandez *                 MB                     Sr.                          Hardin-Simmons
Giana Hilliard *                       OH                      Sr.                          Schreiner
Lara Hornsby ^F*                     OH                      So.                         East Texas Baptist
Natalie Hughes *                    MB                      Sr.                          Mary Hardin-Baylor
Baylee Mobley *                     OH                      Jr.                          Mary Hardin-Baylor
Lexi Nichols                            L/DS                   Fr.                          McMurry
Avery Tumlinson *                  MB                      Sr.                          Hardin-Simmons
Layleah Williams-Gibson       MB/OH                So.                         McMurry
 
2025 All-Conference Selection *
2025 Co-Freshman of the Year ^F