Michella Chester has her first Power 10 of the 2024 women’s volleyball season before games begin. So many factors went into these rankings, like new coaches and players we haven’t seen together yet. And don’t forget the newcomers. These are based on last season’s performances, returning players, transfers, etc. Sorry to keep you waiting, but let’s get right into it.
1. Texas
There are two teams you could argue are No. 1 to start the season. But for me, the No. 1 spot belongs to Texas, and the Longhorns have thoroughly earned that spot. The Longhorns won the national title for the second straight year in 2023 by dismantling the best teams in the country in Tampa and bringing back an absolutely strong rotation led by perhaps one of the best players and competitors in the country, Madi Skinner. Sure, they lost their starters, and I’m not going to downplay the loss of a player like Asjia O’Neal, but they have ballers on the bench biding their time. And how about transferring Reagan Rutherford, Whitney Lauenstein and Averi Carlson?
MORE RANKINGS: The AVCA Top 25 Preseason Poll
2. Nebraska
Nebraska is in the same league as the national runner-up with a young team that returns almost its entire core, led by Merritt Beason at right guard. Bergen Reilly will continue her impressive career. They also have one of the best defenses with Lexi Rodriguez and Laney Choboy, and almost too many weapons on offense – especially with the transfer of Taylor Landfair. Don’t forget Leyla Blackwell, a skilled center from San Diego.
— Nebraska Volleyball (@HuskerVB) May 17, 2024
3. Wisconsin
At No. 3, there is a lot of debate to be had between Wisconsin and Pitt, the other two teams from last year’s semifinals, both of which bring plenty of star power. They mostly seem interchangeable, but I’m giving Wisconsin a little bit of a leg up here since the Badgers return AVCA National Player of the Year Sarah Franklin. The biggest loss was setter, but I know they have some exciting and talented options to fill that role.
4. Pitt
Pitt returns an incredible freshman duo in Olivia Babcock and Torrey Stafford, both of whom are first-teamers in the U.S. They can only improve and will continue to work with one of the best and most dynamic setters in the country, Rachel Fairbanks. Plus, Bre Kelley – who missed last season with an injury – should be back. So if anything, this team looks better and more experienced. I see no limit to their potential.
5. Louisville
I think that No. 5 spot belongs to Louisville. This is another team that has kept its core, so I expect little to no adjustment time. Anna DeBeer, Elena Scott, Cara Cresse, Elle Glock, Phekran Kong and Charitie Luper are back.
6. Stanford
Louisville gets the top-5 spot over Stanford because I think the Cardinal suffered a much bigger drop in performance with the loss of Kendall Kipp and Caitie Baird. They get Kami Miner back – a big plus – as well as Elia Rubin, Sami Francis and Elena Oglivie. But there are a lot of question marks about who will make up for Kipp and Baird’s performance. We’ll see soon.
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7. State of Pennsylvania
At seven, I’m going with Penn State. The team lost Mac Podraza, but Jess Mruzik returns. They brought in two players from Nebraska that we didn’t see much on the court, but I’m excited to see how this team fits together with the key offensive players from last season and some new talent.
8. Purdue
I’m pretty excited about this team, with Eva Hudson and Chloe Chicoine back at the pins – two players who are so much fun to watch. Not to mention Raven Colvin, who has been working on her connection with Taylor Anderson this year. Last season, this was one of the youngest teams in the country – and now they have a little more experience. Dave Shondell believes this team has what it takes to be a top-five team in the country.
TITLE: 🏆 All volleyball champions since 1981
9. Florida
I think the Gators deserve a higher ranking than #11 in the AVCA preseason poll. This is the team we saw last year as one of the best in the country and could hang with anyone on any given day. That was until they were plagued by injury after injury, starting with their star setter Alexis Stucky. I think this year this team has the potential to be great again. When and if Stucky returns to the field, she will have incredible options with Kennedy Martin, Gabbi Essex, AC Fitzpatrick and Elli McKissock returning for one final round to make this roster great for the Gators.
10. Kentucky
Emma Grome continues her great career so far, and although Kentucky has lost some players on offense, the Wildcats have Brooklyn DeLeye, who burst onto the scene last year and got better and better as the season went on. And of course Kentucky has a great libero in Eleanor Beavin. It’s exciting to see what we can see there.
