Junior outside hitter Lauren Dreves has been named to the preseason All-SEC Team as announced by the Southeastern Conference. Auburn Volleyball is projected to finish seventh in the preseason coaches poll. Dreves had an impressive previous season, earning First Team All-SEC honors with career highs in multiple statistical categories. She notably reached double digits in kills 24 times, including a career-best 24 kills in a game against LSU. The Tigers begin their 2026 campaign against Akron on August 28.

By the Numbers
  • Dreves recorded 376 kills last season, ranking second all-time in single-season Auburn history.
  • Auburn was picked to finish seventh in the SEC preseason coaches poll.
Yes, But

While Dreves received individual accolades, Auburn's lower ranking in the poll reflects potential challenges the team may face in the highly competitive SEC.

State of Play
  • The SEC preseason poll ranks Kentucky first followed by Texas, showcasing the fierce competition ahead.
  • Auburn is scheduled to host the annual Alabama Showdown on September 17-19, providing a platform for early evaluation of their season performance.
What's Next

Auburn will seek to improve on its preseason ranking by utilizing Dreves' offensive prowess starting with their season opener against Akron. Strong performances early in the season will be crucial for boosting the team's momentum.

Bottom Line

Dreves' recognition as a standout player highlights Auburn's potential, but the team's seventh-place prediction underscores the need for strategic improvements to compete effectively in the SEC.