Concordia-St. Paul has been voted to repeat as NSIC champions in the 2026 volleyball preseason coaches poll, garnering 220 points and 11 first-place votes. Junior Makenna Nold has been named the NSIC Preseason Player of the Year after a standout season that saw her earn multiple accolades, including AVCA Division II National Player of the Year. Wayne State and St. Cloud State follow CSP in the rankings, with 207 and 199 points respectively. Head Coach Brady Starkey praises the team for their competitive spirit and camaraderie. The Golden Bears will kick off their season at the Cedarville Invitational on August 28.

By the Numbers
  • CSP received 220 points and 11 first-place votes in the NSIC poll.
  • Makenna Nold averaged 4.40 kills per set last season, ranking 11th in Division II.
Yes, But

While CSP has high expectations and a solid ranking, Wayne State and St. Cloud State are close competitors, with only 13 points separating them in the preseason poll. This could create a highly competitive season.

State of Play
  • The regular season features a 20-match schedule determining the NSIC champion.
  • The NSIC Volleyball Tournament will have quarterfinals on November 10, hosted by the top four seeds.
What's Next

CSP will begin the season with matches against Gannon and Missouri St. Louis, which could set the tone for their quest to reclaim the title. The team鈥檚 performance early in the season will be critical in maintaining momentum.

Bottom Line

CSP is positioned to excel in the conference this season, backed by a talented roster and a motivated coaching staff. Their success hinges on building upon last year鈥檚 performance and leveraging the dynamic energy within the team.