The Minnesota State volleyball team is projected to finish sixth in the NSIC Preseason Coaches' Poll, amassing 156 points. Concordia-St. Paul leads the poll with 220 points and 11 first-place votes, followed by Wayne State with 207 points and three first-place votes. Last season, the Mavericks ended with a strong 23-6 record and were recognized for their defensive strengths. Junior Jadyn Lester has been highlighted as the Player to Watch, contributing significantly in assists and service aces last season. The Mavericks will kick off their 2026 campaign at the Ferris State Invitational starting August 27.

By the Numbers
  • 156 points secured a sixth-place spot in the NSIC Poll.
  • 23-6 overall record and 15-5 in the NSIC last season.
  • Jadyn Lester recorded 1,067 assists (11.00 aps) and led NSIC in service aces with 61.
Yes, But

While Minnesota State is well-rated, they face stiff competition from teams like Concordia-St. Paul and Wayne State, which have higher rankings and proven records. Their previous strong performance may not guarantee similar success this season without addressing team weaknesses.

State of Play
  • The Mavericks are focusing on building on last season's successes with a strong starting roster.
  • The NSIC's new streaming service offers enhanced coverage, increasing fan engagement for games.
What's Next

The Mavericks aim to prove their ranking wrong starting at the Ferris State Invitational, where they will face off against Emporia State. Strategic gameplay and capitalizing on last season's achievements will be crucial to improve their standings this year.

Bottom Line

As Minnesota State prepares for the upcoming season, leveraging their strengths and addressing weaknesses will be essential for exceeding expectations in a highly competitive NSIC landscape.