The NSIC announced its annual preseason volleyball coaches’ poll on Monday morning. Minnesota Crookston volleyball was picked to finish 15th this upcoming season by the coaches in the Northern Sun.
The reigning NSIC Champion, St. Cloud State, was picked to finish first with eight first-place votes. Concordia-St. Paul and Southwest Minnesota State each earned four first-place votes and were picked second and third, respectively. Wayne State College and Northern State round out the top five.
Ella Thompson of St. Cloud State was named the NSIC Preseason Player of the Year. Thompson is the second straight Husky to be named the NSIC Preseason Player of the Year.
Minnesota Crookston was picked to finish 15th after winning seven matches last season, four of which were in conference play. UMC returns several standouts this season, including Madison Carsten (Jr., OH, Wadena), Carizma Muth (So., OH, Randolph, Wis.), and Emma Malek (Jr., MH, Plainfield, Ill.).
Meseck admits it will be a little different team this year, but he is excited to see what his Golden Eagles can do in the NSIC. “Our team will have a different look this year, and we’re excited about the group we have. We believe this team will come together with strong chemistry and a shared sense of purpose. We’re looking forward to building something special together and can’t wait to get started.”
The 2025 season for the Golden Eagles will open on September 4, as they head to the East Coast for four matches, starting with a true road game at Assumption College.
POLL – (1st place votes) – points
1. St. Cloud State (8) 212
2. Concordia-St. Paul (4) 208
3. Southwest MN State (4) 202
4. Wayne State 188
5. Northern State 170
6. Sioux Falls 133
7. Winona State 132
8. UM-Duluth 130
9. MSU-Mankato 123
10. Augustana 110
11. Jamestown 84
12. MSU-Moorhead 77
13. Bemidji State 53
14. U of Mary 42
15. UM-Crookston 40
16. Minot State 16