SAN ANTONIO – On Wednesday, the American Conference released its Preseason Volleyball Awards, along with a poll conducted by the league’s 13 head coaches. UTSA (73) was predicted to finish seventh in the poll, sandwiched by sixth-place North Texas (78) and eighth-place East Carolina (71).
Entering their title defense, Rice finished atop the poll with 12 first-place votes. The Owls are trailed by Tulsa, the only other conference program to receive a first-place distinction. In addition, 14 student-athletes were selected to the All-Conference Preseason Team. Tulsa’s Jill Hanson was tabbed as the league’s Preseason Player of the Year. Rice led the way with three individual selections, while no Roadrunners cracked the list.
2026 American Conference Volleyball Preseason Coaches’ Poll
- Rice (12) – 144
- Tulsa (1) – 120
- South Florida – 117
- Wichita State – 111
- Florida Atlantic – 106
- North Texas – 78
- UTSA – 73
- East Carolina – 71
- Charlotte – 64
- Memphis – 45
- Temple – 36
- Tulane – 26
- UAB – 23
“There’s a lot of work to be done and a lot of volleyball to be played,” said UTSA head coach Carol Price-Torok. “We’re proud of the progress made so far and I know this team is capable of great things. Six starters are back in the building, including a lot of talented upperclassmen setting the tone every day. Then, there are the transfers with Division I and power conference experience that make this team dangerous in my eyes. Every individual in this program is used to being counted out, so these girls are ready to prove some people wrong.”
UTSA returns 10 members from its 2025 squad, including seven that started at least nine matches. Libero Giada Obregon led the way with an American All-Freshman Team selection after averaging 3.36 digs per set with 92 assists and 28 aces. Three hitters return coming off a season with at least 230 kills, with Ally Tribe leading the way at 275. Megan Hawkins was the team’s leader in assists at 5.48 per set, adding 1.90 digs per frame.
UP NEXT
On Saturday, Aug. 22, UTSA will visit No. 21 Baylor for both sides’ final preseason tune-up ahead of the fall campaign. The ‘Runners are set to face off with the nationally-ranked Bears from the Ferrell Center at 3 p.m. before making their regular-season debut on Friday, Aug. 28 against UT Arlington.
For complete coverage of UTSA Volleyball during the 2026 season, visit goutsa.com. On social media, follow the Roadrunners on Twitter/X (@UTSAvolleyball), Instagram (utsa_vb) and Facebook (UTSA Volleyball).
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