By: Alejandra Tobon
KENNESAW, Ga. – Kennesaw State volleyball enters the 2026 season following a strong run last fall, as the Owls have been picked to finish tied for third in the Conference USA Preseason Coaches' Poll, the league announced on Thursday. Senior middle blocker Olivia Burrage was also selected to the 12–member CUSA Preseason All–Conference Team.
Western Kentucky, winners of six of the last seven CUSA titles, are again the preseason favorites. The Hilltoppers received nine first-place votes and 81 total points. Liberty is this year's runner-up in the poll with 67 points (one first-place vote). New Mexico State and Kennesaw State are tied for third with 57 points, while FIU is trailing behind for fifth with 52 points.
Last season, KSU was picked fourth in the preseason poll before finishing in third and reaching the CUSA tournament semifinals. The Owls bring back 11 players from last year's squad and five newcomers. Highlighting a key return, Burrage led the team a year ago with 122 total blocks and averaged 1.18 blocks per set which placed her fourth in CUSA. She was also fourth in the league in hitting percentage at .352, trailing the .368 school record she posted as a junior. She also ranked second on the team with 2.41 kills per set and was also named Defensive Player of the Week in CUSA twice.
The Owls open the season against The Citadel in Wilmington, N.C. to be part of the Hampton Inn + Suites Seahawk Classic. KSU will face The Citadel and UNC Wilmington on Friday, Aug. 28 and follow with a game on Saturday, Aug 29 at 11 am against Le Moyne. KSU's Griffins game set for home opener on Sept. 4 against West Georgia at 6 pm, while the CUSA opener will be at home against Sam Houston on Sept. 26.
2026 Conference USA Preseason Volleyball Coaches' Poll
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WKU (9) 81 points
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Liberty (1) 67 points
T-3. NM State 57 points
T-3. Kennesaw State 57 points
5. FIU 52 points
6. Missouri State 43 points
7. Delaware 40 points
T-8. MTSU 18 points
T-8. Jax State 18 points
10. Sam Houston 17 points
2026 CUSA Preseason All-Conference Team
Jillian Huckabey, FIU
Olivia Burrage, Kennesaw State
Carly O'Brien, Liberty
Jenna Otts, Liberty
Paige Overcash, Liberty
Hannah Gardner, Missouri State
Maggie Lightheart, NM State
Tayler Baron, WKU
Kaira Knox, WKU
Alivia Skidmore, WKU
Izzy Van De Wiele, WKU
Faith Young, WKU
The Champions Fund
The Champions Fund is a newly created, 100% tax deductible, philanthropic opportunity to contribute strategic revenue to Kennesaw State Athletics, with the goal of strengthening our ability to recruit and retain top-tier talent in this new era of collegiate athletics. Contributions to the Champions Fund will help aid in funding student-athlete recruitment and retention, as well as helping the Owls provide competitive excellence through investments in coaching, travel and facilities. The fund will also give an elevated student-athlete experience, including enhanced academic, nutrition, wellness and leadership programs. Donate to the Champions Fund here and help us support our Kennesaw State Owls.
