SPARTANBURG, S.C. - With the start of the 2026 season just eight days away, the Southern Conference released the results of its annual Preseason Poll. With 48 points, Chattanooga was picked to finish fifth in the 10-team league. Voting was conducted by Head Coaches across the SoCon. 

The Mocs were two points behind fourth-place UNCG and two points ahead of sixth-place Samford. ETSU, with 77 points and five first-place votes were tabbed to win the conference. Wofford, last year's SoCon Tournament Champions, were picked second with 72 points and four first-place votes. Tennessee Tech is a new addition to the SoCon this year, and they were tabbed seventh in the poll with 29 points. 

2026 Southern Conference Volleyball Preseason Poll

1. ETSU (5) 77 points
2. Wofford (4) 72 points
3. Furman (1) 69 points
4. UNCG 50 points
5. Chattanooga 48 points
6. Samford 46 points
7. Tennessee Tech 29 points
8. Western Carolina 28 points
9. Mercer 22 points
10. The Citadel 9 points

The Mocs are coming off a 10-6 conference season last year, where it finished tied third in the league standings. Chattanooga's leaders in assists, Ashley Reynolds, digs, Caiti Barthel, and blocks, Kynli Kirkendoll are all back this season. UTC has four non-conference weekends, including the Chattanooga Classic on Aug. 28-29, before starting SoCon play September 25-25 against Wofford at home. 

The Preseason All-Conference Team was also annoucned by the league office on Thursday. Eight players regardless of position were voted to the team by SoCon's Head Coaches. This list was led by 2025 SoCon Player of the Year Makayla Bays of ETSU. 

2026 Southern Conference Volleyball Preseason All-Conference Team
- Makayla Bays, ETSU, OH
- Tennyson Gorman, Furman, MB
- Allie Sweet, UNCG, OH
- Ally Cordes, Samford, OH
- Katie Boney, Western Carolina, S
- Bradley Brown, Wofford, MB
- Laney Klika, Wofford, LIB
- Chloe Smith, Wofford, OH

Chattanooga wraps up preseason play this weekend at MTSU on Saturday at 3 p.m. EST/2 p.m. CST. It will be the Mocs' first chance to test themselves against D1 opposition this year. 

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