Michella Chester has her first Power 10 of the 2024 women's volleyball season before matches begins. So many factors went into these rankings, such as new coaches and players that we have yet to see mesh together. And don't forget the freshmen. These are based on last season's performances, returning players, transfers, etc. Sorry to keep you waiting, but let's hop right into it.
1. Texas
There are two teams that you could argue to be No. 1 entering the season. But for me, the No. 1 spot belongs to Texas, and the Longhorns earned that right through and through. The Longhorns won the national title for the second straight year in 2023, dismantling the best teams in the country in Tampa and returning an absolutely stacked rotation, led by perhaps one of the best players and competitors in the country in Madi Skinner. Sure, they lost their starting middles, and I won't downplay the loss of a player like Asjia O'Neal, but they have ballers on the bench waiting for their time. Also, how about Reagan Rutherford, Whitney Lauenstein and Averi Carlson transferring in?
MORE RANKINGS: The preseason AVCA Top 25 poll
2. Nebraska
Nebraska is in this same tier as the national runner-up with a young team returning almost the entire core led by Merritt Beason on the right side. Bergen Reilly will continue her impressive career. You also have one of the best defenses with Lexi Rodriguez and Laney Choboy, plus almost too many weapons offensively — especially with Taylor Landfair transferring in. Don't forget about Leyla Blackwell, an accomplished middle from San Diego.
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— Nebraska Volleyball (@HuskerVB)
3. Wisconsin
At No. 3, a lot can be discussed here between Wisconsin and Pitt, the two other teams from last year's semifinals that both bring back a lot of star power. They feel interchangeable for the most part, but I am giving a slight nod to Wisconsin here, as the Badgers bring back AVCA National Player of the Year Sarah Franklin. The biggest loss was at setter, but I know they have some exciting and talented options to jump into the role.
4. Pitt
Pitt brings back an insane freshman duo of FOTY Olivia Babcock and Torrey Stafford. They can only improve and will continue to work with one of the best and most dynamic setters in the country in Rachel Fairbanks. Plus, Bre Kelley — who was sidelined with an injury last season — should be back. So, if anything, this team looks better and more experienced. I see no limit to their potential.
5. Louisville
At No. 5, I think this spot belongs to Louisville. This is another team that kept their core, so I expect little to no adjustment period. Anna DeBeer, Elena Scott, Cara Cresse, Elle Glock, Phekran Kong and Charitie Luper are back.
6. Stanford
Louisville gets the top-5 spot over Stanford because I think the Cardinal suffered a much bigger loss of production with the losses of Kendall Kipp and Caitie Baird. They do bring back Kami Miner — a huge plus — as well as Elia Rubin, Sami Francis and Elena Oglivie. But there are a lot of question marks surrounding who will make up for the production that Kipp and Baird provided. We will see soon enough.
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7. Penn State
At seven, I am going with Penn State. The team lost Mac Podraza but Jess Mruzik returns. They brought in two transfers from Nebraska that we didn't see much on the court, but I am excited to see how this team comes together with key offensive pieces returning from last season and the addition of some new talent.
8. Purdue
I am pretty excited about this team with Eva Hudson and Chloe Chicoine back on the pins — two players who are so much fun to watch. Not to mention Raven Colvin, who has worked on her connection with Taylor Anderson heading into this year. Last season, this was one of the youngest teams in the country — and now they have some more experience. Dave Shondell thinks this team is capable of being one of the top-5 teams in the country.
TITLES: 🏆 Every women's volleyball champ since 1981
9. Florida
I think the Gators deserved a higher spot than No. 11 in the preseason AVCA poll. This is the team we saw open last year as one of the best in the country that could compete with anyone on any given day. That is until they were completely riddled with injuries one after another, starting with their star setter Alexis Stucky. This year, I think there is potential for this team to be great again. If and when Stucky returns to the court, she will have incredible options with Kennedy Martin, Gabbi Essex, AC Fitzpatrick and Elli McKissock, who is returning for one last go-round to make this a great roster for the Gators.
10. Kentucky
Emma Grome continues her great career so far, and while Kentucky did lose some pieces offensively, the Wildcats have Brooklyn DeLeye, who burst onto the scene last year and heated up as the season went along. And, of course, Kentucky has a great libero in Eleanor Beavin. Exciting stuff to see there.
