The preseason Power 10 DI women’s volleyball rankings have been unveiled, spotlighting the teams expected to dominate the 2023 season. The rankings, which consider factors such as last season’s performance, returning players, and offseason transfers, offer a glimpse into the upcoming season’s potential power dynamics.
At the top of the list are the reigning national champions, Texas. Despite the departure of 2022 AVCA Player of the Year, Logan Eggleston, the team’s robust talent pool remains intact. Key returning players include Asjia O’Neal, Madi Skinner, and Molly Phillips. The Longhorns have also welcomed Jenna Wenaas, a significant transfer from Minnesota.
Read more: Texas Volleyball announced 2023 schedule
Wisconsin secures the second spot, returning most of their team, with the exception of Danielle Hart and Jade Demps. The Badgers have bolstered their roster with the addition of Northwestern’s Temi-Thomas Ailara and Minnesota’s Carter Booth.
Stanford, Louisville, and Nebraska round out the top five, each boasting strong lineups and key additions. Stanford returns their entire lineup, including Kendall Kipp for a fifth year. Louisville, the 2022 national runner-ups, return with a strong lineup and have added Charite Luper. Nebraska, despite significant losses, has a seasoned core and has added Merritt Beason from Florida.
The remaining five teams — Pittsburgh, Minnesota, Penn State, Oregon, and Florida — each bring a unique mix of returning talent and promising transfers.
These rankings, while insightful, are subject to change as the season progresses. Factors such as team dynamics, the performance of freshmen players, and the unforeseen challenges of the season will undoubtedly influence the final standings. As the season unfolds, the true power dynamics of DI women’s volleyball will come to light.
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Texas: Despite losing 2022 AVCA Player of the Year, Logan Eggleston, the reigning national champions retain a wealth of talent. Key returning players include Asjia O’Neal, Madi Skinner, and Molly Phillips. The team also welcomes Jenna Wenaas from Minnesota.
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Wisconsin: The Badgers return most of their team, with the exception of Danielle Hart and Jade Demps. They’ve added Northwestern’s Temi-Thomas Ailara and Minnesota’s Carter Booth to their roster.
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Stanford: The Cardinal return their entire lineup, including Kendall Kipp for a fifth year. Last season, they narrowly missed out on the national semifinals.
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Louisville: The 2022 national runner-ups return with a strong lineup, including Anna DeBeer and Aiko Jones. They’ve also added Charite Luper to their roster.
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Nebraska: Despite losing Whitney Lauenstein and Madi Kubik, the Huskers have a seasoned core and have added Merritt Beason from Florida.
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Pittsburgh: The Panthers return Rachel Fairbanks, Chiamaka Nwokolo, and Valeria Vasquez Gomez, following two consecutive trips to the national semifinals.
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Minnesota: Led by 2022 Big Ten Player of the Year, Taylor Landfair, the Gophers also return Melani Shaffmaster and McKenna Wucherer, and have added Kylie Murr from Ohio State.
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Penn State: The Nittany Lions have revamped their lineup with multiple transfers, including Mac Podraza and Jess Mruzik.
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Oregon: Despite losing Brooke Nuneviller, the team returns 2022 National Freshman of the Year, Mimi Coyler, and has added Kara McGhee from Baylor.
- Florida: The Gators return Alexis Stucky, Sofia Victoria, and Elli McKissock, and have added Anna Dixon from Missouri.
These rankings are subject to change as the season progresses and new factors come into play, such as team dynamics and the performance of freshmen players.
Information by Michella Chester, NCAA.com
