Statesmen 10th in Preseason Poll

Oskaloosa–The William Penn women’s volleyball team is in the mix for a postseason berth as the 2026 Heart of America Athletic Conference Coaches’ Poll was released Monday.

WPU, which owned a 17-16 record (7-11 Heart) in 2025, has been picked to finish 10th out of 16 teams with 110 points.

Missouri Baptist is expected to take the trophy, collecting 239 points and 15 of the 16 first-place votes, while Grand View is second with 216 points and the last first-place ballot. Central Methodist (191), Park (184), and MidAmerica Nazarene (183) wrap up the top five positions.

Benedictine (178), Baker (159), Mount Mercy (114), and Missouri Valley (113) are also ahead of the navy and gold, while William Woods (102), Peru State (85), St. Ambrose (69), Clarke (36), Culver-Stockton (34), and Graceland (27) conclude the standings.

William Penn starts its fall campaign at the Our Lady of the Lake Invitational next Thursday through Saturday. The team will open with a match against Kansas Wesleyan before also meeting Paul Quinn, Science and Arts, Our Lady of the Lake, and John Brown.

2026 Heart Preseason Coaches’ Poll
(First Place Votes)
1. Missouri Baptist–239 (15)
2. Grand View–216 (1)
3. Central Methodist–191
4. Park–184
5. MidAmerica Nazarene–183
6. Benedictine–178
7. Baker–159
8. Mount Mercy–114
9. Missouri Valley–113
10. William Penn–110
11. William Woods–102
12. Peru State–85
13. St. Ambrose–69
14. Clarke–36
15. Culver-Stockton–34
16. Graceland–27