(Sioux City, Iowa) –The 2023 GPAC Volleyball Preseason Coaches poll was released on Wednesday morning. Another loaded GPAC field is set to commence in 2023, as last season saw seven teams earn bids to the NAIA national tournament, with all seven advancing to the final site in Sioux City.
The defending NAIA national champions, The University of Jamestown, tallied 101 points and was picked first in the poll. The Jimmies garnered five of the twelve first place votes.
Concordia, was picked second with 99 points and three first place votes. For the second-straight season, the Northwestern volleyball team was picked to finish third in the league. The Red Raiders were just behind the Bulldogs with 95 points and three first place votes. Midland was 4th, and Dakota Wesleyan was 5th in the poll.
Coming off an appearance at the NAIA national tournament final site, Northwestern returns All-American outside hitter Alysen Dexter (Jr., Urbandale, Iowa), and Honorable Mention All-American Jazlin De Haan (Jr., Orange City, Iowa) to the rotation this season. The Red Raiders return five of the six All-Conference picks from a season ago.
Dordt was 8th in the preseason poll with 48 points. The Defenders finished the 2022 season with a 13-12 overall record, received votes in the final coaches poll and just missed out on a spot in the NAIA Championship – Opening Round. They placed eighth in the GPAC, going 7-9 in league play.
2023 GPAC Preseason Volleyball Coaches’ Poll
PlaceSchool Pts (1st place votes) 2022 Record (GPAC Record)
1. Jamestown Jimmies 101 (5) 37-2 (15-1 GPAC); NAIA National Champions
2. Concordia (Neb.) Bulldogs 99 (3) 25-6 (12-4 GPAC); NAIA Final Site
3. Northwestern Red Raiders 95 (3) 23-8 (11-5 GPAC); NAIA Final Site
4. Midland Warriors 88 (1) 28-6 (14-2 GPAC); NAIA Semifinals
5. Dakota Wesleyan Tigers 70 25-8 (11-5 GPAC); NAIA Quarterfinals
6. College of Saint Mary Flames 67 21-9 (9-7 GPAC); NAIA Final Site
7. Hastings Broncos 58 20-15 (8-8 GPAC); NAIA Final Site
8. Dordt Defenders 48 13-12 (7-9 GPAC)
9. Morningside Mustangs 36 11-20 (5-11 GPAC)
10. Doane Tigers 25 8-25 (1-15 GPAC)
11. Mount Marty Lancers 21 7-19 (2-14 GPAC)
12. Briar Cliff Chargers 18 6-22 (1-15 GPAC)
