RUSSELLVILLE, Ark. – SWOSU Volleyball was picked fourth in the 2026 Great American Conference Preseason Coaches Poll, released Tuesday by the league.
 
Harding earned the top spot with 114 points and four first-place votes, narrowly edging defending GAC Tournament champion Oklahoma Baptist, which received a league-high six first-place votes and 111 points. Defending regular season champion Ouachita Baptist collected the remaining two first-place votes and was picked third with 96 points, just two ahead of SWOSU's 94.
 
Seven players return for the Bulldogs in 2026, including All-GAC selections Katja Blanchat, Jada Permenter, and Mackenzie Sims. Seven newcomers – three freshmen and four transfers – round out SWOSU's 14-member roster.
 
The Bulldogs finished 16-15 overall in 2025 and earned the No. 3 seed in the GAC Tournament after posting a 12-4 record in conference play. SWOSU advanced to the GAC Tournament championship match for the second time in program history before falling to Oklahoma Baptist to close the season.
 
Head coach Josh Collins, a three-time GAC Coach of the Year, enters his 15th season leading the program in 2026.
 
The season begins Thursday, Aug. 27, at the Western Colorado Invitational, where SWOSU will play four matches across three days. GAC play opens Sept. 8 on the road against Southern Nazarene before the Bulldogs host Oklahoma Baptist in their home opener on Sept. 15. The GAC Tournament is scheduled for Nov. 12-14 at FireLake Arena in Shawnee, Oklahoma.
 
Full Preseason Poll Results

1.    Harding (4) – 114 
2.    Oklahoma Baptist (6) – 111 
3.    Ouachita Baptist (2) – 96 
4.    SWOSU – 94 
5.    Arkansas Tech – 86
6.    Henderson State – 62
6.    East Central – 62 
8.    Southern Nazarene – 46 
9.    Southern Arkansas – 43 
10.  Southeastern Okla. – 42 
11.   Northwestern Okla. – 24 
12.   Arkansas-Monticello – 12