BURNSVILLE, Minn. – Augustana volleyball has been selected to finish 9th in the 2026 NSIC Preseason Coaches' Poll with 104 points. Concordia-St. Paul was picked first with 220 points and 11 first-place votes.

"Since stepping into this role, I've been impressed with this group's eagerness to compete and their willingness to embrace change," said head coach Erika Bute. "This year's roster has a strong foundation, with a great balance of veteran experience and young talent. This is a hungry group that's determined to compete and has a genuine passion for the game. I'm looking forward to seeing this group continue to grow and reach its potential throughout the season."

Bute returns to Augustana following her first full season as a head coach at Bemidji State in 2025. She earned her first head coaching position after serving as an assistant coach on the Beaver Volleyball staff during the 2024 season. In her lone season as an assistant, she moved into the interim head coach position with seven games remaining in the regular season.

In the same preseason release, middle blocker Maya Wente was named as the Vikings' Player to Watch.

"Maya's experience and senior leadership make her an invaluable part of our program. As a two-time All-NSIC selection and three-time NSIC Fall Academic Team of Excellence honoree, she has consistently demonstrated excellence both on the court and in the classroom. Her love for the game is obvious every time she steps on the court through the energy, enthusiasm, and competitiveness she brings. That passion is what drives her desire to coach after college, and I know she'll continue to make a positive impact on the sport long after she's done playing."

The 2026 season will open on the road at the Battye Wallace Invitational, hosted by Henderson State, from Friday, August 28 to Saturday, August 29. Action starts for the Vikings on Friday at 1 p.m. against UT Dallas.

2026 Preseason Coaches' Poll
1. Concordia-St. Paul (11) 220
2. Wayne State (3) 207
3. St. Cloud State (2) 199
4. Southwest Minnesota State 177
5. Sioux Falls 158
6. Minnesota State 156
7. Minnesota Duluth 143
8. Northern State 140
T9. Augustana 104
T9. Winona State 104
11.MSU Moorhead 86
12. Jamestown 78
13. Bemidji State 59
14. University of Mary 40
15. Minnesota Crookston 25
16. Minot State 24