KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The University of Central Missouri Jennies volleyball team has been selected fifth in the 2025 MIAA Preseason Coaches' Poll, announced by the conference office on Friday, Aug. 22.
The Lopers of Nebraska Kearney garnered the top spot in the poll with 119 points overall, including nine of a possible 12 first-place votes, while Central Oklahoma (111 points and three first-place votes), Washburn (98 points), and Missouri Western (96 points) were selected above the Jens.
Central Missouri grabbed the fifth spot with 73 points, followed by a tie between Emporia State and Northwest Missouri in sixth with 69 points each. The rest of the poll has Fort Hays State (45 points) in eighth place, followed by Pittsburg State (43 points), Arkansas-Fort Smith (35 points), Missouri Southern (23 points), and Newman (12 points).
The Jens return 14 players from a season ago, including two Second Team All-MIAA selections in senior
Rachel Ziesman and outside hitter
Maya Fergerson, while adding four high school products (
Ragin Corwin,
Bria Dawson,
Aspen Nelsen, and
Sammy Klotz) and two transfers (
Shelbi Wilson and
Kaelyn McDonald).
UCM begins the 2025 season on Friday, Sept. 5, against the Illinois-Springfield Prairie Stars in the opening match of the Illinois-Springfield Tournament. First serve begins at 9:30 a.m. inside The Recreation and Athletic Center in Springfield, Ill.
2025 MIAA VOLLEYBALL PRESEASON RANKINGS
1. Nebraska Kearney [9] – 119 points
2. Central Oklahoma [3] – 111 points
3. Washburn – 98 points
4. Missouri Western – 96 points
5. Central Missouri – 73 points
T6. Emporia State – 69 points
T6. Northwest Missouri – 69 points
8. Fort Hays State – 45 points
9. Pittsburg State – 43 points
10. Arkansas-Fort Smith – 35 points
11. Missouri Southern – 23 points
12. Newman – 12 points
