MORRIS, Minn. – The University of Minnesota Morris volleyball team was slated fourth in the 2026 Upper Midwest Athlete Conference Coaches Poll announced on Wednesday. Head coach
Joe Sussenguth enters his ninth season with the program.
"It's been great to see the ambition, drive and energy so far this preseason," said Sussenguth. "We have a solid balance of experience alongside those who are new to our program, so it has created a strong competitive culture that we are hoping for. Our team will be focused on a week-to-week process that will hopefully produce the outcomes we are looking for this fall."
The Cougars posted a record of 13-12 overall and 7-5 in the UMAC during the 2025 season. This was Minnesota Morris' 17
th straight year of making the conference tournament.
Clara Holden returns for her junior season after being named UMAC All-Conference Honorable Mention last year. Holden tallied 494 assists.
Ella Johnson and
Bella Nelson finished last season ranked second and third respectively in kills in 2025 for UMM.
The Cougars start the season at the St. Mary's University Tournament on Sept. 4. Minnesota Morris will play three matches in a span of two days with the first coming against St. Mary's at 7 p.m.
| Place |
School |
Points |
| 1 |
Northwestern (6) |
36 |
| 2 |
UW-Superior (1) |
30 |
| 3 |
Bethany Lutheran |
25 |
| 4 |
Minnesota Morris |
23 |
| 5 |
Crown |
15 |
| 6 |
Martin Luther |
12 |
| 7 |
North Central |
6 |
