RICHMOND, Va. – VCU is expected to remain among the usual list of contenders for the Atlantic 10 Conference title in 2026, according to league coaches. The Black and Gold were tabbed third in the annual A10 Preseason Coaches' Poll, released Tuesday.
 
VCU, which advanced to the A10 Championship Match against Loyola Chicago last season, tallied 79 points in the voting. The Rams were listed behind only Dayton (97) and Loyola Chicago (91). Dayton garnered eight first-place votes, while Loyola claimed two. George Mason (60) and George Washington (59) rounded out the top six in the poll.
 
Led by fourth-year Head Coach Tim Doyle, VCU will begin its pursuit of an A10 crown this season with a core group of returnees that includes 2025 All-Rookie Team pick Sarah Dibbs-Frantz as well as veterans Letizia Galli, Lara Del Core, Nina Boledovicova, Cansin Sendir and others. Doyle also welcomes six newcomers.
 
VCU will kick off its 2026 season on Friday, Aug. 28 when the Rams face Florida Gulf Coast in Fort Myers, Florida.
 
2026 Atlantic 10 Volleyball Preseason Poll
(First-place votes in parentheses)
1. Dayton - 97 points (8)
2. Loyola Chicago - 91 (2)
3. VCU - 79
4. George Mason - 60
5. George Washington - 59
6. Duquesne - 54
7. Davidson - 42
8. Saint Louis - 32
9. Rhode Island - 19
10. Fordham - 17