Alcorn State Volleyball Predicted to Finish 10th in SWAC Preseason Poll

Birmingham, Alabama — The Southwestern Athletic Conference announced its 2026 preseason volleyball predictions Wednesday, with Alcorn State projected to finish 10th in the 12-team league.

The predicted order of finish was determined by votes from the league’s head coaches and sports information directors. Alcorn, which finished 10th last season with a 3-26 overall record and 2-14 in SWAC play under interim coach Gabrielle Harris, returns key players including top kills leader Courtney Carter and setter Juliana Henao.

Carter, a junior, led the team with 198 kills last season, while Henao, also a junior, accounted for 480 assists. The Braves were ranked just ahead of Arkansas-Pine Bluff and Mississippi Valley State in the preseason poll.

Florida A&M was named the preseason favorite for the second consecutive year, receiving six first-place votes. Prairie View A&M followed in second, with Jackson State, Alabama A&M, and Alabama State rounding out the top five. The FAMU Rattlers, defending SWAC Tournament champions, are seeking an automatic bid to the 2026 NCAA Division I Volleyball Championships, which will be held November 20-22 in Montgomery, Alabama.

Alcorn State opens its season Friday, August 28, at the LSU New Orleans / Nicholls Challenge in Louisiana. The Braves play LSU New Orleans at 6:30 p.m. CDT. Fans can follow Alcorn State Sports on Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube for updates and behind-the-scenes coverage of the team.

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