CORBIN, Ky,. — CIU women's volleyball will enter the 2026 season as the team to beat in the Appalachian Athletic Conference, as the Rams were picked to finish first in the AAC Women's Volleyball Preseason Coaches Poll released last week.

CIU received 12 of 14 first-place votes to earn the top spot in the preseason rankings.

The Rams enter 2026 looking to continue a dominant run in the AAC. CIU will pursue its sixth consecutive AAC regular-season championship and fifth straight AAC Tournament title this fall.

Head coach Katie Weiss returns to lead the Rams after being named AAC Coach of the Year last season. CIU finished the 2025 campaign with a 28-8 overall record and a 17-2 mark in conference play.

CIU opens the 2026 season Friday, Aug. 14, at the Phoenix Classic, hosted by Cumberland University.