Volleyball Claims Runner-Up Spot in MIAA Preseason Coaches Poll

The Hope College volleyball team finished runner-up in the 2026 MIAA Volleyball Preseason Coaches Poll, earning 58 points and two first-place votes in the nine-team rankings.

The Flying Dutch, who are the three-time defending regular-season champions and went 23-7 last season, trailed only Calvin University, the 2025 MIAA Tournament champion. The Knights topped the poll with 63 points and seven first-place votes.

Led by head coach Becky Schmidt '99, Hope returns several standouts, including three All-MIAA selections.

Senior middle hitter Kamryn Burbridge of Grand Haven, Michigan (Grand Haven) is a three-time All-MIAA honoree who earned All-MIAA First Team honors last season, along with American Volleyball Coaches Association All-America Third Team and All-Region First Team accolades.

Junior middle blocker Olivia Wyma of Hartland, Wisconsin (Arrowhead) received All-MIAA First Team and AVCA All-Region First Team recognition in 2025.

Senior defensive specialist Kathryn Oates of Liberty Township, Ohio (Cincinnati Christian) captured All-MIAA Second Team honors last season.

Hope opens the season on Friday-Saturday, Sept. 4-5, at the Illinois Wesleyan University Tournament.

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Players Mentioned

#6 Kamryn Burbridge: MH; 6' 1"; Junior; Exercise Science

#12 Kathryn Oates: DS; 5' 6"; Junior; Exercise Science

#16 Olivia Wyma: MB; 6' 4"; Sophomore; Biology

Players Mentioned

#6 Kamryn Burbridge
: 6' 1"; Junior; Exercise Science
: MH

#12 Kathryn Oates
: 5' 6"; Junior; Exercise Science
: DS

#16 Olivia Wyma
: 6' 4"; Sophomore; Biology
: MB

Players Mentioned

#6 Kamryn Burbridge

#12 Kathryn Oates

#16 Olivia Wyma

Players Mentioned

#6 Kamryn Burbridge

#12 Kathryn Oates

#16 Olivia Wyma