KINGSTON, R.I. - Rhode Island was picked to finish ninth in the 2026 Atlantic 10 Preseason Coaches Poll, which was released by the conference Tuesday afternoon.

The predicted finish is up one spot from where the Rams ended the 2025 season. With a team that returns five starts and 11 players overall, Rhody will be looking to make a jump in its third season under head coach Ryan Sullivan. URI brings back its top attack in third-year player Havyn Rolle (2.25 kills per set, .224 attach percentage), as well as its top two defensive players at the net. Fourth-year middle blocker Chloe Abuto led the team with 108 total blocks and 1.04 blocks per set a year ago, while second-year player Hannah Jonick averaged 0.86 blocks per set, contributing 61 blocks in 71 matches played.

Also back is third-year libero Dakota Henry. The Loveland, Ohio native already has 569 career digs after leading the team with 321 in 2025.

Dayton was picked to repeated at A10 champion, receiving eight of the possible 10 first-place votes. The Flyers are a perfect 54-0 in league play over the last three seasons and have won 58 straight conference matches overall, dating back to the 2022 season. Loyola Chicago was picked second in the voting and received two first-place nods.

Rounding out the top five were VCU, George Mason and George Washington. The top six teams in the regular season will qualify for the 2026 Atlantic 10 Championship, which will be hosted by Loyola Chicago from Nov. 20-22.

2026 Atlantic 10 Women's Volleyball
Preseason Coaches 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