The Kentucky Volleyball Coaches Association has released their preseason poll prior to the upcoming KHSAA season that begins on Aug. 19.
Five of the top 25 teams come from the 9th Region as Notre Dame leads the way, coming in at No. 6 with five first-place votes. Following the Pandas is Ryle at No. 12, St. Henry at No. 13, Highlands at No. 14 and Conner at No. 25.
The No. 6 ranking for Notre Dame can be looked at as somewhat of a surprise as they return all but one player from a state runner-up team in 2023 and finished with a 33-6 record, the lone in-state losses coming to state champion Assumption three times. The Pandas went 15-0 in 9th Region play as they look for their 11th state title in program history this season.
Ryle lost five to graduation, coming off a 24-13 season and a region semifinal appearance. St. Henry was probably hit hard the most by graduation, losing six seniors off last season’s 31-9 team that won the All “A” state title and made the region championship before falling to Notre Dame.
Highlands enters year two under the second stint from Jim DeLong and despite the loss of six seniors, return six of their top nine rotational players. Conner rounded out the top 25 and will also endure a nearly complete roster makeover with the loss of 10 seniors.
Here is the complete poll (first-place votes in parentheses):
