KANSAS CITY - University of Arkansas - Fort Smith Volleyball was picked seventh in its inaugural Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association preseason poll, announced Friday by the league office.

The poll was voted on by the league's 12 head coaches.

Central Missouri was picked to win the league after receiving 113 points and five first-place votes, followed by Central Oklahoma (110 pts) and Nebraska Kearney (116 pts). UCO and UNK each garnered three first-place votes.

Washburn finished fourth in the poll with 90 points and the final first-place vote, while Missouri Western rounded out the top five with 81 points. Northwest Missouri ranked sixth with 68 points, followed by UAFS with 62 points. Missouri Southern (49), Emporia State (39) and Pittsburg State (35) completed the top 10 of the 12-team poll.

UAFS returns three All-Conference performers from last season as the Lions transition to the MIAA after finishing 22-8 overall last season. The Lions also added nine newcomers to this year's roster.

The 2024 MIAA volleyball season officially begins Thursday, September 5, with conference contests beginning Friday, September 27. UAFS will open the season September 6 in Colorado Springs with a trio of matches at the Mountain Lion Classic.

The 2024 MIAA Volleyball Championship is scheduled for November 21-23 at the Civic Arena in St. Joseph, Mo. To view a complete schedule of all 12 MIAA volleyball programs, click here.

2024 MIAA VOLLEYBALL PRESEASON COACHES POLL
1. Central Missouri [5] – 113 points
2. Central Oklahoma [3] – 110 points
3. Nebraska Kearney [3] – 106 points
4. Washburn [1] – 90 points
5. Missouri Western – 81 points
6. Northwest Missouri – 68 points
7. Arkansas-Fort Smith – 62 points
8. Missouri Southern – 49 points
9. Emporia State – 39 points
10. Pittsburg State – 35 points
11. Fort Hays State – 28 points
12. Newman – 11 points 
[#] - Number of First-Place Votes