WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Atlantic 10 has announced the preseason ranking for the women's volleyball season, in which the George Mason Patriots were selected fourth. This is the highest ranking the Green & Gold have been voted in their time in the A10. The closest they have been voted previously was seventh in 2019.

Last season, the Patriots had their best season in over 15 years. They marked a 7-4 non-conference record (the best since 2009) and their first season over .500 since 2010. Three players were named to the A10 postseason awards: Kiera Hamilton was named Rookie of the Year, we well as to the First Team All-Conference and All-Rookie Team; Chelsea Colter was named to the Second Team All-Conference; and Nia Thompson joined Hamilton on the All-Rookie Team. 

The Patriots also qualified for the A10 Tournament for the first time since 2018. They dropped their first round matchup to hosts VCU, 3-1.

Four newcomers joined the Green & Gold over the summer and are expected to make an immediate impact to the team: OH/RS #2 Rylee Kinnell (Sagamore Hills, Ohio/Nordonia), S #6 McKenna Reynolds (Glastonbury, Conn./Glastonbury), MB/RS #10 Jenna Hunt (Danville, Cali./San Ramon Valley), and L/DS #16 Ady Bollinger (Bentonville, Ark./Bentonville). 

George Mason will open their 2026 season this Friday, August 28 at home vs. Northwestern. First serve is set for 6 p.m. Admission is free to all fans and a livestream is available on ESPN+. 

2026 Atlantic 10 Volleyball Preseason 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