GPAC preseason volleyball poll
SEWARD, Neb. – A Concordia University volleyball program with new leadership has been pegged to finish eighth in the GPAC, according to the conference’s preseason coaches’ poll released on Thursday (Aug. 9). The Bulldogs received 50 points in the poll. GPAC volleyball is now 12 members strong with Jamestown officially joining the conference on July 1.
Everything will be new for head coach Ben Boldt, who is joined by wife Angie Boldt. Concordia has hit the reset button following last season’s 9-19 campaign. The Bulldogs return all-conference players in Tara Callahan, Alex La Plant and Emmie Noyd. The latter blossomed as a sophomore in 2017 on her way to second team All-GPAC accolades. Noyd and company hope to return the program to the levels it reached in 2015 (national tournament appearance) and perhaps beyond. The Boldts have preached the moniker “champs before champs” throughout the offseason.
Players officially reported for camp on Thursday (Aug. 9). Practice begins Friday as the Bulldogs prepare for their opener on Tuesday, Aug. 21 when York College makes a visit to Walz Arena for a 7 p.m. CT first serve.
2018 GPAC Preseason Volleyball Coaches’ Poll
*First-place votes in parentheses
1. Dordt – 120 (10)
2. Northwestern – 110 (2)
3. Hastings – 98
4. Midland – 96
5. Doane – 70
6. Jamestown – 67
7. Morningside – 64
8. Concordia – 50
9. Briar Cliff – 42
10. College of Saint Mary – 31
11. Dakota Wesleyan – 26
12. Mount Marty – 18