BEMIDJI, Minn. — Bemidji State University Volleyball has been slated 13^th in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference Preseason Coaches' Poll, as announced Wednesday morning.
 
The Beavers finished 7-21 overall in 2025 and 4-16 in the NSIC, finishing 13^th in the conference. A key win from the season included taking down No. 18 University of Minnesota Duluth in five sets, the first time the Beavers had defeated the Bulldogs since 1998, ending a 40-match draught.
 
"It is exciting to have so many returning players that are bought in to our programs growing vision," said first-year Head Coach Hahni Johnson. "We have continued to progress in our ability to compete and I cannot wait to see what this group can accomplish this year."
 
Sophomore setter Madison Tripp brings in the Beavers' Preseason Player to Watch nod after a strong start to her collegiate career last year. Tripp was instrumental to the Beaver offense in her freshman campaign, marking 631 assists in 28 matches. She added 25 kills of her own, including the match-winning point against UMD. Defensively, Tripp added 203 digs, one solo block and five assisted, finishing the season with 51.5 points.
 
"Madi is such a steady presence on our team in all aspects," said Coach Johnson. "She is a driving force of competitiveness that pulls everyone around her to a higher standard."
 
The Beavers kick off the 2026 campaign at the University of Mary Marauders First Serve Invitational on August 28. The Beavers will take on the Marauders, as well as Western New Mexico University, Montana State University Billings and Black Hills State University. They will then head on the road to San Marcos, Calif. For the Cal State University San Marcos Fall Cougar Classic September 3-5 before returning home to kick off the NSIC schedule in Minot, N.D. against Minot State University on September 11.
 
For more information on the Bemidji State Volleyball program, tickets or schedules, visit BSUBeavers.com, follow the Beavers on X (@BSUBeaversVB), like them on Facebook (facebook.com/BSUBeavers) and like them on Instagram (@BSUBeaversVB).
 
Located on the shore of Lake Bemidji, Bemidji State University sponsors 15 varsity athletic programs with NCAA Division I men's and women's hockey membership in the Central Collegiate Hockey Association and Western Collegiate Hockey Association, while its 13 NCAA Division II programs hold membership in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC).
 
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