CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa – The 2026 American Rivers Conference (A-R-C) women’s volleyball season is on the horizon as league teams prepare for another competitive season. The University of Dubuque Spartans were selected as the preseason favorite by the coaches to claim the regular season title.
The women’s volleyball regular season begins on October 6 and runs through November 4. The top six teams from the regular season will advance to the conference tournament on November 10, 12, and 14. The higher seed in each round will host.
2026 American Rivers Conference
Women's Volleyball Preseason Coaches' Poll |
| Place |
Team (first-place votes) |
Points |
| 1. |
University of Dubuque (7) |
49 |
| 2. |
Central College |
37 |
| 3. |
Wartburg College |
32 |
| 4. |
Nebraska Wesleyan University |
31 |
| T-5. |
Coe College |
27 |
| T-5. |
Simpson College |
27 |
| 7. |
Loras College |
12 |
| 8. |
Buena Vista University |
9 |
*coaches cannot vote for their own institution*
Buena Vista University:
2026 Schedule | 2026 Roster
2025 Record: 8-16 overall; 1-8 A-R-C
2025 Conference Finish: 8th
Will Baumann enters year five at Buena Vista. He returns five starters to his lineup, including returning all-conference performer Charley Hernandez.
“We are excited to get the 2026 campaign underway! We believe we have a lot to look forward to with a fantastic group of core returners and a very talented incoming class. As always, the A-R-C volleyball schedule will be incredibly competitive and vastly talented. We look forward to the challenges of the season and the opportunity for growth it gives our players and our program.”
Central College:
2026 Schedule | 2026 Roster
2025 Record: 22-9 overall; 5-3 A-R-C
2025 Conference Finish: T-3rd
Jeanne Czipri enters her tenth season in Pella leading the women’s volleyball program. She returns key leadership with seven starters returning. Kaitlyn Mumm returns as a previous all-conference honoree for the Dutch.
"We have some extremely strong leadership coming from our upperclassmen and returners which we hope to fuel a strong focus on our mission and vision. We anticipate the A-R-C to be as competitive as it has been in my time here and have elevated our non-conference schedule to help us prepare.”
Coe College:
2026 Schedule | 2026 Roster
2025 Record: 21-10 overall; 7-1 A-R-C
2025 Conference Finish: 2nd
April Elsbernd enters year two at her alma mater as the head coach. The Kohawks lost five all-conference performers from last season, but returned three to the starting lineup for the 2026 campaign, including Tessa Casebolt, who was Rookie of the Year in 2024.
"American Rivers Conference volleyball continues to rise within the region, and I think we may see multiple teams making noise at the national level soon. Having two programs represent the A-R-C in 2025 at NCAA Regional Sites -- the first time since 2009 -- demonstrates our strength as a conference and sets the tone for another extremely competitive A-R-C Volleyball race to the top. After graduating a strong core of seniors, we will be calling on our experienced juniors, returning upperclassmen, and a few new faces to help lead us through our strong non-conference schedule early in the season."
University of Dubuque:
2026 Schedule | 2026 Roster
2025 Record: 26-5 overall; 8-0 A-R-C
2025 Conference Finish: 1st
Karrah Davis enters her third season as the head coach of the Spartans. UD returns a strong core of starters in the lineup, featuring returning all-conference performers Delainey Winkel, Taylor Bechen, Caitlin Jensen, Alexis Kammerer, and Megan Cooley.
"The Spartans are eager to be back in the gym and to battle through a tough conference and non-conference schedule. We have an experienced and very motivated group of returners who will be great leaders and mentors for our underclassmen."
Loras College:
2026 Schedule | 2026 Roster
2025 Record: 7-20 overall; 2-6 A-R-C
2025 Conference Finish: 7th
Kristy Duncan is entering her sixth season at Loras as the head coach of the Duhawks women’s volleyball program. Loras returns Catherine Meyer, Emily Mohr, Iva Senio, and Alyssa Daughenbaugh to the starting lineup from last year.
"The parity in our league is at an all-time high and we are looking forward to another competitive season in the A-R-C. After graduating a large class, we have an eager group that is excited for their turn on the court to prove themselves in our gym and beyond."
Nebraska Wesleyan University:
2026 Schedule | 2026 Roster
2025 Record: 17-10 overall; 4-4 A-R-C
2025 Conference Finish: T-5th
Rayna Cain is entering year 15 as the head coach of the Nebraska Wesleyan Prairie Wolves. She returns seven starters to the lineup this season. Returning all-conference performers include Macy Plucker, Molly Ramirez, and Elecea Saathoff.
“Excitement is building as we prepare for the upcoming season! Led by experienced upperclassmen and boosted by a talented group of newcomers, our program enters the year with high expectations. Driven by strong leadership, confidence, and talent across the board, we look forward to seeing all that this group achieves."
Simpson College:
2026 Schedule | 2026 Roster
2025 Record: 19-8 overall; 5-3 A-R-C
2025 Conference Finish: T-3rd
Dani Kohut Lynch begins her second year at Simpson for the 2026 campaign. The Storm return four starters, including all-conference performers Jada Schmidt and Emily Williams.
“This fall is going to be an absolute gauntlet in the A-R-C. A majority of teams bring back the core of their starting lineup, so I anticipate another season of hard-fought matches day in and day out.
After the 2025 season and a hard Spring of training we have bigger goals for our team this Fall, and with a strong non-conference schedule we will be battle tested early and often.
We have a strong core of experienced players coming back with Emily and Jada in the front row and Hannah and Audrey in the back row to help guide our incoming freshmen class who will need to step up to the plate.
This is hands down the best time of year, and we can't wait to get started.
Roll Storm!”
Wartburg College:
2026 Schedule | 2026 Roster
2025 Record: 15-12 overall; 4-4 A-R-C
2025 Conference Finish: T-5th
DeAnn Akins begins her second year in Waverly as the head coach of the Knights women’s volleyball program. Wartburg returns five starters to the lineup. Anna Sash and Whitney Klyn return to the program as all-conference performers last season.
“We are very excited about the group we have returning and the newcomers joining us, offering a great mix of experience and young talent! The A-R-C will be as competitive as ever, and we look forward to a fun and challenging non-conference schedule as well! Our team and staff are ready to put in the work and embrace the opportunities ahead!”
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About the American Rivers Conference
Nationally respected for excellence in NCAA Division III athletics, the American Rivers Conference (A-R-C) has a tradition dating back to its founding in 1922 as the Iowa Intercollegiate Athletic Association and adopted its current name in 2018 to reflect its strong Iowa roots and growing regional footprint. The A-R-C is a collaborative community that champions the holistic development of student-athletes, uniting member institutions in a shared commitment to academic achievement, athletic distinction, and leadership.
The A-R-C is home to eight full-time member institutions: Buena Vista University, Central College, Coe College, University of Dubuque, Loras College, Nebraska Wesleyan University, Simpson College, and Wartburg College.
