I've decided I'll be releasing my weekly ballot on VolleyTalk again. If you are interested in knowing my thought process- enjoy reading. If not- I look forward to the fun comments.
1. Carthage- Defending National Champions could be even better this year with a year of growth and maturity for McNulty. If they can get some offensive production from starting RS they will be even tougher to stop.
2. Springfield- All 7 starters have been recognized as All-Americans at one point in there career. That is just wild. Expecting a revenge tour for this group who may go scorched earth through the regular season.
3. Dominican- Returning starters in each position group, most importantly- Setter Jack McGuire. Annually among the nation's elite blocking programs, they will duel with Carthage for midwest supremacy.
4. Rutgers-Newark- A bevy of transfers arrived for Jack Wilson's squad, none more important than Jared Ray who will be in the conversation as National Player of the Year alongside All-Americans Tuhoy and Zaleck.
5. Messiah- Last year's biggest surprise (along with Benedictine) should expect bigger (literally) and better things, adding some size and athleticism with the freshman class, highlighted by Ryan Givens.
6. Vassar- Tight COVID restrictions provided Vassar with plenty of adversity last year, and they still won the UVC and made it to Salem. Hoping to see van Beveren back in the middle to help him regain his form.
7. Juniata- Not many remember but Juniata lost a tight 5 setter to SVU before the Knights run to the Final 4. Will be interesting to see who wins the setting job with Goodsel back to health.
8. St. John Fisher- Maybe the team most affected by injuries last year, Paul Hackford returns for the Cardinals and with freshman setter Evan Ingerick joining the flock Coach England has a plethora of options.
9. Benedictine- Last seasons tournament darlings may be returning a number of starters, but they have to replace setter Mike LeGros and Tommy Samaras- if they can fill those holes, the Eagles could soar up the rankings.
10. Fontbonne- Despite possessing one of the nation's most lethal OH duos, it's 6th year setter Kyler Van Rossum O'Connel who will be the key to the Griffins attempt to break through their glass ceiling.
11. Southern Virginia- SVU is losing a few key pieces but the return of Kaipo Tagaloa to administer the offense will have them dangerous all year long.
12. Wentworth- Another group that graduated some important players, but will be bolstered by an increased role for sophomore Jacob Laboooooo
13. NYU- Two extremely dangerous outsides and a senior setter who has waited for his time to shine... this is a story I've heard before- steady contributions from the team's young middles could help the Violets flourish 14. North Central- Big bodies and big arms- Coach Exline has the pieces to challenge the top tier of the midwest if Matt Nealon can keep the offense balanced and help his hitters be more efficient.
15. New Paltz- There are few, if any, programs trying to replace more talent and production than the Hawks. Another team that will pack a lot of physicality- they can fly as high as Kyle Shaffer takes them
Also Considered: Mount Union, MIT, Rivier, Endicott, Stevens, Loras