Several area volleyball teams will begin the 2026 season ranked among the Kansas Volleyball Association’s preseason top 10.
Manhattan High leads the local group, coming in at No. 5 in Class 6A after a 28-10 season that included the Indians’ third consecutive trip to the state tournament.
Manhattan returns a strong core from last year’s team, including senior outside hitter Bailey Busch. The 5-foot-8 senior broke her own school record with 409 kills last season while adding 49 aces and 290 digs. Busch earned second-team all-state honors from the KVA and has committed to continue her volleyball career at Weber State.
The Indians lost three seniors from last year’s team but return several key contributors as they look to make another run at state.
Rock Creek is ranked No. 9 in Class 4A after going 33-8 and reaching the state tournament last season.
The Mustangs return five varsity players from last year’s team under sixth-year coach Alli Snapp, who has compiled a 146-51 record at Rock Creek. Aubrey McCarn, Kylee Frazee, Karli Reitz and Lucy Martinie headline the returning group as Rock Creek looks to build on another successful season.
Riley County checks in at No. 10 in Class 3A following a 25-16 season. The Falcons reached the sub-state championship last year before falling to Silver Lake, coming within a set of returning to the state tournament.
Wabaunsee rounds out the area’s ranked teams at No. 4 in Class 1A-Division I. The Chargers also reached the sub-state championship last season, defeating Clifton-Clyde in the semifinal before falling to Centralia on their home floor.