BURNSVILLE, Minn. – The Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference released the 2026 Volleyball Preseason Coaches' Poll and Winona State is voted to finish tied for ninth in the league. Abby Ongna was selected as WSU's player to watch.
 
The Warriors picked up 104 points in the poll while Concordia-St. Paul was selected to finish first with 220 points.

The Warriors will be under the direction of Tricia Melfy, who will bring lots of energy and experience in her first year with the Warriors. Melfy, a head coach at East Stroudsburg University, Fort Lewis College, and Pheonix College prior to her time at Winona State, led East Stroudsburg to a pair of NCAA DII National Tournaments, four straight PSAC semifinal appearances, three PSAC East first-place finishes. Melfy was also named PSAC East Coach of the Year in 2021 and most recently the AVCA Atlantic Region Coach of the Year in 2025.

Ongna, a Junior from Marshfield, Wis., appeared in all 28 matches (started 11) during the 2025 season. Coach Melfy on Ongna, "Abby is a very dynamic player that can play wherever we need her. She has the ability to terminate and put up a big block! She is a true leader and competitor, and we are very excited about what she brings to our team".

Looking ahead to the 2026 season, Coach Melfy noted, "I am excited to see this group of young women compete. We will be scrappy and competitive, dynamic and fun!"

Winona State will open the 2026 season in tournament fashion against Northern Michigan University on Thursday, August 27th in Marquette, Mich.