NEW YORK – After three consecutive seasons culminating in BIG EAST postseason appearances, Villanova volleyball was picked to finish second in the 2026 BIG EAST Preseason Coaches' Poll released on Thursday.
Senior outside hitter Abby Harrell was selected as the BIG EAST Preseason Player of the Year, becoming the first Wildcat in program history to earn the preseason honor. Harrell and junior middle blocker Campbell McKinnon were also named to the Preseason All-BIG EAST Team.
Harrell enters her senior campaign as a three-time All-BIG EAST selection after another standout season in 2025. The Ellensburg, Wash., native led Villanova in kills (403), digs (304), and aces (39), becoming the first Wildcat since 2015 to earn AVCA All-East Coast Region honors. She also recorded a team-best 17 double-doubles while reaching 1,000 career kills.
The 2023 BIG EAST Freshman of the Year has led the 'Cats in kills in each of her three seasons on the Main Line. Harrell was a unanimous All-BIG EAST selection in 2025 and ranked fourth in the conference in kills during the regular season. This latest preseason honor marks her third consecutive from the BIG EAST.
McKinnon earned her second consecutive preseason conference honor after a sophomore campaign that saw her earn unanimous All-BIG EAST recognition. The Collierville, Tenn., native ranked second on the team in both kills (270) and blocks (106) while recording double-digit kills in 15 matches.
As a team, the Wildcats received 86 points to finish second in the 11-team league, trailing only unanimous preseason favorite Creighton (100). Marquette followed Villanova in third with 82 points, while Xavier (75) and DePaul (62) rounded out the top five.
Villanova opens its 2026 campaign on Friday, Aug. 28, taking on host Pepperdine in Malibu, Calif., as part of the Asics Classic. The Wildcats will also face Sacramento State and South Dakota State during the opening weekend before beginning BIG EAST play on Sept. 25 at Butler. Villanova's first home matches of the season are scheduled for Sept. 18 and 19 against UMBC and Princeton at Jake Nevin Field House as part of the Villanova Classic. For the first time in program history, Villanova volleyball matches will require tickets during the 2026 season, with tickets available at this link and through the Villanova Athletics ticket office.
