The Great Lakes Valley Conference (GLVC) unveiled its preseason volleyball poll on Wednesday, positioning the UIS Prairie Stars at 10th out of 14 teams.
The Lewis Flyers were the preseason favorite with 161 points and six first-place votes. The remaining first-place votes were split between Missouri-St. Louis and Rockhurst, who earned four apiece.
This poll is determined by the league's head coaches, who, in accordance with GLVC Bylaws, are prohibited from voting for their own teams.
The UIS volleyball team concluded the 2023 season with a 9-18 overall record and a 3-10 mark in conference play. Key returners for the Prairie Stars include senior outside hitter Eirini Glynou, who earned a spot on the GLVC's Second Team in 2023, and junior setter Erica Sledge.
The Prairie Stars will meet SIU Edwardsville in an exhibition match this Saturday, Aug. 24, before starting the regular season in Austin, Tex. on Sept. 6-7.
UIS begins GLVC play at home against the Missouri S&T Miners on Sept. 27 at 6:00 p.m.
2024 GLVC VOLLEYBALL PRESEASON POLL
| Place | School | Points (1st-Place Votes) |
| 1 | Lewis | 161 (6) |
| 2 | Missouri-St. Louis | 154 (4) |
| 3 | Rockhurst | 148 (4) |
| 4 | Quincy | 131 |
| 5 | Indianapolis | 123 |
| 6 | Maryville | 106 |
| 7 | Missouri S&T | 86 |
| 8 | Upper Iowa | 81 |
| 9 | McKendree | 64 |
| 10 11 |
Illinois Springfield Southwest Baptist |
62 49 |
| 12 | Drury | 48 |
| 13 | William Jewell | 34 |
| 14 | Truman State | 27 |