LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- A new era of Louisville volleyball is starting right where the last one left off — near the top of the national rankings.
The Cardinals landed at No. 4 in the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) preseason poll released Wednesday — the latest sign of the program’s sustained national presence. Only Nebraska, Penn State, and ACC rival Pittsburgh sit ahead of Louisville, which is coming off its second NCAA title game appearance in three years.
It illustrates the kind of expectations facing new Cardinals coach Dan Meske. It also speaks the kind of program he takes over.
Louisville | Kentucky | Indiana | Eric Crawford
The teams ahead of them are a little familiar.
Nebraska, ranked No. 1, is now led by Dani Busboom Kelly — the coach who helped turn Louisville into a volleyball powerhouse before departing for Lincoln this offseason. Penn State, the defending NCAA champion who beat Louisville for the title last December, sits at No. 2. ACC rival Pittsburgh — a team Louisville stunned in last year’s Final Four — is No. 3.
The Cards aren’t just hanging around. They’re expected to keep swinging.
Louisville returns three starters from last season’s 30-6 national finalists.
They’ll lean on setter Nayelis Cabello, outside hitter Chloe Chicoine, and middle blocker Cara Cresse, all named to the preseason All-ACC team. Cabello was the ACC Freshman of the Year in 2024. Cresse and Chicoine were among a strong postseason awards haul that included four AVCA All-Americans.
The Cards were picked to finish second in the ACC, behind only Pitt — a rivalry that continues to define the league's volleyball landscape.
Kentucky also cracked the preseason top 10, coming in at No. 7 after a 22-8 finish in 2024. The Wildcats are one of four SEC teams in the top 20.
Louisville opens the season Aug. 29, hosting Auburn, Morehead State, and St. John’s in the Cardinal Classic at L&N Federal Credit Union Arena.
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