DEARBORN, Mich. – The University of Michigan-Dearborn Volleyball team was picked sixth in the Wolverine-Hoosier Athletic Conference Preseason Poll. The League announced on Friday (Aug. 4).

The Wolverines come off an improved 2022 campaign which saw the team finish 10-10 in WHAC play. The Wolverines return all their firepower from the previous year, including Midwest All-Region Honorable Mention Sydney Eggleton. 

"I am looking for continued success from our three All-Conference players last year," said Head Coach Eric Stark. "More Importantly, I am also excited for the growth of Kielee Tondryk, Allie Federlein, and Emily Buck, who all add another season under their belt." The Wolverines have more depth then this season than Stark has ever had during his tenure in the Maize & Blue, five other Wolverines return after seeing significant time the previous year. Kenzie Mertz and Regan Rose had career years and joined Kristin Maust, Kayla Podlewski, and Alyssa Bommarito as critical pieces to the Wolverines' success this season.

Joining the 11 returners is a group of five new student-athletes who will wear the Maize & Blue for the first time this season. However, Stark believes each can challenge the returners for a spot in the starting lineup. "Defensively, we added Zoey Mertz from Dakota High School, and JUCO transfer Ellie MacDonald from Henry Ford College. Both are active DSs who possess great accuracy." At the net, the Wolverines added versatility in Alyssa Evans, Marisa Fetterley, and transfer Jill Paryaski, who can play three positions and will do so at a high level. 

The Wolverines open their season on August 25th in New Orleans, La., at the Wolfpack Welcome against Ave Maria (FL)