Huskies Get Top Billing In Pac-12 Coaches Poll

SEATTLE – Defending conference champion Washington was voted as the preseason favorite by the Pac-12 volleyball head coaches, the conference announced today. In addition to the coaches poll, the Preseason All-Pac-12 Team was announced, with Samantha Drechsel, Ella May Powell, and Claire Hoffman all earning the honor.
 
The Huskies successfully navigated the challenges of the delayed 2021 spring season to claim their third Pac-12 title in six seasons under Head Coach Keegan Cook, going 17-3 in conference play and then advancing to the NCAA Semifinals.
 
Washington will now look to defend its title after a quick turnaround to the fall. The Dawgs, ranked No. 4 nationally to start the year, open the season on Aug. 27 against Ohio in Columbus.
 
UCLA was voted second by the coaches, followed by Oregon at the third spot, Stanford at four, Washington State at five, and USC at six.
 
Drechsel, Powell, and Hoffman were all named All-Pac-12 at the end of the spring season, and all were named All-Americans by the AVCA, Drechsel and Powell on the First Team, and Hoffman on the Second Team. Drechsel and Hoffman were the top two point producers for the Dawgs, averaging 3.52 and 3.31 kills per set, respectively. Both outside hitters shared the team lead with 33 aces and provided steady passing in the back row.
 
Powell, the junior setter, can continue to climb the UW career assists lists this fall where she already ranks fourth all-time with 3,684. She was named Pac-12 Setter of the Year last season helping UW reach the Final Four for the first time since 2013.
 
2021 PAC-12 WOMEN'S VOLLEYBALL PRESEASON COACHES POLL

2021 PRESEASON ALL-PAC-12 WOMEN'S VOLLEYBALL TEAM (ALPHABETICAL)