The Central Methodist Volleyball team is tabbed No. 14 in the preseason edition of the NAIA Women's Volleyball Coaches’ Top 25 poll, which was announced by the national office last week.

Other Heart Programs featured in the Top 25 include No. 6 Park and No. 21 Grand View. Evangel also received votes. 

Central Methodist jumped five spots after finishing at No. 19 in 2021. Last year, the Eagles tallied a 29-9 overall mark and wrapped up conference play with a stellar 16-3 record. Central also made its fourth consecutive appearance in the NAIA National Championship Tournament.

Returning for Central this year will be NAIA Third Team All-American Callie Henson. The native of Jefferson City was named to the NAIA National Championship All-Tournament team, and was recognized as a Heart All-Conference First-Team performer and an AVCA All-Midwest Region selection. Henson appeared in 37 matches and 133 sets, leading the team and ranking fourth in the conference in kills (409). In addition, she finished the season with 85 blocks and a .305 hitting percentage.

CMU will also return Krystal Brauner a First team All-Conference selection, in addition to Annabelle Maassen and Delaney Miller, both Second team All-Conference honorees.

The Eagles will open the 2022 season at the Hampton Inn Classic beginning Friday, August 26 in Columbia.