(8-17-26) With the United States sweeping its way to the FIVB Girls’ U17 World Championship, American girls volleyball enters the fall on a high. The high school season begins tonight in Ohio, where the sport continues to thrive even as participation has declined in several other sports.

Ohio has become fertile recruiting ground for national powers such as Penn State, Louisville, Kentucky and Pittsburgh. And where there are elite players, there tend to be elite teams.
So who should high school sports fans know as the 2026 season begins?

DIVISION I – Cincy reigns supreme

The top three D-I teams are all private schools within the Cincinnati area: defending  Division I champion Seton, the 2024 D-II champion St. Ursula Bulldogs, and 2022 D-I champion Ursuline Academy. Washington commit Jillian Forrest will be a focal point for Ursuline Academy again this season. Even beyond those schools, public schools like Mason and Loveland are the strong favorites to take the Greater Miami Conference and Eastern Cincinnati Conference, respectively.

DIVISION II – Deeper than D-I?

From the lake to the river, D-II is loaded with state title contenders. Avon enters 2026 chasing a repeat, but Anthony Wayne begins the season as our D-II favorite. Leah and Mallory Pike may be the most dangerous one-two punch in the state. Semifinalists Magnificat and Mount Notre Dame return to an already crowded field that also includes Archbishop Hoban, Wadsworth, Olmsted Falls and 2023 Division I champion Kings.

DIVISION III – New Look, Similar Dangers

The good news for Division III? Ursuline Academy moved all the way up to Division I. The bad news? Defending Division IV champion McNicholas moved in to replace the Lions. The Rockets are led by Xavier-bound libero and defensive standout Ali Strange. And McNicholas didn’t come alone: Cincinnati Hills Christian also moves into Division III. But don’t count out other top contenders like Bloom-Carroll, Gilmour Academy, and Notre Dame-Cathedral Latin.

DIVISION IV – Wide Open Spaces

Bishop Fenwick gave eventual state champion McNicholas one of its toughest postseason tests in 2025, taking the opening set before falling in the regional final. With McNicholas moving up to Division III, the path is suddenly much clearer for the Falcons. Lake Catholic will be led by four-year starter Ahnna Bergant. Beyond the top two, D-IV opens up with a fun mix of teams like Jonathan Alder, New Lexington, and Ottawa-Glandorf.

DIVISION V – Back to Business?

In what was called a rebuilding year, Coldwater went 18-6 and was bumped out in the District Semifinals by conference rival Parkway. Expect the Cavaliers to return to their usual selves in 2026, led by juniors Campbell Etzler and Harlow Heyne. Keep an eye on Meadowbrook, which is coming off a 25-win season that included an undefeated run through Muskingum Valley play. Other Dayton-bound contenders include Marion Pleasant, Adena, Miami East, and Coldwater’s conference rival, Versailles.

DIVISION VI – MAC Attacks

Who wins Division VI this year: the Midwest Athletic Conference or everybody else? It’s a question Ohio sports fans usually associate with football, but it applies to volleyball as well. The MAC holds the top three spots with New Bremen, St. Henry, and Parkway sitting on the preseason podium. However, the rest of the state presents plenty of contenders, with Tinora, Hiland and Dalton all capable of a deep run in November.

DIVISION VII – Two Champs, One Trophy

Well, this is awkward. After winning the Division VI state title last season, Newark Catholic was reclassified into Division VII. To repeat, Newark Catholic may have to go through another defending state champion: Calvert. To make it even more challenging, Fort Loramie, the 2024 state champion is ready to return to glory. But this is Ohio. The small school divisions never play like small school divisions.