The Grand Valley State volleyball team was picked to finish second in the GLIAC South Divison in the annual preseason coaches' poll announced by the league office on Tuesday (Feb. 9). The Lakers will play a shortened, 14-game conference only season with a conference tournament at the conclusion of the regular season and no additional postseason.
 
Complete Preseason Poll
 
GVSU returns 13 letterwinners from a season ago and added three Division I transfers to help compete atop the GLIAC in the condensed 2021 spring season.
 
The Lakers bring back the reigning GLIAC Freshman of the Year, Jaeli Primus, who led the GLIAC in blocks with 124 and recorded 270 kills. Junior Ali Thompson was an All-GLIAC Second teamer last season as she led the team in kills with 314, while also totaling 334 digs and 34 service aces. Redshirt sophomore Emma Clines (278 kills) and sophomore Karlie Kucharczyk (230 kills, 270 digs) also return for GVSU.
 
Setter Erin O'Leary (University of Michigan), middle blocker Jayla Wesley (Central Michigan), and outside hitter Lisa Sullivan (Army West Point) all bring experience playing at the Division 1 level and will look to make an immediate impact. O'Leary was a two-time Gatorade Player of the Year in Michigan, helping Novi High School to three state titles and was also named an Under Armour First Team All-American. Wesley played three seasons at CMU and appeared in 259 sets, while ranking ninth in single-season blocks per set (0.77) during her sophomore season. Sullivan played her freshman season at Army West Point and appeared in 91 sets, recording 2.08 points per set and 162 total kills.
 
The Lakers will begin the season on Feb. 19 at the GVSU Fieldhouse Arena vs. Parkside. All home games will be broadcasted, pay-per-view, on the Grand Valley State Network.