SEWARD, Neb. – Expectations remain high for Concordia University Volleyball entering the 2022 season. The Bulldogs were placed fourth in the GPAC Volleyball Preseason Coaches’ Poll released on Thursday (Aug. 11) by the league office. Head Coach Ben Boldt’s squad picked up 90 points in the poll and was listed behind defending conference champion Jamestown as well as Midland and Northwestern among favorites at the top of the GPAC.
Concordia finished last season at 19-12 overall and placed in a tie for fifth in the GPAC regular season standings. The Bulldogs elevated their game in the postseason, advancing to the conference tournament championship match and then to the quarterfinals of the 2021 NAIA Volleyball National Championship.
“It’s high-level volleyball. That’s what people commit to when they say they want to be Bulldogs,” Boldt said. “I always say that the results are a product of the process and the way that you do things. It’s a testament to the work the players have put in over the years. Every year we’re going reset and figure it out, so that’s what our challenge is moving forward.”
Concordia is one of only four NAIA volleyball programs nationally that can claim to have reached bracket play at the national tournament in each of the past three seasons. The Bulldogs are returning a significant amount of firepower with First Team All-GPAC performers Gabi Nordaker and Camryn Opfer leading the way. Concordia must replace five-year setter Tara Callahan, a former Honorable Mention All-American.
The official start to the season is near. The Bulldogs will get things started in 2022 by playing at the Raider Invitational hosted by Southern Oregon University in Ashland, Ore., Aug. 18-19. Concordia will make its home debut on Aug. 26 as part of the Bulldog Bash.
2022 GPAC Volleyball Preseason Coaches’ Poll
-First-place votes in parentheses
1. Jamestown – 115 (6)
2. Midland – 107 (3)
3. Northwestern – 98 (3)
4. Concordia – 90
5. College of Saint Mary – 82
6. Dakota Wesleyan – 80
7. Dordt – 63
8. Doane – 48
9. Hastings – 44
10. Briar Cliff – 28
11. Morningside – 26
12. Mount Marty – 11