FULLERTON, Calif. – The Western Water Polo Association (WWPA) announced on Thursday, January 15th, the 2026 Preseason Coaches Poll, with McKendree being voted first in the entire conference.
The Bearcats received 39 total points with four first-place votes amongst its peers. It marks their highest placement in the season-opening poll in their now-eight-year history of the WWPA. Their previous high was third-place back in 2023.
Concordia University Irvine came in close behind McKendree in the poll, as they garnered 36 points and the remaining three first-place nods. Biola University was a near third on the list with 33 points, as California State University, Monterey Bay rounded out the top four with 19 points.
This year's roster will consist of 26 players, with 20 of them returning from last year's championship squad. The team also features 14 upperclassmen, bringing in a plethora of experience into the 2026 slate.
2026 WWPA Preseason Coaches Poll
1. McKendree University | 39 points (4 first-place votes)
2. Concordia University Irvine | 36 (3)
3. Biola University | 33
4. California State University, Monterey Bay | 19
5. Fresno Pacific University | 16
6. Salem University | 14
7. Gannon University | 11
*University of California, Merced | N/A
*UC Merced will play a WWPA conference regular season schedule, but is ineligible for WWPA/NCAA postseason official competition due to NCAA Division II transition.
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