Cal Poly Roundnet Earns No. 2 Preseason Ranking
The San Luis Obispo club enters the new season ranked second nationally after a strong runner-up finish last year.
Updated on Oct. 22, 2026 in Volleyball
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Cal Poly Roundnet has been awarded the No. 2 preseason ranking by USA College Roundnet. This recognition follows the team's impressive performance as the national runner-up at the 2026 College Nationals.
Why it matters
The ranking reflects the club's successful efforts to integrate new recruits with returning players following their deep run in the previous national tournament. The team aims to build on this momentum throughout the upcoming regional sectionals.
The club has seen attendance at pickup games surge to approximately 50 players this season, compared to 20 to 30 players during the same period last year. The 2026 College Nationals featured 302 total collegiate athletes across 45 teams.
The players
Cal Poly Roundnet
A collegiate club sport team based in San Luis Obispo that competes at the national level.
USA College Roundnet
The national governing body responsible for organizing collegiate competitions and maintaining team rankings.
The details
Cal Poly secured its reputation last May in Charlotte, North Carolina, by defeating Virginia Commonwealth University and the University of Georgia before falling to Northeastern in the championship match. The current squad is actively developing talent through a mix of competitive practices and casual sessions in San Luis Obispo.
Timeline
May 2026: Cal Poly finished as the national runner-up at College Nationals in Charlotte.
October 2026: Cal Poly received its No. 2 preseason ranking from USA College Roundnet.
May 2027: College Nationals are scheduled to take place.
Season Trajectory
This preseason ranking validates Cal Poly as a consistent title contender following their performance at the 2026 College Nationals. The team must now maintain this standing throughout the fall and spring regional sectionals to secure a top seed for the national championship.
The increase to 50 active players at pickup games indicates a significantly expanded talent pool for the club's competitive teams this year. This depth provides the organization with more flexibility in roster rotations as they prepare for high-stakes sectional matches.
The takeaway
The team's rise to a No. 2 ranking highlights the growing popularity of collegiate roundnet in San Luis Obispo. Aspiring players looking to improve should take advantage of the club's increased capacity for casual pickup games to refine their skills.
What happens next
Cal Poly will compete in regional sectionals throughout the fall and spring, culminating in the College Nationals scheduled for May 2027.
Further reading
For more news on local club sports, check out our Volleyball section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Mustang News.
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