New Life Academy Eyes Top Spot in Volleyball Rankings
The Woodbury team surged to the number two position in the latest Minnesota Class 2A coaches poll.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Volleyball
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New Life Academy has secured the number two spot in the updated Minnesota Class 2A girls volleyball rankings. The team has built significant momentum with 12 consecutive wins.
Why it matters
The program is pushing for its fifth straight state tournament appearance as it seeks to capture the first state title in school history. Their recent performance has placed them directly in contention for the top ranking.
New Life Academy is currently ranked second in the Class 2A poll out of 25 total teams. The team is riding a 12-match winning streak and finished third in the state tournament last season.
The players
New Life Academy
This Woodbury-based school competes in the Minnesota high school volleyball circuit.
Ryleigh Schelhaas
She is a key offensive contributor for the New Life Academy volleyball program.
Vana Jensen
She plays a central role in the team's offensive strategy and chemistry.
Alexa Lilly
She is a primary player involved in the team's ongoing offensive efforts.
Hannah Hanson
She serves as a key component of the New Life Academy offensive roster.
The details
Led by Ryleigh Schelhaas, Vana Jensen, Alexa Lilly, and Hannah Hanson, the team maintains an effective offensive rhythm through strong chemistry. Recent victories over Benilde St. Margaret's and Southwest Christian have bolstered their standings.
Timeline
September 26, 2026: New Life Academy lost a match to Esko.
October 20, 2026: The team swept St. Croix Prep in a recent contest.
October 21, 2026: The latest statewide rankings were published.
Season Trajectory
The team is building on the foundation of their third-place finish in the 2025 Minnesota Class 2A state tournament. This current run establishes them as a top contender as the state playoffs approach.
The team must maintain their current winning streak to improve their seed for the upcoming state tournament. Success in the final matches of the season will be critical for securing the number one ranking.
The takeaway
Maintaining consistent chemistry among core players remains the most significant factor for high school teams during high-stakes ranking climbs. Programs that build off previous tournament experiences often see improved performance in subsequent seasons.
Further reading
For more updates on high school athletics, visit the Minnesota Volleyball section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Startribune.
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