UNLV volleyball's Jaida Harris has been named the Mountain West Preseason Player of the Year as the team heads into the 2026 season. The Rebels, predicted to finish sixth in the conference, received 53 points in the preseason poll conducted by the league's coaches. UTEP secured the top spot with 84 points, followed by UC Davis (80 points) and Grand Canyon (70 points). Harris, a standout last season, contributed significantly to the team's performance, leading in multiple statistical categories.

By the Numbers
  • UNLV finished with 13 wins and a 7-11 record in the Mountain West last season.
  • Harris ranked third in the conference for points (297.5) and fourth for kills (254).
State of Play
  • The Rebels will host an exhibition match against Colorado State on August 22, 2026.
  • Regular season begins August 29 at the Players Era Volleyball Showcase against Nebraska and TCU.
What's Next

As the season approaches, the team aims to improve on last year’s performance, utilizing Harris's leadership to boost their competitive edge. Fans can expect exciting matches starting with the exhibition and regular season kicks off soon afterward.

Bottom Line

Jaida Harris's recognition as Preseason Player of the Year highlights her potential impact on the UNLV volleyball program as they strive for greater success this season, making the Rebels a team to watch in the Mountain West.