The UTEP volleyball team has been selected as the frontrunner in the 2026 Mountain West preseason poll, securing four first-place votes and 84 points. Graduate student Ema Uskokovic has been named to the 2026 MW Preseason Team, making her one of seven players recognized this year. This marks a significant accomplishment as she becomes the fifth Miner to receive consecutive preseason honors. The Miners built on a successful 2025 season, where they won their first conference championship and made an NCAA Tournament appearance.

By the Numbers
  • UTEP secured 84 points and four first-place votes in the preseason poll.
  • Ema Uskokovic led the Miners in 2024 with 354 kills and 48 service aces.
State of Play
  • UTEP aims to repeat their success from 2025, where they had a 27-6 record.
  • Uskokovic enters her sixth year after missing the 2025 season due to injury.
What's Next

Looking ahead, the Miners will strive to defend their conference title and enhance their NCAA Tournament prospects in the upcoming season. Uskokovic's performance will be critical for team success as they face strong competition in the Mountain West.

Bottom Line

UTEP volleyball is poised for a promising season with a distinguished player in Ema Uskokovic, confidence from last year’s achievements, and high expectations from their preseason ranking. The integration of returning talent and fresh strategies could elevate their quest for continued success.