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On Thursday, the Sun Belt Conference released its preseason awards and preseason poll for the upcoming volleyball season.

Troy’s Janelle Stuempfig and Tori Hester were both selected to the Preseason All-Sun Belt Team, while Stuempfig was named Preseason Setter of the Year. Stuempfig is the first Trojan to win a preseason individual ward since Troy joined the Sun Belt in 2004. She earned All-Sun Belt honors last season after tallying 1,084 assists in 2023. Hester also earned All-Sun Belt honors last season after tallying 442 kills.

“Janelle has improved as a setter every year, and this season we look forward to her continuing the great setter tradition we have established here at Troy,” Troy coach Josh Lauer said. “Tori has established herself as one of the top all-around players in the league. She has consistently represented the Sun Belt in the NCAA rankings offensively over the last two seasons and I can’t wait to see what she can accomplish this fall. I’m always thankful and humbled when the Sun Belt coaches recognize our players in the preseason.

“It speaks to the competitiveness and performance of our team, as well as both Janelle and Tori. Both being recognized is well deserved. They are tremendous student-athletes here at Troy and our team is excited for the season ahead.”

Additionally, Troy was selected to finish second in the Sun Belt West in the Preseason Coaches’ Poll. Troy was selected to finish second behind Texas State, which is the highest that Troy has landed on the preseason poll since 2021.