Kenosha, Wis. — The Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) released its 2026 preseason poll today, with the Parkside Rangers selected to finish fifth following a fifth-place finish in the conference last season.
The Rangers return several key contributors to their lineup, including reigning two-time GLIAC Defensive Player of the Year and All-American Natalie Harris. Entering her senior season, Harris is coming off a standout junior campaign in which she recorded 564 digs, ranking first in the GLIAC and 25th nationally. Her 5.37 digs per set also led the conference and ranked 14th in the nation. She added 38 service aces, good for sixth in the GLIAC, while reaching a significant career milestone by surpassing 1,500 career digs. Harris finished her junior season with 1,584 career digs.
Additionally, the Rangers return two more All-GLIAC honorees in Sam Fisch and Avary Polavin. Fisch, a three-time First Team All-GLIAC selection, returns for another season after a standout 2025 campaign. She recorded 367 kills, ranking fourth in the GLIAC, while her 3.50 kills per set ranked third in the conference. Fisch also contributed 82 blocks throughout the season. Sophomore Avary Polavin also returns after earning Honorable Mention All-GLIAC honors last season. Polavin appeared in 22 matches, totaling 173 kills, 32 digs and 17 blocks.
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As a team, the Rangers led the GLIAC during the 2025 conference season in assists per set (12.92) and service aces (203). Parkside also ranked third in the conference in team kills (1,423), digs per set (16.76) and blocks per set (2.24).
Barea is excited about the "overall potential and depth of this team" heading into the 2026 season, noting that the Rangers have "a lot of options that give us the ability to be competitive and win at a really high level." She is also encouraged by the team's chemistry, describing the group as one that "really enjoys being around one another and has fun together." Barea believes that connection will be important throughout the season, adding that she is "excited to see how that helps us as we tackle the season."
Returning three All-GLIAC athletes, Barea expects Natalie Harris, Sam Fisch and Avary Polavin to play key roles for the Rangers both on and off the court.
"I think all three of them are going to be huge contributors," said Barea. "Not only on the volleyball side of things, but I think all three of them have also really stepped up into leadership roles."
Harris and Fisch, both seniors, have been "key contributors on the court throughout their careers," while fellow senior Sierra Kilbourn has also stepped into a leadership role and made an impact for the team. Barea has been impressed by the way the senior leaders have helped shape the team, noting that they have worked to "help shape this team into the kind of team they wanted it to be."
Polavin continues to establish herself as a fierce competitor, with Barea praising her "competitive mindset" and attitude. Barea is excited to see Polavin continue to grow into the role she began establishing during the second half of last season and "continue to elevate her teammates alongside her."
The Rangers' newcomers have also added to the team's chemistry, bringing "new and positive elements to our gym," according to Barea. Whether through skill, experience or attitude, Barea believes each newcomer has something special to contribute.
"I think all of them have something special that they're bringing," said Barea.
Barea highlighted the unique experiences of the team's transfers and the continued growth of the freshmen, who are "coming in every day and continuing to grow." As the newcomers become more comfortable within the program, Barea is excited to see how their individual strengths complement the returning core and continue to build the team's chemistry heading into the 2026 season.
The Rangers will open the 2026 season at the Lady Buff Invitational on August 28 before beginning GLIAC competition on Friday, September 11, at Ferris State University.
