CHARLOTTE, N.C. (theACC.com) – The Atlantic Coast Conference had eight student-athletes named to the 2026 AVCA Division I Player of the Year Preseason Watch List this week, highlighted by two representatives each from Louisville, Pitt, SMU and Stanford.
 
The ACC’s eight selections were the second-most of any conference, trailing only the Big Ten’s 10 nominees.
 
All eight ACC representatives were also named to the All-ACC Preseason Team earlier this week ahead of the 2026 season.
 
Pitt’s Olivia Babcock is a two-time winner of the AVCA Division I Player of the Year award, winning the honor in both 2024 and 2025. She is just the fifth player in the award’s history to win it in consecutive seasons.
 
ACC Players on 2026 AVCA Division I Player of the Year Preseason Watch List
Nayelis Cabello, Jr., S, Louisville
Chloe Chicoine, Sr., OH, Louisville
Olivia Babcock, Sr., RS, Pitt
Izzy Starck, Jr., S, Pitt
Favor Anyanwu, Jr., MB, SMU
Suli Davis, So., OH, SMU
Lizzy Andrew, Jr., MB, Stanford
Logan Parks, So., S, Stanford