Bobcat Duo Named to All-Big Sky Preseason Team
8/19/2026 12:00:00 PM | Women's Volleyball
BOZEMAN, Mont. – Montana State volleyball sophomore setter Teagan Jaynes and senior blocker Joelie Spelts were named to the All-Big Sky Conference Preseason Volleyball team, which was announced on Wednesday afternoon. The pair of Bobcats join nine athletes who are expected to play a significant role in Big Sky action this season.
Montana State was tabbed to finish sixth in the league's preseason coaches poll, also released Wednesday. The Bobcats were 8-8 in conference play last season as the program enters its fourth year under head coach Matt Houk.
"I'm really happy for Teagan and Joelie, and their success is a testament to our team," Houk said. "All the athletes that made the list are good athletes, and we all have to be aware when they come to town. Teagan led the league in assists during conference last season, and Joelie put up good numbers both offensively and defensively, but it is also a testament to our team. Even though we didn't finish as high as we would have liked to last year, we gave the Big Sky a chance to recognize that we've got some athletes that the competition should be looking out for. Teagan and Joelie play a big role on this team, and we're looking for big things from both of them this season."
Jaynes recorded 934 assists last season, working as the primary setter for the Bobcats as a true freshman. She totaled 644 sets in conference games, the most by any player in the Big Sky. Jaynes also led the Bobcats with 21 service aces during the season and finished fifth in the conference, averaging .33 aces per set.
"Teagan is the quarterback; she's running the show out there, but she's more of a leader by example," Houk said. "I think she is finding her voice more and more every day, which will be an important step our program needs."
Spelts is entering her fourth season of competition and has made a name for herself as one of the best blockers in the conference. She led the MSU squad with 111 total blocks and finished with 237 kills while recording a .285 hitting percentage a season ago.
"Being a senior, Joelie has a big voice on this team, but also has a ton of empathy," Houk said. "She is really connected and has a feel for when people are struggling. She does a really good job of connecting with people in those ways, but is not afraid to hold the standard and does that when she has to."
After an exhibition match at Washington this Friday, Bobcats open the regular season at the Maroon and White Classic hosted by Lafayette University beginning Aug. 29. MSU will face Delaware and Lafayette on Saturday and Marist on Sunday.
Preseason All-Conference Team
Teagan Jaynes, Montana State
Joelie Spelts, Montana State
Jaydin Watts, Idaho State
Gracie Cagle, Montana
Delaney Russell, Montana
Gigi Greenlee, Northern Arizona
Hanah Stoddard, Northern Arizona (Preseason MVP)
Nerea Alvarez Jorge, Northern Colorado
Alayna Tessena, Northern Colorado
Alivia Eikenberg, Portland State
Rose Moore, Weber State
Preseason Coaches' Poll
1. Northern Colorado (4) - 88
2. Northern Arizona (4) - 85
T3. Idaho State - 72
T3. Montana (2) - 72
5. Weber State - 69
6. Montana State - 61
7. Utah Tech (1) - 57
8. Portland State - 43
9. Idaho – 25
10. Eastern Washington – 18
11. Southern Utah - 15
() indicates first-place vote
Montana State was tabbed to finish sixth in the league's preseason coaches poll, also released Wednesday. The Bobcats were 8-8 in conference play last season as the program enters its fourth year under head coach Matt Houk.
"I'm really happy for Teagan and Joelie, and their success is a testament to our team," Houk said. "All the athletes that made the list are good athletes, and we all have to be aware when they come to town. Teagan led the league in assists during conference last season, and Joelie put up good numbers both offensively and defensively, but it is also a testament to our team. Even though we didn't finish as high as we would have liked to last year, we gave the Big Sky a chance to recognize that we've got some athletes that the competition should be looking out for. Teagan and Joelie play a big role on this team, and we're looking for big things from both of them this season."
Jaynes recorded 934 assists last season, working as the primary setter for the Bobcats as a true freshman. She totaled 644 sets in conference games, the most by any player in the Big Sky. Jaynes also led the Bobcats with 21 service aces during the season and finished fifth in the conference, averaging .33 aces per set.
"Teagan is the quarterback; she's running the show out there, but she's more of a leader by example," Houk said. "I think she is finding her voice more and more every day, which will be an important step our program needs."
Spelts is entering her fourth season of competition and has made a name for herself as one of the best blockers in the conference. She led the MSU squad with 111 total blocks and finished with 237 kills while recording a .285 hitting percentage a season ago.
"Being a senior, Joelie has a big voice on this team, but also has a ton of empathy," Houk said. "She is really connected and has a feel for when people are struggling. She does a really good job of connecting with people in those ways, but is not afraid to hold the standard and does that when she has to."
After an exhibition match at Washington this Friday, Bobcats open the regular season at the Maroon and White Classic hosted by Lafayette University beginning Aug. 29. MSU will face Delaware and Lafayette on Saturday and Marist on Sunday.
Preseason All-Conference Team
Teagan Jaynes, Montana State
Joelie Spelts, Montana State
Jaydin Watts, Idaho State
Gracie Cagle, Montana
Delaney Russell, Montana
Gigi Greenlee, Northern Arizona
Hanah Stoddard, Northern Arizona (Preseason MVP)
Nerea Alvarez Jorge, Northern Colorado
Alayna Tessena, Northern Colorado
Alivia Eikenberg, Portland State
Rose Moore, Weber State
Preseason Coaches' Poll
1. Northern Colorado (4) - 88
2. Northern Arizona (4) - 85
T3. Idaho State - 72
T3. Montana (2) - 72
5. Weber State - 69
6. Montana State - 61
7. Utah Tech (1) - 57
8. Portland State - 43
9. Idaho – 25
10. Eastern Washington – 18
11. Southern Utah - 15
() indicates first-place vote
Players Mentioned
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/ Women's Volleyball
MB
/ Women's VolleyballWednesday, January 18
Monday, November 15
Saturday, September 04
Friday, September 03
