Van Gorp Named to the AVCA Preseason Player of the Year Watch List

AMES, Iowa – Rachel Van Gorp has been named to the AVCA Preseason Player of the Year Watch List, the AVCA announced Friday.

The AVCA introduced the watch list prior to the 2024 season. Now in it's third year, Van Gorp is the first in Iowa State history to be named a watchlist player.

Van Gorp is set to begin her junior season in 2026, coming off becoming the inaugural AVCA National Libero of the Year last season. Van Gorp also was named a Second Team All-American, ISU's first underclassmen to be selected second team or higher. The star libero was also the unanimous choice for Big 12 Libero of the Year as well as All-Big 12 First Team.

Van Gorp was announced in the final of three groups, in no particular order. A total of 30 players across the nation make up the list, with Van Gorp one of two liberos. The AVCA will release a midseason update in October, followed by semifinalists in November and finalists in December.

Van Gorp begins the 2026 season Friday, Aug. 14 hosting SDSU for an exhibition at Hilton.