NORFOLK, Va. — Norfolk State volleyball standout Gabrielle Gilbert earned a spot on the Preseason All-MEAC Team, while the Spartans were picked sixth in the conference's preseason poll.
 
After receiving All-MEAC First Team honors last season, Gilbert returns for her senior campaign as one of the conference's top offensive threats. She ranked third in the MEAC in both kills (397) and kills per set (3.93) in 2025.
 
The Norfolk State standout also totaled 461 points (4.56 per set), 157 digs, 46 blocks and 38 service aces last season, providing the Spartans with a strong all-around presence.
 
NSU enters the 2026 season looking to climb the MEAC standings and build on last year's experience. The Spartans finished 5-24 overall and 3-11 in conference play in 2025.
 
The Spartans open the 2026 season by co-hosting the Quest for the Crown Tournament with Old Dominion. Norfolk State faces USC Upstate at 5 p.m. Friday, Aug. 28, at Echols Hall.
 
For complete coverage of Norfolk State athletics, please follow the Spartans on social media at @NSUSpartans (Twitter), /NorfolkStateAthletics (Facebook), @NSUAthletics (Instagram), @nsuathletics (YouTube) or visit the official home of Norfolk State Athletics.
 
MEAC Preseason All-Conference Team
Preseason Player of the Year – Coco Figueroa, Coppin State 

Name	Class	Pos.	School
Coco Figueroa	Senior	L	Coppin State
Cherisse Atilano	Sophomore	OH	Coppin State
Zenai Jethroe	Senior	MB	Howard
Gabrielle Gilbert	Senior	OH/OPP	Norfolk State
Kayden Cupid	Junior	MH	Coppin State
Alexys James	Sophomore	S	Howard
Kaitlynn Robinson	Senior	MB	Howard

 
MEAC Predicted Order of Finish

1. Coppin State 92 (7)
2. Howard 85 (2)
3. Delaware State 72 (2)
4. Morgan State 68
5. Maryland Eastern Shore 59
6. Norfolk State 41 (2)
7. North Carolina Central 37
8. South Carolina State 14