2026 State Girls Volleyball Tourney Central

The echo of volleyballs striking the floor will soon reverberate across St. Paul as the Minnesota State Girls Volleyball Tournament commences this week at the Grand Casino Arena. This year’s tournament, featuring four classes – AAAA, AAA, AA, and A – promises a showcase of exceptional talent from across the state and will be live-streamed on NSPN.TV for those unable to attend in person. All matches will be held at Grand Casino Arena, simplifying logistics and providing a unified setting for intense competition. This year's tournament marks a significant event for volleyball enthusiasts across Minnesota.

Tournament Structure and Schedule

The tournament is divided into four classes: AAAA, AAA, AA, and A. Each class has its own schedule of quarterfinals, semifinals, and championship matches. In Class AAAA, Lakeville South, ranked number one, faces off against eighth-seeded Alexandria Area in the quarterfinals. Apple Valley (4) will meet Roseville (5), while Eagan (2) challenges Blaine (7), and Champlin Park (3) takes on Chanhassen (6). Semifinal matches on Thursday, November 12th, will pit Lakeville South against Apple Valley and Eagan against Champlin Park. The Class AAAA championship match is scheduled for Saturday, November 14th at 7:30 p.m. on Court 2.

The Class AAA tournament begins Wednesday, November 11th with Benilde-St. Margaret’s versus Hill-Murray and Cretin-Derham Hall against Stewartville. Princeton will play Sauk Rapids-Rice, and Marshall faces Totino-Grace. Semifinal rounds are set for Friday, November 13th, culminating in a championship match Saturday at 5:30 p.m.. In Class AA, New Life Academy opens against East Grand Forks, followed by New London-Spicer vs Dover-Eyota. Southwest Christian challenges Watertown-Mayer and Minnewaska Area meets Rush City. Semifinal matches will be held Friday, November 13th with the championship match Saturday at 3:30 p.m.. Finally, Class A action gets underway Thursday, November 12th with Minneota against Pine River-Backus and Sacred Heart versus Chisholm. Mayer Lutheran plays Belgrade-Brooten-Elrosa and Fillmore Central faces Sleepy Eye St. Mary’s. The Class A championship match is slated for Saturday at 1 p.m.

Recognizing Excellence: The All-Minnesota Volleyball Team

Ahead of the tournament, the Minnesota Star Tribune released its annual All-Minnesota girls volleyball team, recognizing the state's top 25 players across all classifications. This year’s selection includes a diverse group of athletes, judged on statistics, coach input, and overall impact on their teams. Josie Anderson of Sauk Rapids-Rice, a senior outside hitter with a .400 hitting percentage and 347 kills during the regular season, earned a spot. Avery Beckering, Southwest Christian's senior outside hitter who led her team with 343 kills, also made the list, as did Cora Bicknese of Chatfield, recognized for her versatility as a libero and right-side hitter. Star Tribune.

Standout Players and Their Contributions

Among the recognized players, Kaelyn Bjorklund, Lakeville South’s senior setter, stands out as the All-Minnesota Player of the Year. She broke her school's all-time assist record while orchestrating the offense for back-to-back Class 4A title teams. Other notable selections include Roseville’s Leah Biyadglign, a Division I recruit who surpassed career milestones in both digs and assists, and Clara Christ of Chaska, recognized for her defensive prowess. The team also includes Mesa Jameson of Eagan, a highly-regarded junior right-side hitter considered a five-star prospect and a member of the U.S. Under-17 team who recorded 450 kills in the regular season. Other honorees include Payton Gravelle of Wadena-Deer Creek, Sydney Friedly of Benilde-St. Margaret’s, Kezlyn Pinckney of Marshall, and Ellie Osowski of Wayzata.

Community Impact and Significance

The state volleyball tournament is more than just a sporting event; it’s a source of pride for communities across Minnesota. For families and schools, the opportunity to witness their athletes compete on the state’s biggest stage represents years of dedication, hard work, and unwavering support. The tournament provides an avenue for young women to demonstrate their athletic abilities, leadership skills, and commitment to teamwork—values that extend far beyond the volleyball court. The presence of these athletes showcases the importance of strong family bonds and the encouragement that allows young people to pursue their dreams with confidence and purpose.

Katherine's Take

Watching this tournament unfold, I’m struck by the echoes it carries of our shared values. These young women aren’t simply striving for a trophy; they’re representing their families, schools, and communities. The dedication it takes to reach this level – the early morning practices, the sacrifices made – speaks volumes about their commitment and character. While athletic success is certainly gratifying, the lessons learned through teamwork, perseverance, and graciousness in both victory and defeat are arguably more valuable. It's a privilege to witness these young women competing with such skill and sportsmanship.

One question that remains is how the absence of spectators will affect the atmosphere of competition. The energy of a crowd can be a powerful motivator, and it will be interesting to see how the athletes adapt to this new dynamic. Furthermore, it will be valuable to track how these young women use their platform to inspire others and contribute positively to their communities after their playing days are over. The tournament is a reminder that true success isn’t just about winning; it’s about the impact we have on the world around us.

Resources for Fans

For those interested in following the tournament, comprehensive schedules and bracket information are available on the Minnesota State High School League website: mshsl.org. Live streaming of all matches will be provided by NSPN.TV: nspn.tv. Fans can also find additional coverage and highlights on the Star Tribune’s website: Star Tribune, and stay updated on local school district news through their respective websites, such as the Rochester Public Schools website. For information on local recreation and sports programs, residents can also visit the City of Rochester Parks and Recreation.

Looking Ahead

As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on the top contenders in each class as they battle for supremacy. The dedication and talent displayed by these athletes serve as an inspiration to young people throughout Minnesota, reinforcing the values of hard work, perseverance, and teamwork. The state volleyball tournament is a testament to the enduring power of community spirit and the pursuit of excellence, offering a moment of collective pride for all Minnesotans.