2023 SEC volleyball outlook

In recent memory, the Southeast Conference champion has been anybody’s guess, as the league has seen phenomenal parity since the 2019 campaign.

The 2022 season saw Burlington finish at the top of the league in the regular season, but Fairfield took the Grayhounds down in the SEC tournament at Fort Madison, as the Trojans won their first league championship in four years.

Fairfield’s conference title snapped a two-year streak from Mt. Pleasant. The Trojans will have to rebuild much of their lineup to win again in 2023, while plenty of youthful teams lurk in the shadows.

2023 SEC Tournament standings

1. Fairfield 4-1

2. Burlington 4-1

3. Keokuk 3-2

4. Washington 2-3

5. Fort Madison 1-4

6. Mt. Pleasant 1-4

2022 SEC kill leaders: 1. Annalise Buxton (10), Burlington 404; 2. Ayla Cannon (12), Burlington 210; 3. May Rayburn (12), Fairfield 199; 4. Leighton Messinger (9), Washington 194; 5. Makenna Altgilbers (11), Keokuk 155.

2022 SEC assist leaders: 1. Maddie Jones (11), Fairfield 516; 2. Marissa Huff (12), Burlington 408; 3. Tristian Shull (12), Mt. Pleasant 355; 4. Lauren Hinrichsen (10), Washington 270; 5. Molly Knipe (12), Fort Madison 251.

2022 SEC digs leaders: 1. Kayleigh Zanger (12), Keokuk 447; 2. Avery Levins (10), Burlington 424; 3. Kayde Martin (12), Keokuk 360; 4. Macy McGinity (12), Burlington 333; 5. Kiya Robertson (12), Fairfield 312.

Bold = probable returners.