KENOSHA — The Carthage College men's volleyball team has been selected No. 2 in the 2026 AVCA Division III Men's Volleyball Preseason Poll, as announced by the American Volleyball Coaches Association.

The Firebirds enter the 2026 season following a strong 2025 campaign that saw Carthage College post a 23-4 overall record and a 9-1 mark in College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin play. The season included a trip to the NCAA Regional Quarterfinal, highlighting the program's continued success on the national stage.

Under the direction of head coach JW Kieckhefer, a four-time CCIW Coach of the Year, Carthage has captured four conference championships since 2021. Over the past six seasons, the Firebirds have also made four NCAA Tournament appearances.

The team starts the 2026 season on Tuesday, January 13, with a 6 p.m. road match at Lakeland in Plymouth, Wis. Carthage will play its home opener on Thursday, January 15, hosting Benedictine (Ill.) at 7 p.m. inside Tarble Arena. Conference play for the Firebirds begins Thursday, February 19 at 7 p.m. against Illinois Wesleyan.