Reigning champs highlight 1st Varsity Maine volleyball poll of 2026
Gorham Tops First 2026 Varsity Maine Volleyball Poll
Gorham is ranked No. 1 in the inaugural Varsity Maine volleyball poll for the 2026 season, a ranking that reflects the Rams’ dominance over the past three years and the return of star setter Liana Edwards. The poll, based on games played before September 8, 2026, was compiled by Varsity Maine staff members who awarded points to the ten teams considered most competitive.
Poll results
- Gorham – 88 points (7 first‑place votes)
- Washington Academy – 72 points (1 first‑place vote)
- Scarborough – 72 points (1 first‑place vote)
- Thornton Academy – 66 points
- York – 59 points
- Cheverus/Waynflete – 42 points
- Greely – 17 points
- Narraguagus – 15 points
- Messalonskee – 14 points
- Mount Desert Island – 11 points
Gorham’s position at the top of the list comes at a time when the Rams are coming off a 3‑1 victory in the Class A championship, a win that gave the school its third straight state title. The victory was highlighted by Edwards, who has earned the Varsity Maine Player of the Year award twice and returned to the squad for the 2026 campaign.
Washington Academy, the defending Class B champion, and Scarborough, the recent Class C champion, both tied for second. Washington’s Raiders have earned consecutive Class B titles and earlier claimed Class C crowns in 2021 and 2022. The Red Storm entered last year’s Class A tournament as the top seed, returning 11 players for the current season.
Narraguagus, which has captured three consecutive state titles—most recently in Class D and the two prior seasons in Class C—is third in the poll. Mount Desert Island, the reigning Class C champion, is placed 10th.
Background
The Varsity Maine poll is a yearly ranking that reflects the state of high‑school volleyball in Maine. It is based on regular‑season play and preseason expectations. Each voter awards points, with first‑place votes counted separately. The list presented above shows the teams’ relative strength heading into the 2026 season.
Gorham’s third straight state title has positioned the Rams as the benchmark for Maine high‑school volleyball. Returning key players and a seasoned coaching staff have helped the team maintain a high level of performance. The poll’s top spot signals that many analysts expect the Rams to continue their success into the new season.
As the 2026 season approaches, schools will prepare to compete for spots in the state tournament. The rankings suggest that Gorham remains the favorite, with Washington Academy and Scarborough poised to challenge for the championship. Meanwhile, teams lower on the list, such as Narraguagus and Mount Desert Island, will look to build on recent successes and improve their standings.
