Four things to know about the 2026 girls volleyball state championships

The roar of the crowd at Grand Casino Arena will be palpable this Saturday as Minnesota’s best high school volleyball teams converge for the 2026 state championships. Four matches across four classes will determine this year’s champions, marking a culmination of dedication, perseverance, and community support. Understanding the context of these matches—the returning champions, the rising stars, and the legacies being built—adds another layer of appreciation for this annual tradition.

The Road to St. Paul: Returning Champions and Tournament Schedule

This year’s tournament promises compelling matchups, particularly in Class 4A where Lakeville South seeks a three-peat, a feat not achieved since Wayzata’s four consecutive titles from 2019 to 2023. In Class 3A, Marshall aims for their fifth title in the past six years, although they enter as underdogs against the top-seeded Benilde-St. Margaret’s, a team that previously defeated them in a four-set battle. The Class 1A bracket saw an upset in the quarterfinals when Belgrade-Brooten-Elrosa defeated two-time defending champion Mayer Lutheran, ending the latter’s reign and setting up a fascinating final. The tournament schedule, including match times and streaming options, can be found Tournament Schedule. Live streaming of the matches is available on NSPN.TV.

The tournament began Wednesday, November 11th, with quarterfinal matches across all four classes. Thursday and Friday saw semifinal action, culminating in Saturday’s championship games. The Minnesota State High School League website provides more information about the tournament and participating schools.

A Legacy of Champions and Coaches

The narrative surrounding this year’s tournament is interwoven with the legacies of past champions and coaches. Eagan’s journey to the Class 4A final is particularly poignant, as it sees head coach McKenna Melville stepping into her own, while her mother, Kathy Gillen-Melville, serves as an assistant coach. Kathy Gillen-Melville was inducted into the MSHSL Hall of Fame earlier this year, a recognition of her remarkable career, which includes seven state titles and 16 state tournament appearances, including a remarkable seven consecutive championships from 2013 to 2019. The younger Melville will get a chance to win her first title as a head coach Saturday, and her mother is close by on the Eagan bench as an assistant.

McKenna Melville herself is a decorated volleyball player, having earned the Star Tribune All-Metro Player of the Year award in 2017 and reaching the state tournament in all four years of her high school career. Her personal journey, from player to coach, embodies the spirit of mentorship and the passing down of knowledge and values within families and communities.

Key Dates

Dates and Times

Wednesday, November 11: Class AAAA, AAA, AA, and A Quarterfinals

Thursday, November 12: Class AA and A Semifinals

Friday, November 13: Class AAA and AAAA Semifinals

Saturday, November 14: All Championship Matches

Championship Match Times

Class A: 1:00 p.m. (Court 2)

Class AA: 3:30 p.m. (Court 2)

Class AAA: 5:30 p.m. (Court 2)

Class AAAA: 7:30 p.m. (Court 2)

Star Power on Display

Beyond the returning champions and coaching legacies, this year’s tournament features a constellation of talented players poised to make their mark. Benilde-St. Margaret’s boasts three all-tournament players from last year’s runner-up team: junior Avery Minor and twin seniors Sydney and Sailor Friedly. Marshall’s senior libero/defensive specialist, Kezlyn Pinckney, returns to the 3A title game after earning all-tournament honors last season. Lakeville South and Eagan also feature returning all-tournament players, Kaelyn Bjorklund and Elleora Utecht, respectively.

However, the most captivating storyline might be the emergence of Eagan junior Mesa Jameson. Jameson’s performance in the semifinals against Champlin Park—blasting 37 kills, believed to be the most in a state tournament match since 2007—has catapulted her into the spotlight. Her exceptional talent and competitive spirit promise to elevate the level of play and captivate audiences throughout the championship games. The Bjorklund Profile of Bjorklund underscores the depth of talent showcased in this year's tournament.

Small Town, Big Volleyball

While the state championships draw attention to the larger programs, the story of Minneota, a town of just under 1,400 people in southwestern Minnesota, is a testament to the power of community and dedication. The Minneota Vikings football team’s remarkable 56-game winning streak is well-known, but their volleyball program is equally impressive, having reached the Class 1A championship in their past six state trips, which included a runner-up finish in 2024. Their four state titles—2006, 2018-19, and 2022—reflect the unwavering support of the community and the commitment of generations of players and coaches.

The Vikings’ current 11-match win streak heading into Saturday’s final against Belgrade-Brooten-Elrosa showcases their resilience and determination. Their success serves as an inspiration to smaller communities across the state, demonstrating that with hard work, dedication, and a strong sense of community, anything is possible.

Katherine's Take

Watching these young women compete at the highest level in Minnesota high school volleyball reminds us of the importance of instilling values of teamwork, discipline, and perseverance in our children. The dedication required to reach this level—the countless hours spent practicing, the sacrifices made by families—is a testament to the power of commitment. It’s heartening to see families like the Melvilles, where a mother’s legacy inspires a daughter’s pursuit of excellence, demonstrating the enduring strength of family bonds and the importance of mentorship.

The rise of players like Mesa Jameson also highlights the potential that exists within our state, and the need to cultivate opportunities for young athletes to develop their talents. As we celebrate these athletes’ achievements, let us also remember the role that strong communities play in supporting their dreams. The success of Minneota, a small town with a big volleyball program, serves as a powerful reminder that even in a world of increasing complexity, the values of hard work, dedication, and community remain essential to achieving success.

By the Numbers

Minneota’s Winning Streak

Minneota’s Winning Streak: 56 games

Mesa Jameson’s Kills (Semifinals)

Mesa Jameson’s Kills (Semifinals): 37

Wayzata’s Consecutive Titles

Wayzata’s Consecutive Titles: 4 (2019-2023)

Who's Involved

Kathy Gillen-Melville: Eagan Head Coach and MSHSL Hall of Fame Inductee

McKenna Melville: Eagan Assistant Coach

Dan Westby: Marshall Head Coach

Avery Minor, Sydney Friedly, Sailor Friedly: Benilde-St. Margaret’s Players

Kezlyn Pinckney: Marshall Player

Kaelyn Bjorklund & Elleora Utecht: Lakeville South Players

Mesa Jameson: Eagan Player

The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board offers numerous recreational programs for youth in our community.

The 2026 girls volleyball state championships represent more than just a culmination of a season; they are a celebration of dedication, teamwork, and the enduring spirit of Minnesota high school athletics. As the final matches unfold Saturday, the focus will be on crowning champions and recognizing the outstanding achievements of these young athletes.

Looking ahead, the success of these programs will depend on continued investment in our schools and communities, ensuring that future generations have the opportunity to pursue their passions and develop their talents. The values instilled through high school athletics—teamwork, discipline, perseverance—are essential for building strong families, thriving communities, and a vibrant state.