GREENVILLE, S.C. – After a 17-15 season in 2025, including a 13-7 mark in league play, the Braves were picked to finish third in the release of the Conference Carolinas Preseason Coaches Poll on Thursday.
 
The Braves picked up a total of 181 points, while 2025 Conference Carolinas champion Emmanuel was tabbed as the favorite after collecting ten first-place votes and a total of 216 points, followed by 2025 East Division champion Francis Marion who earned 215 points and the other six first-place votes. North Greenville tallied 180 points to slot in at fourth, while Converse picked up 174 points to round out the top five.
 
The preseason poll was voted on by the league's head coaches and are not permitted to vote for their own school. 

The Braves will officially begin the 2026 season on August 28 as they kick off the Shark Invitational with a match against Palm Beach Atlantic. First serve is set for 11:45 a.m. The two-day invitational will be hosted by Nova Southeastern in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.