EDISON, NJ – The Metro Conference announced its 2026 Volleyball Preseason All-Metro Team on Thursday morning, with Iona University sophomore
Julia Leonardo earning a spot on the preseason All-Metro Team.
Leonardo had a stellar rookie campaign, earning 2025 MAAC Rookie of the Year honors, along with All-MAAC Second Team and All-MAAC Rookie Team recognition. She was also named MAAC Rookie of the Week three times and MAAC Player of the Week once.
The Attleboro, Massachusetts native led the Gaels in points (429.5), points per set (4.01), kills (380), and kills per set (3.55). She also ranked third on the team in service aces with 28.
Leonardo recorded seven matches with 20 or more kills during her rookie season, including a season-high 30 kills against Saint Peter's on Oct. 25.
In the 2026 Metro Conference Volleyball Preseason Coaches' Poll, reigning champion Fairfield (10) topped the poll, with Quinnipiac (1) and Rider (1) rounding out the top three. Iona was picked ninth in the 2026 preseason poll.
2026 Preseason All-METRO Team
| PLAYER |
YEAR |
SCHOOL |
| Mamie Krubally |
Sr. |
Fairfield |
| Makenna Mason |
Sr. |
Rider |
| Julia Leonardo |
So. |
Iona |
| Miliani Villarreal |
Jr. |
Sacred Heart |
| Doga Diraz |
Sr. |
Siena |
| Sara Dasic |
Sr. |
Marist |
| Emma Bortolotti |
So. |
Fairfield |
| Mary Claire Deacy |
So. |
Siena |
UP NEXT
The Gaels kick off the 2026 campaign on August 28th on the road with a 7:30 p.m. match-up against Louisiana Tech for their first game of the 2026 Jambalaya Jam.
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