Jaydin Watts Named Big Sky Preseason MVP as Bengals Picked Third in Conference Preseason Poll

FARMINGTON, Utah – Idaho State junior middle blocker Jaydin Watts has been named the Big Sky Conference's first-ever Preseason Most Valuable Player, the league office announced Friday. Watts was also voted to the Preseason All-Conference Team alongside senior Meline Shulikov, giving the Bengals two of the 10 honorees.

In addition, Idaho State was picked tied for third in the Big Sky Preseason Coaches' Poll, receiving two first-place votes and 65 points overall.

Watts established herself as one of the league's premier front-line forces in 2024, starting all 31 matches for the Bengals. She recorded 235 kills (1.96 per set) on a .327 hitting percentage, while adding 161 total blocks (1.34 per set), ranking among the Big Sky leaders in both categories. Her 324.5 total points ranked second on the team as she anchored ISU's attack and defense at the net.

Over her first two seasons in Pocatello, Watts has totaled 445 kills, 242 blocks, and a .310 career hitting percentage. She notched a career-high 15 kills against Eastern Washington (Sept. 26, 2024) and a season-best 10 blocks at UC Irvine (Sept. 6, 2024).

"Seeing how this is the first year the Big Sky is doing the preseason voting, it's very cool that our peers in the league of voted for one of our players to be named the preseason MVP", shares Bengals' Head Coach, Sean Carter. "Although being an MVP of the preseason isn't the ultimate goal, it's an awesome recognition for Jaydin and shows what the Big Sky thinks of her as a player is in my coaching experience. I can't remember the last time I've seen a middle blocker receive such a recognition."

Meline Shulikov enters her senior campaign after a breakout 2024 season. She started 31 matches and tallied 241 kills (1.98 per set) on a .223 hitting percentage, 140 digs, and posting 131 total blocks. She reached double-digit kills eight times, including a career-high 16 against Montana State (Oct. 3, 2024).

For her career, Shulikov has amassed 487 kills, 239 blocks, and 251 digs across 82 matches played.

"It is also awesome that Meline was recognized also as a preseason all conference selection", states Carter. "I think she is in position to have a major role on this team and we are very lucky to have her. he certainly is set to have a breakout season."

Idaho State collected 65 points and two first-place votes in the Preseason Coaches' Poll, tying with Sacramento State for third. Weber State earned the top spot with 74 points and five first-place votes, while defending regular season champion, Northern Colorado, was picked second with 66 points and two first-place tallies.

Carter gave us his insight on being picked T-3rd in the preseason Coaches' poll, "That's the highest preseason finish or voting since I've been here so we're continuing to climb the ladder in hopes to achieve our ultimate goal which is to win Big Sky championships and to compete in the NCAA tournament. I'm very excited about this young team along with some great upperclassman leadership.

We have a lot of questions to answer, but our team is competitive, they are motivated, and they are a lot of fun to be around. I'm very excited to see what this team does this year."

The Bengals are coming off a strong 2024 campaign in which they advanced to the Big Sky Tournament semifinals. With the return of their All-Conference standouts and a balanced core of veterans and newcomers, ISU will look to challenge for the league crown in 2025.

The Bengals kick off their 2025 campaign August 29^th – 31^st at the Ridge Invitational hosted by Cal State Northridge in Northridge, CA. Idaho State will compete against CSUN, Cal Baptist, and Pacific at the tournament. Live Stat links can be found at isubengals.com/sports/womens-volleyball/schedule.

The full 2025 Big Sky Volleyball Preseason Team & Poll results can be found below:

Preseason MVP
Jaydin Watts, ISU
 
Preseason All-Conference Team
Jaydin Watts, ISU
Ashley Gneiting, WSU
Isabel Bennett, UNC
Hannah Stoddard, NAU
Kate Doorn, SAC
Naomi White, PSU
Quincy Moran, EWU
Lauren Lindseth, MSU
Meline Shulikov, ISU
Alayna Tessena, UNC
  
Preseason Coaches' Poll
1. Weber State (5) - 74
2. Northern Colorado (2) - 66
T3. Idaho State (2) - 65
T3. Sacramento State - 65
5. Eastern Washington - 40
6. Portland State - 39
T7. Montana State - 36
T7. Northern Arizona (1) - 36
9. Montana - 20
10. Idaho - 9
 
*() Indicates first place vote
 
 
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