Sports

Changing lanes | News, Sports, Jobs

Published

5 months ago

August 7, 2025

Fredonia native Emily Brown clears a barrier in the 3,000-meter steeplechase during her final season at Florida State University.
Submitted Photo

In May, Fredonia High School graduate Emily Brown wrapped up a terrific collegiate track and field career that began at the University of Pittsburgh and ended at Florida State University in the Atlantic Coast Conference Championships and then the NCAA Division I East First Round.

Competing in her best event, the 3,000-meter steeplechase, Brown finished with a personal-best time of 10:05.64, which was good for fifth place at the ACC Championships. That also gave her an All-ACC finish and moved her to No. 6 all-time at Florida State in the event.

“I finished this spring,” Brown stated. “I made the all-time list for Florida State for the women’s steeplechase. I finished fifth at ACC’s which is the highest I’ve finished in any event throughout my collegiate career. It was good to get an All-ACC finish. It was definitely a major goal through my time at Pitt and FSU.”

Brown had one more chance to qualify for the National Championships, but came up just short of that goal in the regionals.

“My last race for Florida State was at (the University of Northern Florida) in Jacksonville, which was the NCAA East Regionals,” Brown said about her final race. “I was fourth in my heat and the top three make nationals. It was me versus my roommate and she was about 0.2 seconds ahead of me, so she got that final qualifying spot. It definitely hurt, but I was super happy for her and I did everything I could. I closed really hard and I’m really proud of my effort.”

Emily Brown stands on the starting line before the 3,000-meter steeplechase final at the Canadian National Championships last weekend in Ottawa. Brown finished second in the race to earn a silver medal.
Submitted Photo

For many college athletes that would mark the end of her athletic career, but that’s not the case for Brown.

A year ago, the Fredonia native — who also has dual citizenship with Canada — competed in the Canadian Olympic Trials in the steeplechase. This year she had the opportunity again, but vying for the World Championship squad instead.

“Just being able to get out there and be in the field,” Brown said about running in Canada. “Getting to know the people and the players in the Canadian track world has been super great. Last year was my first time competing with the Canadian ladies, so I’ve definitely gotten to know them a bit better the past year.”

At the Olympic Trials, Brown ran 10:25.94 which earned her eighth place, but this past weekend in Ottawa, Ontario she improved that time and her placing quite a bit. At the Canadian Nationals, Brown shaved off more than10 seconds from a year ago and posted a time of 10:13.29 to claim a silver medal at the event.

“I definitely want to keep getting faster,” Brown added. “But I think that last weekend was getting one step closer to accomplishing the goals that I want to accomplish. I’m hopefully setting myself up for success in future meets. I just want to continue to make a name for myself in that world.”

Emily Brown finishes her career at Florida State with the sixth-fastest time in school history in the 3,000-meter steeplechase, running a 10:05.64 in the event at the 2025 ACC Championships.
Submitted Photo

The overall champion was Grace Fetherstonhaugh, who blazed past the competition with a time of 9:41.05 and will represent Canada at next month’s World Championships in Tokyo. Eventually representing the National Team has now become one of the goals for Brown.

“I know that making a national team is somewhat of a long-term goal for me,” Brown stated. “It’s nothing I thought about in high school, but transitioning from the end of my time at Pitt, it’s kind of something I’ve talked about with all my coaches. It’s something that’s kind of been my major goal throughout this.”

While most runners have the benefit of running all year with a team — usually at the collegiate level — the now-graduated Brown will have to train independently from an affiliated school.

“I want to keep running,” Brown stated. “I think that was a big part of me going to Florida State. For me, it was meeting people that know what it’s like to run post-collegiately and figure it out from there.”

That could be a daunting task for most competing unattached, but Brown is up for the task, and this year she will not be away from the college track scene, she will just be in a different role.

Fredonia native Emily Brown will begin her coaching career this season at UCLA, joining the track and field staff as an assistant to the distance coach.
Submitted Photo

“It’s nice being in college because everything is laid out for you,” Brown said about her post-collegiate career. “Now it’s a little more on me to engineer what I want for myself post-collegiately. It’s definitely intimidating. It’s nice to have a coach and access to all of these resources. … I’m working at UCLA as an assistant track coach now which is a great opportunity to be in that world and around people and resources.”

Making the move from Pitt to Florida State, Brown didn’t just switch schools, but her area of study, acquiring a master’s degree in coaching. After applying to many schools, Brown landed her decision on working with the University of California at Los Angeles track and field team.

“Throughout college I grew an affinity for mentoring other people and helping advise them,” Brown stated. “I really believe that if you’re doing things the right way, if you set a goal for yourself, it’s pretty achievable. I really want to help athletes to make the most of their potential.”

Sticking with Power 5 programs, Brown decided on UCLA where she will be an assistant to the distance coach.

“I want any opportunity that I can get,” Brown said. “I reached out to a ton of people from a ton of places. I interviewed with a bunch of coaches from universities in different states. I definitely wanted something different and I’ve lived on the East Coast my entire life … so I think now I’m looking to experience something new, and the West Coast is something exciting to do that.”

Brown’s first interest in coaching began when she was at Fredonia Middle School and now she will begin coaching at one of the top program’s in the country.

“I think I’ve always been interested in coaching,” Brown added. “I started reading different training, coaching theories and stuff like that when I started the sport in seventh and eighth grade. I’ve definitely been interested in the why behind what we’re doing.”

While her main job will be helping the future of track and field, Brown will still be able to chase her goals as her track and field career is not over yet.

: Fredonia native Emily Brown clears a barrier in the 3,000-meter steeplechase during her final season at Florida State University.
Submitted Photo

: Emily Brown stands on the starting line before the 3,000-meter steeplechase final at the Canadian National Championships last weekend in Ottawa. Brown finished second in the race to earn a silver medal.
Submitted Photo

: Emily Brown finishes her career at Florida State with the sixth-fastest time in school history in the 3,000-meter steeplechase, running a 10:05.64 in the event at the 2025 ACC Championships.
Submitted Photo

: Fredonia native Emily Brown will begin her coaching career this season at UCLA, joining the track and field staff as an assistant to the distance coach.
Submitted Photo

Link

Sports

Capital University to upgrade its fieldhouse for fall

Published

55 minutes ago

January 8, 2026

Your Sports Nation

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Capital athletes and students can expect a revamped track and field facility just in time for the fall semester.

The track will be resurfaced with state-of-the-art materials, BSS 2000 RE surface, which are used at The Ohio State University and the University of Oregon’s tracks.

What You Need To Know

The project could result in championship events being hosted at the university

The resurfaced track will all for better safety and performance

Construction should be completed before the 2026-2027 athletic season

“This project extends beyond indoor track — sports like tennis, pickleball, basketball and volleyball will benefit from this state-of-the-art training surface,” said Darrell Bailey, director of Athletics. “In addition to supporting our student-athletes year-round, the facility will serve as a versatile venue for major campus-wide events, including commencement, the Undergraduate Research Symposium, and other programs that bring our entire community together.”

Besides aesthetic benefits, the resurfaced track will allow for better safety, performance and competitive opportunity. Shock absorbtion and greater durability would be just some of the most important upgrades.

“This new surface elevates the standard of our training environment and enhances our capacity to compete and train at a high level. It’s a significant step forward for our program, and it reflects the commitment our institution and alumni have made to supporting Capital track and field,” said Ian Kellogg, director of Cross Country/Track and Field.

The upgrades will also position the university to host championship events in the future, which would not have been a possibility before.

“From updated courts and a better practice facility for all sports that utilize it, to a significant facelift for the Cap Center overall, this investment positions Capital to provide one of the finest training environments in Division III,” said April Novotny, vice president for Advancement and chief development officer. “[Donors] support not only strengthens the student-athlete experience but also ensures our athletes train on an elite surface and positions Capital to welcome more competitive opportunities in the years ahead.”

Construction should be completed before the 2026-2027 athletic season.

Link

Sports

Calallen’s Aubrey Navarro signs to run D1 track at SFA

Published

1 hour ago

January 8, 2026

Your Sports Nation

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — It was college signing day for one Calallen senior. Aubrey Navarro inked her commitment to run sprints for Stephen F. Austin University track and field.

She holds Calallen high school records in the 100, 200 and long jump according to MaxPreps. Navarro made it to Regionals her freshman season. Her journey was not easy, battling injuries the last two seasons. So to make it this far is a huge accomplishment.

“It means a lot because it’s just like so many things have happened lately, and to making it to go D1 and competing at a collegiate level is just a dream that I’ve always wanted since I was little,” Navarro.

Her 100 meter dash personal best time is 11.72 seconds, which she ran at the 97th Clyde Littlefield Texas Relays on March 26, 2025.

Calallen's Aubrey Navarro signs with SFA

Navarro began running track when she was 5-years-old at Pure Speed Performance with Coach Rueben Flowers. She’s excited to represent Corpus Christi at the Division 1 level.

“It means a lot because not a lot of people in the Coastal Bend go for track, or do track or really are into track like I am,” Navarro. “It just means a lot to know that I can be a role model for others that really want to do it.”

Link

Sports

No. 11 CSUN Opens 2026 Season With Three Matches at UCSB Asics Invitational

Published

4 hours ago

January 8, 2026

Your Sports Nation

CSUN THIS WEEK:

UCSB ASICS INVITATIONAL

MATCH #1

CSUN Matadors (0-0) vs. Maryville Saints (0-0)

Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026 – 7:00 p.m. PT

Rob Gym – Santa Barbara, Calif.

ESPN+

Live Stats

MATCH #2

CSUN Matadors vs. Harvard Crimson

Friday, Jan. 9, 2026 – 2:00 p.m. PT

Rob Gym – Santa Barbara, Calif

ESPN+

Live Stats

MATCH #3

CSUN Matadors vs. Kentucky State Thorobreds

Saturday, Jan. 10, 2026 – 4:30 p.m. PT

Rob Gym – Santa Barbara, Calif

ESPN+

Live Stats

In-game X updates: @CSUNMensVB

CSUN Men’s Volleyball Media Notes

FOR STARTERS

The preseason 11th-ranked CSUN Men’s Volleyball team (0-0, 0-0 Big West) opens the 2026 season, its 50th season of men’s volleyball, against Maryville on Thursday at the UCSB Asics Invitational in Santa Barbara. The match is the first of three for the Matadors at the annual tournament held at Rob Gym on the UCSB campus. CSUN opens the tournament Thursday against Maryville at 7 p.m., before taking on Harvard on Friday at 2 p.m. The Matadors conclude the three-day event on Saturday, taking on Kentucky State at 4:30 p.m. Fellow Big West teams UC Irvine and host UC Santa Barbara round out the six-team field this weekend.

FOLLOW YOUR MATADORS ONLINE

All nine matches of UCSB’s Asics Invitational will stream live on ESPN+ and will have live stats available (links at GoMatadors.com). CSUN home matches this season will also stream live on the ESPN+ platform, with Darren Preston handling a majority of the play-by-play this season.

Fans can also follow CSUN Matador men’s volleyball online at the official home of CSUN athletics, www. GoMatadors.com for related links to the match, including any live stats, audio, and video. Fans are also encouraged to check the CSUN Athletics Department’s official X feed (@ GoMatadors) and the volleyball-specific feed (@CSUNMensVB) for news and notes throughout the week, as well as updates of matches in progress.

CSUN RANKED 11TH IN 2026 AVCA PRESEASON MEN’S VOLLEYBALL POLL

After finishing the 2025 season ranked ninth in the final AVCA National Collegiate Poll, CSUN opens the 2026 season ranked 11th in the national preseason poll (Dec. 23). The Matadors, who finished 18-11 in 2025, finished in the top 10 in the final poll for the first time since 2018 and the second time in the last seven seasons. After being ranked in all 18 polls last season, CSUN received 238 points in the preseason poll to rank ninth.

Since reclaiming a spot in the AVCA national poll in 2023, the Matadors have been ranked in the top 20 in 36 consecutive polls and 46 of the last 49 AVCA national polls since the 2023 season. CSUN has been a fixture in the national polls historically, having previously been ranked in the AVCA Top-15 for 62 consecutive weeks and 262 of the last 289 weekly polls dating back to the 2002 season.

UCLA opens the 2026 season ranked first in the preseason poll, collecting 12 of 24 first-place votes and 481 total points. Hawai’i is second after receiving seven first-place votes and 473 points, followed by defending national champions Long Beach State, which received five first-place votes and 460 points. The remainder of the preseason top five includes Pepperdine and USC with UC Irvine, Loyola Chicago, BYU, Stanford, and UC San Diego rounding out the preseason top 10. The second half of the preseason top-20 poll includes the Matadors, Lewis, Penn State, Ohio State, McKendree, Ball State, UC Santa Barbara, Princeton, George Mason, and Lincoln Memorial.

SCOUTING THE ASICS INVITATIONAL FIELD

Maryville (0-0) opens its fifth season of men’s volleyball on Thursday in Santa Barbara. The Saints were picked to finish second in their inaugural season as members of the Great Lakes Valley Conference. Maryville earned four first-place votes and 43 total points to finish second to Rockhurst in the polling. Junior OH Makai Scott returns after leading the Saints with 307 kills (3.37 kps) and 211 digs last season. After finishing 19-9 in 2025, the Saints return 13 players while adding six newcomers in 2026. All-time series: Thursday’s match marks the first-ever meeting between the Matadors and Saints in men’s volleyball.

Harvard (0-0) opens the 2026 season on Thursday against UC Irvine. The Crimson, who finished 9-15 in 2025, were picked to tie for fifth in the EIVA Coaches’ Preseason Poll. Seniors Zach Berty and Brian Thomas were named as Players to Watch by the conference’s seven head coaches. Berty averaged 2.22 kills per set in 2025, while Thomas averaged 0.94 blocks per set to lead the team. All-time series: Friday’s match is the seventh meeting all-time between CSUN and Harvard, with the Matadors holding a 5-1 edge in the series. The two teams also met at the UCSB Invitational in 2019, with CSUN pulling out a five-set win.

Kentucky State (0-0) also opens its 2026 season in Santa Barbara. The Thorobreds, who were picked to finish sixth in the SIAC (Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference) Preseason Poll, will open against UC Santa Barbara on Thursday, before taking on UC Irvine and the Matadors to conclude the weekend. All-time series: Saturday’s match marks the first-ever meeting between the Matadors and Thorobreds in men’s volleyball.

CSUN AT THE UCSB ASICS INVITATIONAL

Thursday’s match against Maryville marks CSUN’s 25th appearance in UC Santa Barbara’s annual tournament in the last 29 years. The Matadors are 56-37 (.602) all-time in the tournament dating back to 2001. Last season, the Matadors finished 3-0 in the tournament with wins over Tusculum (3-0), Missouri S&T (3-0), and Menlo (3-1).

Since 2019, the Matadors are 8-7 in UCSB’s annual event, finishing 1-2 three times (2019, 2023, 2024) and 2-1 in 2019. After the 2021 tournament was canceled due to the COVID pandemic, CSUN was scheduled to open the 2022 season in Santa Barbara but due to COVID protocols within the program, the Matadors were forced to withdraw, snapping a streak of 16 consecutive appearances. In 2019, CSUN dropped a five-set decision to Grand Canyon, which snapped a streak of 11 straight Matador wins in the tournament dating back to a loss to Princeton in 2015. CSUN won its first-ever UCSB Invitational championship in 2009 after upsetting No. 2 UCLA (3-1) and defeating No. 14 UCSB (3-1) and No. 8 Stanford (3-1). The Matadors then won their second straight crown in 2010, topping UCSB (3-1), California Baptist (3-1), and BYU (3-1).

THREE MATADORS NAMED AVCA ALL-AMERICAN, ALL-BIG WEST IN 2025

For the first time since 2018, CSUN had three student-athletes named to the All-Big West First Team in 2025. The Matadors had three first-team selections as senior Donovan Constable, redshirt sophomore Jalen Phillips, and freshman Stilian Delibosov were all named to the top team. The last time CSUN had three players named first team was 2018, when Eric Chance, Arvis Greene, Jr., and Dimitar Kalchev earned top honors. All three players went on to earn AVCA All-America honors as Phillips was named to the First Team and Constable and Delibosov earned honorable mention accolades.

NEW FACES IN 2026

In addition to returning 10 letterwinners and five starters from the 2025 season, CSUN welcomes an impressive list of newcomers in 2026. The group includes a trio of 2025 redshirts, including sophomore Owen Douphner, who steps in for departed All-American Donovan Constable at setter. Transfer Jordan Lucas (Grand Canyon) and redshirt freshman Grayson Albers (Sacramento) each open their first season on the active roster in 2026. CSUN also welcomes a trio of true freshmen in 2026 that includes Kingston Jerome, Joel Eanes, and Noah Douphner. Jerome comes to CSUN from Shadow Ridge High School in Las Vegas, Nev., while Eanes is a 6-9 opposite from Kellam High School in Virginia Beach, Va. Douphner is a local product from nearby Stevenson Ranch and the younger brother of the CSUN setter.

MATADORS IN THE BIG WEST

The 2026 season marks CSUN’s ninth as a member of the Big West in men’s volleyball. With a 3-7 regular season record in 2025, the Matadors are 18-52 (.257) in 70 Big West matches over eight seasons since the conference’s inaugural campaign in 2018. CSUN finished 5-5 in the first Big West season in 2018 before finishing 3-7 in 2019, 2024, and 2025, 2-8 in 2021 and 1-9 in both 2022 and 2023. Prior to 2018, the Matadors played 25 seasons as a member of the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation (MPSF) from 1993-2017 and 16 seasons in the Western Intercollegiate Volleyball Association (WIVA) from 1977-92.

EDWARDS IN FOURTH SEASON AS CSUN HEAD COACH

Theo Edwards is in his fourth season as CSUN’s head coach in 2026 after leading the Matadors back into the AVCA national rankings in his first three seasons. Now in his 16th season at CSUN, Edwards was named the successor to Jeff Campbell on Dec. 9, 2022. CSUN finished 12-16 in Edwards’ first season (1-9 in the Big West) in 2023 and the Matadors have steadily improved in each of Edwards’ three seasons. CSUN finished 13-16 in 2024 and 18-11 in 2025. Under Edwards’ leadership, CSUN earned a No. 7 national ranking on Mar. 10 of the 2025 season, its highest national ranking in seven seasons. The Matadors finished the 2025 season with a No. 9 national ranking, also its best since 2018.

LOOKING AHEAD

Following three matches at the UCSB Asics Invitational, the Matadors will remain on the road for two more matches next week. CSUN will travel to the Midwest for the 2026 Under Armour Invitational at Lindenwood in St. Charles, Mo. The Matadors will take on the host Lions on Jan. 16 before meeting Purdue Fort Wayne on Jan. 17 at 2:00 p.m. PT.

#GoMatadors

Link

Sports

Jenna Ibieta named head coach of Loyola indoor, beach volleyball programs – Crescent City Sports

Published

4 hours ago

January 8, 2026

Your Sports Nation

Jenna Ibieta steps into her new role after earning SSAC Assistant Coach of the Year honors in November

NEW ORLEANS – The Loyola University New Orleans indoor and beach volleyball program has a familiar face grabbing the reins, as Jenna Ibieta was named the new head coach for the two teams, Assistant Vice President of Athletics Brett Simpson announced Wednesday. Ibieta made the move to her new role after serving as assistant coach for the indoor fall 2025 season.

She’s the eighth head coach in program history.

“We’re excited to announce Jenna Ibieta as our next Head Volleyball Coach at Loyola University New Orleans,” Simpson said. “Jenna has already made a significant impact on our program through her leadership and deep understanding of the game, earning SSAC Assistant Coach of the Year honors this past season. With head coaching experience at the high school level, extensive club coaching in New Orleans, and a strong background as a student-athlete at Tulane, she is well-positioned to lead our program forward and build on our recent success.

Ibieta joined the Wolf Pack in May and helped the indoor team collect 29 wins, the second-most in program wins, the program’s first SSAC Championship title, and the second NAIA national tournament appearance in three years. She was also named the SSAC Assistant Coach of the Year.

“This is home for me, and I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to lead these programs,” Ibieta said. “What last season’s group accomplished set a strong foundation, and with a talented recruiting class coming in, I’m excited to continue building a culture grounded in excellence. I’m looking forward to what’s ahead and honored to be part of the ongoing growth and success of the Indoor and Beach programs.”

Ibieta’s roles with the program have been leading the recruiting efforts, player development, travel logistics, and on-court training, with a focus on offensive systems. She coached five members of the SSAC All-Conference team, including SSAC Freshman and Attacker of the Year Isis Harink, all-conference first-teamers Alexa Palmer and Kala Emanuelli, along with Harink, and members of the second team: Ivana De Carvalho Peixe and Samantha Guillotte.

Before joining the Loyola staff, Ibieta spent the four years prior in Lafayette, serving as the Head Volleyball Coach at Acadiana High School (2024–2025) and Sacred Heart Grand Coteau (2021–2024), while also working as an Admissions Coordinator. She brings additional experience from the club volleyball scene, having coached with the Cajun Elite and Louisiana Volleyball programs during that four-year stretch.

A former collegiate setter at Tulane University (2017–2019), Ibieta tallied 1,497 assists and 556 digs over her career. She was named to the All-State Sugar Bowl Collegiate Classic All-Tournament Team, was a member of the Tulane Athletic 3.0 Club, and earned American Athletic Conference All-Academic Team honors in 2018–2019. She holds a B.S. in Communications with minors in Sociology and Business.

Ibieta’s volleyball roots run deep. As a standout player at Metairie Park Country Day, she led her team to four LHSAA State Championships (2012–2014, 2016) and was named Louisiana Miss Volleyball in 2016. She holds the school record with over 5,000 career assists and was a four-time all-state selection. Her coaching journey began early, contributing to NOLA Volleyball during her high school and college years.

Volleyball excellence runs in the family, too. Her mother, Julie Stempel Ibieta, is a former LSU volleyball standout and co-director of NOLA Volleyball. Her father, Juan Ibieta, played baseball at Tulane. Her brothers, Justin and Jake, are also involved in collegiate athletics — Justin as a graduate assistant with Tulane Football and Jake as a member of the LSU football team.

A reception to introduce Coach Ibieta will take place at 12:30 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 12, in the University Sports Complex’s Hall of Fame Room.

Link

Sports

Two Scholar Athletes Highlight Academic Awards for Hornet Volleyball

Published

5 hours ago

January 8, 2026

Your Sports Nation

Women’s Volleyball | 1/7/2026 2:00:00 PM

January 7, 2026 – Emporia State volleyball had two MIAA Scholar Athletes and six players in total earn MIAA Academic recognition for the 2025 season.

Mia Frisbie and Brailee Bogle were both MIAA Scholar Athletes for their performance on the court and in the classroom, as both were named Honorable Mention All-MIAA for the 2025 season.

Along with Frisbie and Bogle, Brenna Smith, Willow Deckinger, Sydney Fiatte and Camilla Ossola were named to the MIAA Academic Honor Roll. All six players earned their second career recognition on the Academic Honor Roll.

To be recognized on the Academic Honor Roll, one must have a grade point average used by the institution for purposes of NCAA academic certification of 3.00 at the certifying member institution. The individual must also have at least two terms of attendance at the certifying member institution, excluding summer terms.

To qualify as a Scholar-Athlete an individual must have a grade point average used by the institution for purposes of NCAA academic certification of 3.50 at the certifying member institution. The student-athlete must have at least two terms of attendance at the certifying member institution, excluding summer terms. If competing in a championship sport of the MIAA, the student-athlete must also earn All-MIAA honors from the 2024 season.

MIAA Scholar Athletes

Mia Frisbie	Sophomore	3.98	Health & Human Perf.	Overland Park, Kan.
Braile Bogle	Junior	3.55	Biology	Wichita, Kan.

MIAA Academic Honor Roll

Mia Frisbie	Sophomore	3.98	Health & Human Perf.	Overland Park, Kan.
Brenna Smith	Sophomore	3.84	Health & Human Perf.	St. Mary’s, Kan.
Willow Deckinger	Sophomore	3.76	English	Wichita, Kan.
Sydney Fiatte	Senior	3.73	Health & Human Perf.	Shawnee, Kan.
Camilla Ossola	Senior	3.72	Biology	Gavirate, Italy
Braile Bogle	Junior	3.55	Biology	Wichita, Kan.

Link

Sports

No. 7 Ramblers Start Season at No. 2 Rainbow Warriors

Published

5 hours ago

January 8, 2026

Your Sports Nation

LEADING OFF
No. 7 Loyola Chicago opens its 2026 season with a two-match series at No. 2 Hawai’i on Thursday, Jan. 8 and Friday, Jan. 9. First serve for both matches is set for 11 p.m. CT.

QUICK HITS

Loyola headlines the MIVA conference in the preseason poll; Ryan McElligott, Daniel Fabikovic and Aleksander Sosa tabbed Preseason All-MIVA. The Ramblers were picked seventh in the AVCA Preseason Poll.

McElligott finished 2025 as both the MIVA and NCAA assists leader, averaging 10.9 per set.

The Ramblers returned 15 student-athletes and welcomed five new faces, including two freshmen and three transfers.

Assistant coach Dalton Solbrig lettered four years for the Rainbow Warriors from 2016-19. He was a member of two NCAA Tournament teams, including the national runner-up squad in 2019.

Head coach Shane Davis enters his 14th season at Loyola, sporting a 289-92 (.759) career record. In his first season back, Davis led the Ramblers to a 25-4 ledger, their fourth MIVA Tournament title and fourth NCAA Tournament berth.

2026 marks the 30th anniversary of Loyola’s men’s volleyball program, which is home to two of the university’s three NCAA national championship titles.

SCOUTING REPORT
Hawai’i kicked off its season with a two-match series sweep of NJIT (Jan. 2, Jan. 4), in which sophomore opposite Kristian Titriyski combined for 23 kills on .438 hitting. The 6-foot-8 Bulgarian national added five service aces against NJIT. As a team, the Rainbow Warriors hit .517 in both matches. Junior setter Tread Rosenthal led each match in assists, recording 26 in the first and 30 in the rematch. He also contributed 11 total blocks across the series.

Head coach Charlie Wade entered his 17th season at the helm of the program and boasts a 321-131 career record at Hawai’i. Last season, he led the Rainbow Warriors to their fourth overall Big West Tournament title and 10th NCAA Tournament appearance.

SERIES HISTORY

The Rainbow Warriors lead the all-time series, 13-3, with the Ramblers and are 12-3 at home against the MIVA opponent. In their last meeting, Loyola left Hawai’i 1-1 after falling 3-0 in match one then taking the second in a five-set thriller. This year’s two-match series marks Davis’ 11th overall matchup against Hawai’i, and his fifth as head coach.

FOLLOW THE ACTION

Stream both matches on ESPN+. Follow men’s volleyball on Instagram and X @RamblersMVB for in-game updates.

Link