DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — A new chapter of Embry-Riddle volleyball is set to begin as the Eagles enter the 2026 season with a core group of veterans, a challenging schedule, and a new voice leading the program as Alyssa Hanley begins her first season as head coach.
After a 16-14 campaign in 2025, Embry-Riddle returns to the court looking to take the next step in the Sunshine State Conference while establishing a new identity under Hanley. Hanley takes over the program bringing extensive coaching experience and a fresh perspective to ERAU Volleyball. With a roster that features returning experience and a schedule that will challenge the Eagles from the opening weekend, the pieces are in place for an exciting season.
ERAU will have an opportunity to build momentum early, with three games inside the ICI Center before heading to North Carolina for the UNC Pembroke Invitational.
Embry-Riddle will open the newest campaign at home in Daytona Beach, hosting the Bahama House Classic on Aug. 28-29. The season opener against Missouri Western will take place on Friday, Aug. 28 at 7 p.m. ET for the "Back to School Block Party." After that, the Eagles will take on St. Edward's and Edward Waters on Saturday, Aug. 29 to wrap up the opening weekend. The opening weekend will provide an immediate test for the Eagles while also giving the Daytona Beach faithful their first opportunity to see the 2026 squad in action.
Following the season opener, Embry-Riddle heads north for the UNC Pembroke Invitational on Sept. 4-5. The Eagles will face Middle Georgia State and UNC Pembroke on Friday before taking on Virginia State and Barton on Saturday. A road matchup at Valdosta State on Sept. 10 follows before the Eagles return home for the Embry-Riddle Invitational.
Sunshine State Conference play begins on Sept. 15 as ERAU hosts Palm Beach Atlantic. Embry-Riddle will then hit the road for a three-game conference slate before returning to the ICI Center for Homecoming on Oct. 2 against Nova Southeastern. The Eagles will play five-straight contests in front of a home crowd between Oct. 2-13.
Up next, the Blue and Gold will head south for matches against Barry and Florida Tech before they return home for bouts against Tampa on Oct. 23 and Florida Southern on Oct. 24. The Eagles then close the month with consecutive road contests at Lynn and Nova Southeastern on Oct. 30-31 to start a five-game road stretch.
Embry-Riddle will close the regular season with a pair of home matches as they host Florida Tech on Nov. 13 before welcoming Barry on Nov. 14.
