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Big 122026 season

Iowa State Volleyball Schedule 2026

Record: 11-6 30 listed matches

Latest result: W 3-1 at Cincinnati · Oct 11 All results
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Iowa State Volleyball Schedule 2026

Scores checked Oct 12, 2026 · Times as listed

12 upcoming matches · Times shown as listed

  • 15OctThu
    Colorado logo
    vsHome

    Colorado

    6:30 PM CTTV / stream: ESPN+Ames, Iowa
  • 17OctSat
    Utah logo
    vsHome

    Utah

    2:00 PM CTTV / stream: ESPN+Ames, Iowa
  • 25OctSun
    Houston logo
    atAway

    Houston

    1:00 PM CTTV / stream: ESPN+Houston, Texas
  • 30OctFri
    WV
    vsHome

    West Virginia

    6:30 PM CTTV / stream: ESPN+Ames, Iowa
  • 01NovSun
    Kansas logo
    vsHome

    Kansas

    12:00 PM CTTV / stream: ESPN+Ames, Iowa
  • 05NovThu
    U
    atAway

    UCF

    5:00 PM CTTV / stream: ESPN+Orlando, Fla.
  • 07NovSat
    BYU logo
    vsHome

    BYU

    2:00 PM CTTV / stream: ESPN+Ames, Iowa
  • 16NovMon
    C
    vsHome

    Cincinnati

    6:30 PM CTTV / stream: ESPN+Hilton Coliseum, Ames, Iowa
  • 20NovFri
    Baylor logo
    atAway

    Baylor

    7:00 PM CTTV / stream: ESPN+Waco, Texas
  • 22NovSun
    TCU logo
    atAway

    TCU

    2:00 PM CTTV / stream: ESPN+Fort Worth, Texas
  • 25NovWed
    Houston logo
    vsHome

    Houston

    6:30 PM CTTV / stream: ESPN+Ames, Iowa
  • 27NovFri
    Colorado logo
    atAway

    Colorado

    2:00 PM CTTV / stream: ESPN+Boulder, Colo.

This week in Big 12

Next opponents

  • Colorado
    Oct 15 · 6:30 PM CT (TV: ESPN+)
  • Utah
    Oct 17 · 2:00 PM CT (TV: ESPN+)
  • Houston
    Oct 25 · 1:00 PM CT (TV: ESPN+)

Explore Big 12 →

Season snapshot

Record:
11-6
Last result:
W 3-1 at Cincinnati · Sun, Oct 11
Next match:
vs Colorado · Thu, Oct 15 · 6:30 PM CT (TV: ESPN+)
Remaining ranked opponents:
4
Schedule sites:
14 home · 16 away

Iowa State Volleyball 2026: Season Outlook & Program Overview

Original analysis of the Iowa State Cyclones program, coaching staff, and 2026 outlook.

2026 Season Outlook

Iowa State went 23-8 overall and 12-6 in the Big 12 in 2025, reaching the second round of the NCAA Tournament in Christy Johnson-Lynch's 21st season. The 2026 team is built around Rachel Van Gorp, the reigning AVCA National Libero of the Year and a member of the U21 National Team, who was named to the Big 12 preseason team. Returning co-leaders in kills Alea Goolsby and Nayeli Ti'a are back alongside middle blocker Pam McCune, with returners Lilly Wachholz and Layna Waselewsky and six incoming freshmen filling out the roster. The Cyclones were picked sixth in a Big 12 preseason poll led by Arizona State, TCU and Kansas - a league that sent 10 schools to the 2025 NCAA Tournament, more than any other conference.

The schedule runs 29 regular-season matches, 11 non-conference and 18 in the Big 12, with 13 at Hilton Coliseum plus two exhibitions.

Program History & Tradition

Iowa State volleyball began in 1973. The Cyclones made their first NCAA Tournament in 1995 and have now been 18 times, including 2025. The peak years came under Christy Johnson-Lynch, with regional final appearances in 2008 and 2011 plus regional semifinals in 2007, 2009 and 2012; twelve of the program's 18 tournament appearances have come in the last twenty seasons. Rachel Van Gorp's 2025 Academic All-America honor was only the sixth in program history and the second first-team selection.

Home matches are at Hilton Coliseum in Ames.

Head Coach Spotlight

Christy Johnson-Lynch is in her 22nd season, hired in 2005. She is the coach who turned Iowa State from a Big 12 afterthought into a program with 18 NCAA Tournament appearances and two regional final runs, in 2008 and 2011, with more than 400 wins in Ames and one of the longest tenures in the conference.

What to Watch in 2026

The October 4 match at Arizona State has been selected for linear ESPN, the only confirmed national television window so far; most other Big 12 matches stream on ESPN+ through Big 12 NOW. Iowa State plays an 18-match league schedule with most matches on Fridays and Sundays, drawing home-and-home series with UCF, Cincinnati, Houston and Colorado. The Iowa match on September 8 and BYU on November 7 are the home dates that sell first. Hilton Coliseum is far bigger than most volleyball venues, which means a good crowd does not just sound loud - it sounds enormous.

The Big 12 holds no volleyball tournament, so the regular-season standings decide the title.

Iowa State Volleyball 2026 Schedule Overview

Schedule and scores checked October 12, 2026 · Official source: cyclones.com

Iowa State opens the 2026 season on August 28 against Loyola and closes November 27 at Colorado: 29 regular-season matches, 11 non-conference and 18 in the Big 12, with 13 at Hilton Coliseum plus two exhibitions. This is Christy Johnson-Lynch's 22nd season, following a 23-8 campaign that went 12-6 in the league and reached the NCAA second round. Big 12 play opens September 25 at Texas Tech. The Cyclones draw home-and-home series with UCF, Cincinnati, Houston and Colorado, with most conference matches on Fridays and Sundays.

Full dates, times, venues and streaming details are below.

Iowa State Volleyball 2026 Photo Gallery

Top Games to Watch

  • Iowa at Iowa State

    Tuesday, September 8

    The in-state rivalry at Hilton Coliseum and one of the two home dates that sell first.

  • BYU at Iowa State

    Saturday, November 7

    The other home date to buy early, against a Big 12 program that has been among the league's most consistent.

  • Iowa State at Arizona State

    Sunday, October 4

    Selected for linear ESPN - the only confirmed national television window on the schedule - against the Big 12's preseason No. 1.

  • Iowa State at Texas Tech

    Friday, September 25

    The Big 12 opener, on the road, setting the tone for an 18-match league schedule.

  • Iowa State at Colorado

    Friday, November 27

    The regular-season finale, closing a home-and-home series in Boulder.

Key Players to Know

Rachel Van Gorp

Libero

Junior. The 2025 AVCA National Libero of the Year, a 2026 Big 12 preseason team selection and a U21 National Team member. Her 2025 Academic All-America honor was only the sixth in program history and the second first-team selection.

Alea Goolsby

Outside Hitter

Returning co-leader in kills and part of the attacking core Johnson-Lynch built the 2026 rotation around.

Nayeli Ti'a

Outside Hitter

The other returning co-leader in kills, sharing the primary attacking load.

Pam McCune

Middle Blocker

Key returning blocker on a roster that adds six incoming freshmen behind the returning core.

Season Expectations

Iowa State was picked sixth in a Big 12 preseason poll led by Arizona State, TCU and Kansas, in a league that sent 10 schools to the 2025 NCAA Tournament - more than any other conference. The Cyclones went 23-8 and 12-6 in the league last season and reached the second round. The program is 18 NCAA appearances deep, with regional finals in 2008 and 2011 under Johnson-Lynch. The Big 12 holds no volleyball tournament, so the regular-season standings decide the title and NCAA at-large bids follow.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who coaches Iowa State volleyball?
Christy Johnson-Lynch, in her 22nd season. Hired in 2005, she has more than 400 wins in Ames and took the program to 18 NCAA Tournament appearances and two regional finals, in 2008 and 2011.
Where does Iowa State play its home matches?
Hilton Coliseum, 1700 Center Dr, Ames. The building opened in 1971 and seats 14,384, with volleyball using a reduced configuration. Parking is free in the surrounding lots on match nights.
Where can I buy Iowa State volleyball tickets?
Tickets are sold through Iowa State Athletics and Ticketmaster. Student tickets are free with a valid ISU ID. The Iowa match on September 8 and BYU on November 7 are the two to buy early.

Related Pages

Leadership · Staff

Iowa State Volleyball Coaches 2026

The leadership behind Iowa State Cyclones volleyball success

Christy Johnson-Lynch

Head Coach · 22 years with program

Christy Johnson-Lynch is in her 22nd season, hired in 2005. She turned Iowa State from a Big 12 afterthought into a program with 18 NCAA Tournament appearances and two regional final runs, in 2008 and 2011, and has more than 400 wins in Ames across one of the longest tenures in the conference.

The Squad · Roster

Iowa State Volleyball Roster 2026

Meet the 6 athletes on the Iowa State Cyclones volleyball team

Libero

1 players
10

Rachel Van Gorp

Junior · 5'9"
—

Outside Hitter

2 players
—

Alea Goolsby

— · —
—
—

Nayeli Ti'a

— · —
—

Middle Blocker

1 players
—

Pam McCune

— · —
—

—

2 players
—

Lilly Wachholz

— · —
—
—

Layna Waselewsky

— · —
—
Fan Guide · FAQ

Iowa State Volleyball FAQ 2026

Everything you need to know about Iowa State Cyclones volleyball

  1. 01

    Where can I find the full Iowa State Volleyball Schedule 2026?

    The complete 2026 Iowa State volleyball schedule with every Cyclones match, opponent, date, time and location is listed on this page above. It is updated whenever the athletic department confirms new times, TV assignments or venue changes.

  2. 02

    When does the Iowa State Cyclones volleyball season start in 2026?

    Iowa State opens the 2026 volleyball season with an exhibition against Minnesota on August 22 at Hilton Coliseum, then hosts a three-match home tournament August 28-30 against Loyola, Georgia Tech and UNI.

  3. 03

    Where do the Cyclones play their home volleyball matches?

    Iowa State plays home volleyball matches at Hilton Coliseum in Ames. The arena hosts every home date on the 2026 schedule, and doors typically open about an hour before first serve.

  4. 04

    How can I watch Iowa State volleyball games in 2026?

    Most 2026 Cyclones matches stream on ESPN+. The ESPN broadcast is for the October 4 match at Arizona State. The UCSB, Utah State, Villanova, American, UCLA, Hawaii and Texas A&M–Corpus Christi matches have no TV announced yet. Each row on the schedule above shows the confirmed outlet as soon as it is announced.

  5. 05

    Who are Iowa State's biggest 2026 volleyball opponents?

    The 2026 schedule features Big 12 rivalry matches against Kansas, BYU, Baylor, TCU, Colorado, Houston and West Virginia, plus marquee non-conference tests against UCLA, Hawaii, Minnesota and Iowa.

  6. 06

    When does Iowa State play the Iowa Hawkeyes in 2026?

    The Iowa State-Iowa rivalry match is September 8 at 6:30 PM at Hilton Coliseum in Ames. It is the first regular-season home match for the Cyclones.

  7. 07

    Does Iowa State play in any tournaments in 2026?

    Yes. Iowa State opens the season with a home tournament August 28-30, then travels to Santa Barbara September 3-4, Washington, D.C. September 11-12, and Las Vegas September 18-20. The Big 12 Tournament is expected in late November.

  8. 08

    What is the toughest stretch of Iowa State's 2026 schedule?

    Late October into November. Iowa State plays at Houston (Oct 25), hosts West Virginia (Oct 30), hosts Kansas (Nov 1), travels to UCF (Nov 5) and hosts BYU (Nov 7).

  9. 09

    How many home matches does Iowa State have in 2026?

    Iowa State has 12 home matches at Hilton Coliseum in 2026, plus the August 22 exhibition against Minnesota and the August 21 Cream and Crimson Scrimmage.

  10. 10

    What conference is Iowa State in?

    Iowa State competes in the Big 12 Conference, facing teams like Kansas, Baylor, TCU, BYU, Colorado, Houston, West Virginia, Arizona State and Arizona in conference play.

Season Storylines

2026 Iowa State Volleyball Season

Big 12 Schedule

Iowa State faces tough Big 12 competition, battling rivals like Kansas, Baylor, BYU, TCU, and Arizona State throughout the conference season.

Home Games at Hilton Coliseum

Experience the legendary 'Hilton Magic' at Hilton Coliseum where Iowa State volleyball creates an unmatched home court advantage.

NCAA Tournament Path

Follow Iowa State's journey through the NCAA Tournament as the Cyclones compete against the nation's best programs.

Where to Watch

Where to Watch Iowa State Volleyball

Hilton Coliseum

Address: 1705 Center Dr, Ames, IA 50011

Capacity: 14,384 fans

Hilton Coliseum, 1700 Center Dr, Ames, IA 50011, opened in 1971 and seats 14,384, with volleyball using a reduced configuration. Hilton Magic is a basketball phrase that volleyball has borrowed and earned: the building is far bigger than most volleyball venues, which means a good crowd does not just sound loud, it sounds enormous. Iowa State has drawn several of the larger volleyball crowds in Big 12 history here. Parking is free in the surrounding lots on match nights.

TV & Streaming

Networks: ESPN, FS1, Big 12 Now

Streaming: ESPN+, Big 12 Now on ESPN+

Most Big 12 matches stream on ESPN+ through Big 12 NOW. The October 4 match at Arizona State has been selected for linear ESPN, the only confirmed national television window so far. Non-conference road matches follow the host school: the UCSB, Utah State, Villanova, American, UCLA, Hawai'i and Texas A&M-Corpus Christi matches did not have broadcast assignments announced at the time of writing and will stream through the host schools' platforms. ESPN+ runs about $11.99 a month.

Tickets are sold through Iowa State Athletics and Ticketmaster, and students get in free with a valid ISU ID.

How to watch college volleyball

Heritage · Legacy

Iowa State Volleyball Program History

The Iowa State Cyclones women's volleyball program has a proud tradition of success under head coach Christy Johnson-Lynch. With multiple Big 12 Championships and consistent NCAA Tournament appearances, Iowa State has established itself as a premier program.

The Cyclones have produced numerous All-Americans and have been a force in the Big 12 Conference. The program's commitment to excellence has made Iowa State a destination for top recruits from Iowa and across the nation.

Iowa State volleyball has created a passionate fanbase at Hilton Coliseum, with 'Hilton Magic' providing one of the most intimidating home court advantages in college volleyball.

Go Cyclones

Go Cyclones!

Join thousands of Cyclone fans supporting Iowa State volleyball