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    Big 12

    Iowa State
    Cyclones
    2026

    Follow the Cyclones on their journey to championship glory. Get the latest schedules, roster updates, and game information.

    4-2

    Record

    30

    Games

    6

    Players

    Looking for dates, times and locations? Jump straight to the full Iowa State 2026 slate.

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    Iowa State

    VS
    V

    Villanova

    Fri, Sep 11·3:00 PM
    01Days
    13Hours
    39Min
    08Sec

    Iowa State Volleyball Schedule 2026

    • 22AugSat
      Minnesota (Exh.) logo
      vsHome

      Minnesota (Exh.)

      11:00 AMAmes, Iowa

    • 28AugFri
      L
      vsHome

      Loyola

      WIN· W 3-0Ames, Iowa

    • 29AugSat
      Georgia Tech logo
      vsHome

      Georgia Tech

      LOSS· L 0-3Ames, Iowa

    • 30AugSun
      U
      vsHome

      UNI

      WIN· W 3-1Ames, Iowa

    • 03SepThu
      U
      atAway

      UCSB

      WIN· W 3-1Santa Barbara, Calif.

    • 04SepFri
      Utah State logo
      atAway

      Utah State

      WIN· W 3-1Santa Barbara, Calif.

    • 08SepTue
      Iowa logo
      vsHome

      Iowa

      LOSS· L 0-3Ames, Iowa

    • 11SepFri
      V
      atAway

      Villanova

      3:00 PMWashington, D.C.

    • 12SepSat
      A
      atAway

      American

      12:00 PMWashington, D.C.

    • 18SepFri
      UCLA logo
      atAway

      UCLA

      6:00 PMLas Vegas, Nev.

    • 19SepSat
      H
      atAway

      Hawaii

      6:30 PMLas Vegas, Nev.

    • 20SepSun
      Texas A&M–Corpus Christi logo
      atAway

      Texas A&M–Corpus Christi

      1:00 PMLas Vegas, Nev.

    • 25SepFri
      Texas Tech logo
      atAway

      Texas Tech

      6:00 PMLubbock, Texas

    • 27SepSun
      U
      vsHome

      UCF

      4:00 PMAmes, Iowa

    • 02OctFri
      Arizona logo
      atAway

      Arizona

      7:00 PMTucson, Ariz.

    • 04OctSun
      Arizona State logo
      atAway

      Arizona State

      4:00 PMTempe, Ariz.

    • 09OctFri
      Kansas State logo
      vsHome

      Kansas State

      6:30 PMAmes, Iowa

    • 11OctSun
      C
      atAway

      Cincinnati

      12:00 PMCincinnati, Ohio

    • 15OctThu
      Colorado logo
      vsHome

      Colorado

      6:30 PMAmes, Iowa

    • 17OctSat
      Utah logo
      vsHome

      Utah

      2:00 PMAmes, Iowa

    • 25OctSun
      Houston logo
      atAway

      Houston

      1:00 PMHouston, Texas

    • 30OctFri
      WV
      vsHome

      West Virginia

      6:30 PMAmes, Iowa

    • 01NovSun
      Kansas logo
      vsHome

      Kansas

      12:00 PMAmes, Iowa

    • 05NovThu
      U
      atAway

      UCF

      5:00 PMOrlando, Fla.

    • 07NovSat
      BYU logo
      vsHome

      BYU

      2:00 PMAmes, Iowa

    • 16NovMon
      Baylor logo
      atAway

      Baylor

      6:30 PMWaco, Texas

    • 20NovFri
      TCU logo
      atAway

      TCU

      7:00 PMFort Worth, Texas

    • 22NovSun
      Houston logo
      vsHome

      Houston

      2:00 PMAmes, Iowa

    • 25NovWed
      Colorado logo
      atAway

      Colorado

      6:30 PMBoulder, Colo.

    • 27NovFri
      T
      vsHome

      TBD

      2:00 PMTBA

    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

    Last updated: August 24, 2026

    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 opens August 28 against Loyola, with Big 12 play beginning September 25 at Texas Tech.

    Iowa State Volleyball 2026 Photo Gallery

    Iowa State volleyball player number 20 attacking against a double block at Hilton Coliseum
    Rising for an attack at the net
    Iowa State Cyclones volleyball team high-fiving during starting lineups at an NCAA Tournament match in Minneapolis
    High-fives after a big rally
    Iowa State volleyball defender dropping low for a dig in front of a packed Hilton Coliseum crowd
    Packed home crowd on match night
    Iowa State volleyball libero diving to keep a rally alive during a 2026 season NCAA Tournament match
    On court during the 2026 season

    TV & Streaming Information

    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.

    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.

    Venue Information

    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.

    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

    CJ
    22 yrs

    Head Coach

    Christy Johnson-Lynch

    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

    1

    Big 12 Schedule

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

    2

    Home Games at Hilton Coliseum

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

    3

    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, known as 'Hilton Magic', has been the home of Iowa State volleyball, providing one of the most electric atmospheres in college volleyball.

    TV & Streaming

    Networks: ESPN, FS1, Big 12 Now

    Streaming: ESPN+, Big 12 Now on ESPN+

    Can't make it to Ames? Catch every Iowa State volleyball match on television or streaming platforms.

    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