McLean County Times

Illinois State University's volleyball team, led by head coach Allie Matters, has announced its 2025 schedule. The Redbirds will face a challenging lineup that includes six teams from last season's NCAA Tournament and three from the National Invitational Volleyball Championship (NIVC). The schedule also features four teams from power-four conferences and an 11-match home slate.

Matters expressed enthusiasm about the upcoming season: "I couldn't be more thrilled to share our preseason schedule with our Redbird fans," she said. "This will be a tough slate for us, and I have full confidence that this roster will rise to the challenge."

The Redbirds' preseason activities include their annual Red/White scrimmage on August 14 and an exhibition match at Eastern Illinois University on August 23. The regular season begins at the Western Michigan Tournament in Kalamazoo, Michigan, with matches against DePaul, Western Michigan Broncos, and Oakland Grizzlies.

Following this tournament, ISU will compete in the Hawkeye Invitational in Coralville, Iowa. They are set to play against Loyola Ramblers, Iowa Hawkeyes, and Butler Bulldogs.

ISU will host the Linda Herman Classic from September 12-14 at CEFCU Arena. The tournament honors former head coach Linda Herman and features matches against Miami Hurricanes, Cincinnati Bearcats, and Illinois Fighting Illini.

The pre-MVC schedule concludes with the Dayton Flyer Invitational in Ohio. ISU will face UC Santa Barbara Gauchos, Wright State Raiders, and Dayton Flyers during this event.

The MVC season starts with away games against Indiana State Sycamores and Bradley Braves on September 26-27. The conference season ends with the MVC Tournament later in the year.