Women's Volleyball | July 9

DeKALB, Ill.—Northern Illinois University head volleyball coach Sondra D'Amore has announced the schedule for the 2026 Huskies Volleyball season.
 
The Huskies start their schedule with a pair of exhibition games at the Convocation Center with DePaul (August 15) and Illinois State (August 22) before opening the season on August 28 at the Southern Indiana Invitational.
 
NIU will see first time opponents in Lindenwood, Arkansas Pine Bluff, and Robert Morris.
 
"Our 2026 schedule will be a key part of our continued growth as a program," said D'Amore. "It's designed to challenge us, build confidence, and help us elevate our level of play so that we are consistently performing at our best heading into conference season. Every match matters for us in terms of development, connection, and preparation for what's ahead."
 
New and returning fans can purchase general admission, family 4-pack, or courtside seats to watch the Huskies this fall with general admission tickets starting at just $35. The Family 4-Pack is available for $90 ($22.50 each). Courtside seats are priced at $120 for the season. To purchase tickets online, please click here.
 
NIU opens the season taking on Eastern Michigan on August 28 at the Southern Indiana Invitational. The Huskies continue action on August 28, facing off against Murray State before rounding out the opening weekend against Southern Indiana on August 29.
 
Hosting the NIU Invitational in the Convocation Center, the Huskies will welcome Murray State, Portland State, and Lindenwood to DeKalb. NIU takes on Murray State and Portland State on September 4 before concluding their home tournament against Lindenwood on September 5.
 
Action will continue in the state of Illinois as NIU competes at the SIUE Cougar Clash, September 11-12. The Huskies will face Chicago State, Arkansas Pine Bluff, and SIUE in the tournament.
 
The final non-conference test will feature a Chicagoland match-up as NIU welcomes UIC to Victor E. Court (VEC) on September 18.
 
"We are also really excited to be joining the Horizon League," noted D'Amore ahead of the inaugural season. "It's a strong, competitive conference, and we're looking forward to the opportunity to compete at that level. We believe in this group and feel confident in our ability to compete, grow, and continue building a program that belongs in this space."
 
The Huskies hit the road for the first three games of the Horizon League schedule, traveling to Wright State (September 25-26) and Milwaukee (October 1).
 
NIU opens conference play at home against Green Bay on October 2 to a four-game home stretch inside Victor E. Court. Northern Kentucky visits DeKalb on October 9 and 10 before facing Milwaukee on October 15. The Huskies will travel to Green Bay on October 16 before heading to Youngstown, Ohio on October 23 and 24 to take on Youngstown State.
 
The Huskies will see four of the final six games of the season at home, beginning with Robert Morris on October 30 and 31. NIU's final road games will come November 6 and 7 as they travel to IU Indy and Purdue Fort Wayne. Regular season action will conclude with Oakland (November 12) and Cleveland State (November 13).
 
The Horizon League tournament will feature the top-8 teams and is set to take place from November 19 to 22 with the location to be announced at a later date.
 
The Huskies volleyball squad will host a First Serve Dinner on August 15 at Fatty's Pub and Grille. This new annual celebration brings together NIU Volleyball fans and supporters for an evening of food, fun, and fundraising in support of our student-athletes. Enjoy an open buffet, cash bar, and the chance to mingle with NIU coaches and current Huskie volleyball players. For more information, please view the event page here.
 
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