The Drury Panthers volleyball team has finalized its 2026 schedule, featuring 12 home matches at the O'Reilly Family Event Center. Under new head coach Kelly Richardson, the team will kick off its season with the Drury Invitational on August 28-29, facing Minot State and Southern Nazarene. The Panthers have a balanced mix of pre-conference tournaments and a challenging Great Lakes Valley Conference (GLVC) schedule, culminating in the GLVC Tournament from November 12-14 in Williamsville, Ill., and possibly advancing to the NCAA Division II Tournament starting November 19.

By the Numbers
  • 12 home matches scheduled for the 2026 season.
  • 4 pre-conference tournaments including the Drury Invitational on August 28-29.
State of Play
  • The Panthers debut their season at the Drury Invitational, facing four teams.
  • GLVC play begins on the road against McKendree and Missouri-St. Louis on September 18-19.
What's Next

The Panthers will prepare for their season opener in late August, focusing on building team chemistry under their new coach. Following a series of early matches, they will look to establish momentum heading into conference play.

Bottom Line

With a fresh coaching perspective and a robust schedule, the Panthers aim to make a mark in the 2026 season, leveraging their home advantage and seeking to advance in both the GLVC and NCAA tournaments.