The Friends University Volleyball Falcons are set to kick off the 2026 season under new head coach Kortney Cunningham, who succeeds Martin Ayin after his 22-year tenure. Cunningham, previously head coach at NCAA D-II Lyon College, aims to leave her mark and has begun fostering relationships with the team. Key player Natalie Castillo returns as an offensive and defensive leader, supported by three other top contributors from last season as the Falcons strive to navigate a competitive KCAC conference.

By the Numbers
  • Natalie Castillo led the Falcons in 2025 with 278 kills and a hitting percentage of .263.
  • The team returns four of the top five players in kills from last season, including Gabbie Taylor (250 kills) and Sofia Mekelburg (181 kills).
Yes, But

Cunningham faces challenges in replacing core defensive specialists and setters, but she acknowledges the promising development of younger players during the spring semester.

State of Play
  • The Falcons will kick off the season on Aug. 21-22 with the Friends Invitational at home.
  • The non-conference schedule is designed to challenge the team ahead of the KCAC campaign starting on Sept. 26.
What's Next

Cunningham's coaching strategy and the integration of younger talent will be crucial as the team gears up for a demanding season full of competitive matchups.

Bottom Line

With a mix of returning talent and new leadership, the Falcons are poised to embrace the challenges of the upcoming KCAC season while building a strong team dynamic.