Southeastern Louisiana University's Volleyball team kicks off the 2026 season with two exhibition matches, beginning Thursday against Xavier at 6:30 p.m. The Lions, led by Head Coach Lee McBride, are coming off a strong 20-9 season, finishing third in the Southland Conference with a 12-4 record. Key player Kyra McKelvey, the Southland Conference Player of the Year, returns to build on her impressive stats from 2025, where she recorded 368 kills and .340 hitting percentage. Fans are encouraged to attend and show support by wearing green and gold. Following the matchup against Xavier, SLU will host Tulane for their second exhibition on Wednesday, featuring a spotlight on local youth sports teams.

By the Numbers
  • 20-9 overall record in 2025
  • 368 kills and .340 hitting percentage from Kyra McKelvey in 2025
State of Play
  • SLU returns 11 players from last season's roster, including the star Kyra McKelvey
  • Exhibition matches provide the team a chance to refine their skills before the regular season
What's Next

Following exhibition play, the Lions will commence their regular season at the Ole Miss Invitational on August 28, which could be critical for setting the tone for the 2026 season.

Bottom Line

The SLU Volleyball team looks poised for a successful season, with key returning players and strong community support at their exhibition matches being essential for building momentum heading into regular-season competition.