** During the month of July, EIUPanthers.com looks back at 14 events, moments and players that helped shape the 2025-26 academic year. **

Eastern Illinois had three head coaches collect Ohio Valley Conference Coach of the Year honors in 2025-26 as each of those coaches led their team to an OVC championships.
 
Ryan Millar, James Gildon, Kristi Paulson and Dan Paulson each won OVC Coach of the Year accolades.
 
Millar won the award in the fall leading the EIU volleyball team to the OVC regular season and tournament championships in his first year leading the program.  EIU posted a 24-8 overall record with a 15-3 record in the OVC.   The Panthers played their first season in the renovated volleyball only Gardella Court at McAfee Gym posting  a perfect 12-0 record at home including a 3-0 mark to win the OVC Tournament.  The Panthers 2025 season came to an end in the NCAA Tournament with a loss to eventual NCAA National Semifinalist Wisconsin.
 
The Paulson's, a married husband and wife head coaching duo, were named OVC co-Head Coach of the Year award winners after leading the Panthers to a second straight OVC regular season and tournament championship.  EIU finished the year with a 36-23 overall record, including a 23-3 mark in the OVC.   The season ended with a second straight NCAA Tournament appearance for the program as the Panthers won their third straight OVC regular season title.   EIU lost in the NCAA Regional hosted by Oklahoma State with games against the host Cowgirls and Princeton.
 
Gildon won the OVC Coach of the Year honors after leading the EIU men's track & field program to its 18th OVC Outdoor Championship in May.  The Panthers returned to the top of the team podium with four athletes winning events at the conference championship.  It was the first OVC Outdoor title for the men's program since 2021.  From that OVC men's championship team, two athletes qualified to compete in the NCAA West Regional.  

Year In Review
No. 14 - EIU Gives Back In The Community
No. 13 - Will Klein Pitches In World Series
No. 12 - EIU Spring Fling Event Returns To Campus
No. 11 - EIU Plays Memorable Opponents