** During the month of July, EIUPanthers.com looks back at 14 events, moments and players that helped shape the 2025-26 academic year. **
 
The Eastern Illinois volleyball team moved into a new home during the 2025 season as the Panthers played at the refurbished Gardella Family Court at McAfee Gym, a volleyball only facility.
 
The Panthers made their first season in the venue memorable as they won both the Ohio Valley Conference regular season and tournament championships under first-year head coach Ryan Millar.
 
EIU went 12-0 at home including a 3-0 win over Morehead State in the OVC Tournament Championship match.   Lilli Amettis was named OVC Tournament MVP with Emma Schroeder and Catalina Rochaix also named to the All-Tournament team.
 
The Panthers posted a 24-8 overall record for the season and faced Wisconsin in the opening round of the NCAA Tournament falling to a Badgers team that went on to reach the NCAA Final Four.   It was EIU's third appearance in the NCAA Tournament and second in the last three seasons.
 
Millar was named the OVC Coach of the Year with Rochaix the OVC Setter of the Year.   Rochaix, Destiny Walker and Katie Kopshever earned first team All-OVC honors with Amettis and Ariadna Pereles named to the OVC second team.


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 
No. 10 - EIU's OVC Coaches of the Year
No. 9 - EIU's OVC Players of the Year
No. 8 - EIU Dedicates Gardella Family Court at McAfee Gym
No. 7 - EIU Dedicates Frost Field For Baseball
No. 6 - EIU Individuals and Teams Set Records
No. 5 - EIU men's track & field wins OVC Outdoor Championship