VOLLEYBALL PREVIEW VS. ANDREW COLLEGE AND GEORGIA HIGHLANDS
Here we go…! Cleveland State Volleyball is set to open the 2025-2026 season on the road playing matches at Georgia Highlands Community College on Friday, August 22. In match one the Cougars face off vs. Andrew College followed by a second match vs. host school, Georgia Highlands.
There is much excitement about the 2025-2026 Cougar Volleyball team as this is Head Coach Peyton McDaniel's first recruited team here at Cleveland State. With McDaniel currently stationed in Iraq in the United States Airforce, her brother Nolan, an expert volleyball player in his own right has stepped in to coach and man the floor until Coach McDaniel returns in October.
Both match competitions will be a first for the Cougars as they have never played either team. Andrew College had a record in the 2024-2025 season of 4-19 while Georgia Highlands is playing in their inaugural season having just started their program.
The pre-season for Cleveland State Volleyball has been exciting. The team has meshed well together and has showed the skill and energy that Head Coach Peyton McDaniel exhibits herself. McDaniel has been able to do Zoom sessions with her team from Iraq which has served to be a tremendous motivation for the Cougars.
Coach Nolan McDaniel said: "During these opening weeks of practice and scrimmage games the players have been extremely coachable and enthusiastic with a determination to be the best they can be. All of us are excited to start the regular season."
All the way from Iraq Coach McDaniel responded to questions about the opening games by saying: "There are so many things I want to say but I my most meaningful message would be is that I wish I could be there with my team." She additionally added that she was comforted to know that they are in a good state being coached by her brother, Nolan.
Cougar Volleyball will open their home game season on Tuesday September 2 at 6:30 p.m. vs Trevecca Nazarene University. Games are played in the L. Quentin Lane Gymnasium on the Campus of Cleveland State. Admission charge is $8 per person. There is no charge for Cleveland State students, faculty, staff and administrators.
