Ball State University Athletics
Photo by: Ball State University/Bobby Ellis
Iandolo Named 2026 AVCA National Coach of the Year
May 07, 2026 | Men's Volleyball
LEXINGTON, Ky. – For the first time in his head coaching career, Ball State men's volleyball head coach Mike Iandolo has been named the American Volleyball Coaches Association National Coach of the Year.
Iandolo earns the national recognition after his first year at the helm of the Cardinals in 2026. This season, the Florida native led his unit to a 2026 MIVA Regular Season and Tournament Championship, becoming the fourth out of five head coaches in program history to win both titles in the first year. The 2026 MIVA Coach of the Year has marched Ball State to a 26-4 record, the most wins since earning 27 in 1997, and a No. 7 national ranking that includes 13 wins over nationally ranked opponents.
The head coach's leadership guided Ball State to a victory over No. 4 Pepperdine in the NCAA Regional Final (May 2), giving the program its first NCAA Tournament win since 1995 and its second NCAA Semifinal appearance in five years.
Iandolo becomes the third head coach in program history to earn AVCA National Coach of the Year honors, joining 1995 and 1996 honoree Dr. Don Shondell and 2022 honoree Donan Cruz. All three earned the award in their first season as head coach.
Ball State sets its sights on an advancement to the 2026 NCAA Championship finale as it battles UC Irvine in the semifinal on May 9 at 6:30 p.m. ET/3:30 p.m. PT at Pauley Pavilion.
Iandolo earns the national recognition after his first year at the helm of the Cardinals in 2026. This season, the Florida native led his unit to a 2026 MIVA Regular Season and Tournament Championship, becoming the fourth out of five head coaches in program history to win both titles in the first year. The 2026 MIVA Coach of the Year has marched Ball State to a 26-4 record, the most wins since earning 27 in 1997, and a No. 7 national ranking that includes 13 wins over nationally ranked opponents.
The head coach's leadership guided Ball State to a victory over No. 4 Pepperdine in the NCAA Regional Final (May 2), giving the program its first NCAA Tournament win since 1995 and its second NCAA Semifinal appearance in five years.
Iandolo becomes the third head coach in program history to earn AVCA National Coach of the Year honors, joining 1995 and 1996 honoree Dr. Don Shondell and 2022 honoree Donan Cruz. All three earned the award in their first season as head coach.
Ball State sets its sights on an advancement to the 2026 NCAA Championship finale as it battles UC Irvine in the semifinal on May 9 at 6:30 p.m. ET/3:30 p.m. PT at Pauley Pavilion.
Men's Volleyball // NCAA Regional Final Press Conference
Sunday, May 03
Men's Volleyball // MIVA Tournament Championship Recap Video
Friday, May 01
Men's Volleyball // Selection Sunday Interview: Mike Iandolo
Wednesday, April 29
Men's Volleyball // Selection Sunday Interview: Lucas Machado
Wednesday, April 29