Ball State University Athletics
Photo by: Bobby Ellis/Ball State University
Mike Iandolo Signs Extension
September 10, 2026 | Men's Volleyball
MUNCIE, Ind. -- Ball State University Director of Athletics Jeff Mitchell announced head men's volleyball coach Mike Iandolo has signed a contract extension that will continue his tenure leading the Cardinals.
"I am grateful to Mike Iandolo for the tremendous impact he has made on our men's volleyball program for the past five years, especially this past year in his first season as head coach," said Mitchell. "Our future is exceptionally bright with coach Iandolo continuing to guide our program."
Iandolo was officially named head coach on Dec. 18, 2025. In his first year at the helm, he became just the third head coach in program history to earn the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) National Coach of the Year award.
Iandolo and the Cardinals captured Midwestern Intercollegiate Volleyball Association (MIVA) regular season and tournament championships, making him the fourth of five head coaches at Ball State to win both titles in his first year.
The Cardinals overcame Pepperdine in a thrilling five-set win on May 5, hosting their first NCAA Regional match since 1992. With the victory over the Waves, Iandolo brought Ball State to its 17th NCAA Semifinal appearance in program history and its second in five years, eventually falling to UC Irvine in four sets on May 9.
Ball State finished the 2026 season with a 26-5 record, the program's most wins since reaching 27 in 1997. The Cardinals also achieved a No. 5 national ranking while claiming 14 victories over ranked opponents. Ball State won 13 consecutive home matches, the 10th-longest streak in program history, ultimately finishing 17-1 inside Worthen Arena.
Under Iandolo, outside hitter Patrick Rogers was named an AVCA National Collegiate Men's Player of the Year semifinalist, while five Cardinals earned AVCA All-American honors and four received All-MIVA recognition.
"I am grateful to President [Geoffrey] Mearns and Director of Athletics Jeff Mitchell for their belief in me and their continued commitment to Ball State men's volleyball," Iandolo said. "I am also very appreciative of our fans, alumni and the entire Ball State community. The passion and support they continue to show our program is instrumental to our success. Our expectation is to compete for championships at the highest level, and we are committed to doing the work necessary to make that a reality. I am excited for what we can accomplish together. This is a special place, and I am honored to continue the journey with Ball State."
Iandolo joined the Cardinals' staff ahead of the 2022 season and helped the program to a 23-4 overall record, along with MIVA regular season and tournament titles. The historic season continued as the Cardinals made their first NCAA Semifinal appearance since 2002. After the 2022 campaign, Iandolo helped Ball State to 20-win seasons in 2023 and 2024 as an assistant while helping the program earn three MIVA regular season crowns.
"I am grateful to Mike Iandolo for the tremendous impact he has made on our men's volleyball program for the past five years, especially this past year in his first season as head coach," said Mitchell. "Our future is exceptionally bright with coach Iandolo continuing to guide our program."
Iandolo was officially named head coach on Dec. 18, 2025. In his first year at the helm, he became just the third head coach in program history to earn the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) National Coach of the Year award.
Iandolo and the Cardinals captured Midwestern Intercollegiate Volleyball Association (MIVA) regular season and tournament championships, making him the fourth of five head coaches at Ball State to win both titles in his first year.
The Cardinals overcame Pepperdine in a thrilling five-set win on May 5, hosting their first NCAA Regional match since 1992. With the victory over the Waves, Iandolo brought Ball State to its 17th NCAA Semifinal appearance in program history and its second in five years, eventually falling to UC Irvine in four sets on May 9.
Ball State finished the 2026 season with a 26-5 record, the program's most wins since reaching 27 in 1997. The Cardinals also achieved a No. 5 national ranking while claiming 14 victories over ranked opponents. Ball State won 13 consecutive home matches, the 10th-longest streak in program history, ultimately finishing 17-1 inside Worthen Arena.
Under Iandolo, outside hitter Patrick Rogers was named an AVCA National Collegiate Men's Player of the Year semifinalist, while five Cardinals earned AVCA All-American honors and four received All-MIVA recognition.
"I am grateful to President [Geoffrey] Mearns and Director of Athletics Jeff Mitchell for their belief in me and their continued commitment to Ball State men's volleyball," Iandolo said. "I am also very appreciative of our fans, alumni and the entire Ball State community. The passion and support they continue to show our program is instrumental to our success. Our expectation is to compete for championships at the highest level, and we are committed to doing the work necessary to make that a reality. I am excited for what we can accomplish together. This is a special place, and I am honored to continue the journey with Ball State."
Iandolo joined the Cardinals' staff ahead of the 2022 season and helped the program to a 23-4 overall record, along with MIVA regular season and tournament titles. The historic season continued as the Cardinals made their first NCAA Semifinal appearance since 2002. After the 2022 campaign, Iandolo helped Ball State to 20-win seasons in 2023 and 2024 as an assistant while helping the program earn three MIVA regular season crowns.
Players Mentioned
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