WARREN, Mich. – It's a new season and a new era for the Macomb women's volleyball program as
Erika Knieper enters year one at the helm in 2026 after being elevated to 11th head coach in program history on March 25.
Knieper, a longtime assistant coach at Macomb, takes over for Lauren "Doogie" Rishell, who stepped down to spend more time with her growing family earlier this year.
After bringing in new talent and depth as part of an abbreviated first recruiting cycle, Knieper announced the 2026 schedule on Wednesday (July 8).
After going 17-13 overall and 7-5 in MCCAA Eastern Conference action in 2025, the Monarchs' season once again culminated with a postseason trip to the Great Lakes District B Championship.
This year, the Monarchs will lift the lid on regular season play in a familiar place at the Opening Weekend Tournament (OWT) in Rockford, Ill. This year's trip to Rockford marks the third time in as many seasons the Monarchs will open play at the famed OWT. A difficult schedule awaits the Blue & White in Rockford as matches against Southeastern Community College (Iowa) and Southwestern Michigan College await on day one before day two features clashes against Dakota College at Bottineau and Morton College (Ill.).
The Monarchs return to Michigan for a road tilt with Lawrence Tech University on Aug. 26. The first match at the newly renovated 'Den' inside the Sport & Expo Center is schedule for on Sept. 4 against Rochester Christian University. First serve for the home opener is set for 7 p.m.
MCCAA East play opens the following Wednesday (Sept.9) at Henry Ford College. The first home conference match of the campaign is slated for Sept. 21 against Jackson.
As part of a recent change following the release of the schedule on social media, Macomb is scheduled to travel to Benton Harbor to compete in the Lake Michigan College Quad on Oct. 10 with matches opposite the host Red Hawks and Southwestern Michigan College.
The regular season concludes on Wednesday (Oct. 28) with a home match against Mott Community College.
This year's Great Lakes District A/B Championships are set for Nov. 5-7 at Grand Rapids Community College.
