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The Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) announced the launch of “First Serve,” a virtual volleyball media day scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 22, at noon, according to an announcement from the conference. The inaugural event will stream live on the MEAC Network, offering fans and analysts a comprehensive preview of the upcoming 2026 collegiate volleyball season.
MEAC First Serve Format and Schedule
According to MEAC materials, the virtual program features in-depth conversations with head coaches and select student-athletes from across all participating member institutions. The broadcast highlights key teams, emerging players, and major storylines to watch as programs prepare for the 2026 campaign. The event begins at 12 p.m. on the MEAC Network, providing an accessible digital platform for supporters to track conference developments ahead of opening matches.
Participating Teams, Coaches, and Student-Athletes
Eight historically Black colleges and universities comprise the MEAC lineup for the virtual media day. According to conference announcements, the confirmed participants include:
- Coppin State University: Head Coach Tim Walsh, alongside student-athletes Coco Figueroa and Kayden Cupid.
- Delaware State University: Head Coach David Brooks, alongside student-athletes Aaliyah Mitchell and Hannah Sanders.
- Howard University: Head Coach Shaun Kupferberg, alongside student-athletes Gabby Allen and Zenai Jethroe.
- University of Maryland Eastern Shore: Head Coach Vannessa Faircloth, alongside student-athletes Karielys Melendez and Jayda Hutchins.
- Morgan State University: Head Coach Xiomara Ortiz, alongside student-athletes Jada Williams and Tameary Wardlaw.
- Norfolk State University: Head Coach Kathy Bullock, alongside student-athletes Gabby Gilbert and Reagan Chisholm.
- North Carolina Central University: Head Coach Jonathan Paulk, alongside student-athletes Allyson Rouse and Talia Emmen.
- South Carolina State University: Interim Head Coach Chymaine Guinyard, alongside student-athletes Macey McCoy and Arianna James.
Historical Context and Conference Legacy
Headquartered in Norfolk, Virginia, the MEAC enters its 56th year of intercollegiate competition for the 2026–27 academic year, according to conference records. Founded in 1970, the conference maintains a dedicated focus on academic excellence, sportsmanship, and student-athlete development across its eight member institutions along the Atlantic seaboard.
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