The Florida State Seminoles volleyball team commenced its 2026 season this past weekend at the Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) Invitational, marking the first competition under new head coach Lindsay Allman. This event provided a significant opportunity to gauge the direction of the program following a long-standing tenure of nearly two decades under former coach Chris Poole.
Allman, who took over the coaching reins this offseason, is the first new head coach for the Seminoles since 2008. Her arrival signifies a transformative period for the program as it seeks to carve out a new identity while honoring its rich legacy. "Honored to be following the greats that came before," Allman remarked, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the program's successful foundations while also innovating for the future.
With a coaching staff that includes former professional league assistant Ángel Pérez and experienced players like junior Bailey Higgins and senior Kyleene Filimaua from the FSU beach volleyball program, Allman is poised to make an impactful start. "The legacy of the program is a part of our identity, but we get to create a new story moving forward," she stated, highlighting her vision of building a culture based on relationships and community.
The Seminoles kicked off their season on Friday, August 28, at Alico Arena in Fort Myers, where they faced No. 24 Brigham Young University (BYU). Despite a strong start, with Higgins leading the team with 14 kills and a remarkable .423 hitting percentage, Florida State ultimately fell to the Cougars in a closely contested five-set match, ending 3-2. Allman noted the significance of the match, stating, "At the end of the day, we can compete at the top 25 level. It was a confidence builder, and now it's up to us to execute consistently." Junior setter Emma Lilo also made a notable debut, contributing a match-high 23 assists.
On Saturday, August 29, the Seminoles rebounded against Virginia Commonwealth University, where middle blocker Delaney Ewing delivered a standout performance with a career-high 14 kills. This victory marked Allman's first win as head coach, leveling the team’s record at 1-1 and setting a positive tone for the tournament's final day.
Florida State concluded the FGCU Invitational on Sunday with another victory, defeating the host team 3-1. Filimaua led the charge with a match-high 19 kills, showcasing her offensive prowess throughout the tournament. The match was competitive, with the Seminoles taking the first set 25-19, only for FGCU to respond with a 25-19 win in the second. Florida State regained control, winning the third set 25-21 and clinching the match with a hard-fought 27-25 victory in the fourth set.
Finishing the weekend with a 2-1 record, the Seminoles not only celebrated Allman's successful debut but also hinted at the potential for a promising season ahead. Following a near upset against BYU and back-to-back wins against VCU and FGCU, Florida State volleyball appears ready to take on the challenges of the upcoming season. The team will next compete on September 4 in Nashville, Tennessee, against the University of Kansas, as they continue to build on the momentum generated during this opening weekend.
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