2026 Alyssa Cavanaugh Classic
| 2026 Alyssa Cavanaugh Classic | Hosted by WKU | E.A. Diddle Arena |
| Date | Matchup (Home Team Listed First) | Time | TV Broadcast | Live Stats |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sept. 10 | James Madison vs. Eastern Kentucky | 3 PM CT | None | Live Stats |
| Sept. 10 | WKU vs. Pepperdine | 6 PM CT | ESPN+ | Live Stats |
| Sept. 11 | Eastern Kentucky vs. Pepperdine | 3 PM CT | None | Live Stats |
| Sept. 11 | WKU vs. James Madison | 6 PM CT | ESPN+ | Live Stats |
| Sept. 12 | Pepperdine vs. James Madison | 12 PM CT | None | Live Stats |
| Sept. 12 | WKU vs. Eastern Kentucky | 3 PM CT | ESPN+ | Live Stats |
ALYSSA CAVANAUGH
A member of the Hilltopper Volleyball Team from 2014-17, Alyssa Cavanaugh quickly made an impact on The Hill, ultimately earning four AVCA All-America honors, including an all around team nomination, the first ever for WKU.
Cavanaugh's extensive list of accolades include AVCA South Region Player of the Year (2017), Conference USA Michael L. Slive Female Athlete of the Year (2017-18), four-time CUSA first team All-Conference, two-time CUSA Player of the Year (2016 & 2017), first Hilltopper to earn three All-America honors in a single season (2016: AVCA, VolleyballMag.com, PrepVolleyball.com), and CUSA Freshman of the Year (2014).
While donning the Red and White, Cavanaugh compiled a 123-17 record, and was part of the program's first class to appear in the NCAA Tournament every year of their careers. Cavanaugh, a 5-foot-10 outside hitter from Louisville, Ky., graduated from WKU in May 2018 with a degree in recreation administration.
Following her graduation from WKU, Cavanaugh traveled overseas and competed in a professional tryout before being diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia on Sept. 5, 2018. She received a successful bone marrow transplant from her father, Eric, on Feb. 19, 2019. After complications from treatment, Alyssa passed away on Dec. 25, 2020.
In August of 2023, WKU Athletics honored Alyssa’s legacy by naming a home tournament in her honor. Conference USA renamed the Player of the Year Award to the Alyssa Cavanaugh CUSA Player of the Year in 2021 to honor the life and legacy of one of the best athletes in league history.
