ODU to finally begin season Jan. 22

Old Dominion will open its inaugural women’s volleyball season Jan. 22 against George Mason after a two-year buildup.

ODU introduced Fred Chao as its coach in February 2019. During the past 23 months, Chao has recruited athletes and watched as the school renovated its old basketball practice facility at the Jim Jarrett Athletic Administration Building into a $3.1 million volleyball venue. Then, the season was pushed back a few more months when ODU canceled fall sports.

On Monday, Old Dominion released the schedule for its first season, and Chao will start against his former program.

Chao served as George Mason’s men’s volleyball coach from 19992015, compiling a 264-204 record, then served as an assistant with the Virginia Tech and Duke women’s teams.

“We are excited … the kind of excitement that builds over nearly two years,” Chao said in a release. “There are so many people who helped us get to this point, and we are grateful to be in this position. The players have thrived under these unprecedented conditions and we are ready to play.”

The Monarchs open the season with three consecutive home matches from Jan. 22-24 — against George Mason, VCU and Delaware State in the new ODU Volleyball Center.

State COVID-19 restrictions will limit attendance, and the first two matches are closed to the general public, with only a limited number of friends and family permitted. The Jan. 24 match will be open with limited attendance on a first-come, first-serve basis. Doors will open an hour before the match.

ODU will offer a free live stream of its opener on ODUSports.com.

After its initial homestand, ODU will travel to Liberty Jan. 29 before hosting Norfolk State Jan. 31. Conference USA play begins after that, and C-USA teams will play Sunday-Monday series.

ODU SCHEDULE

Jan. 22: George Mason, 2 p.m. (free stream on ODUSports.com)

Jan. 23: VCU, 4 p.m. (CUSA.TV)

Jan. 24: Delaware St., 3 p.m. (CUSA.TV)

Jan. 29: at Liberty, 1:30 p.m.

Jan. 31: Norfolk State, 1 p.m. (CUSA.TV)

Feb. 7: at Florida International, 1 p.m.*

Feb. 8: at Florida International, 1 p.m.*

Feb. 14: Western Ky., noon* (CUSA.TV)

Feb. 15: Western Ky., noon* (CUSA.TV)

Feb. 21: at Middle Tennessee, 2 p.m.*

Feb. 22: at Middle Tennessee, 2 p.m.*

Feb. 28: Fla. Atlantic, noon* (CUSA.TV)

March 1: Fla. Atlantic, noon* (CUSA.TV)

March 3: UNC Wilm., 5 p.m. (CUSA.TV)

March 7: at Delaware State, 3 p.m.

March 14: at Charlotte, 1 p.m.*

March 15: at Charlotte, 1 p.m.*

March 21: Marshall, 1 p.m.* (CUSA.TV)

March 22: Marshall, 1 p.m.* (CUSA.TV)

April 1-3: C-USA tournament

(at Southern Mississippi)

*Denotes C-USA match