HAMPTON, Va. — Florida A&M opens its non-conference season this weekend at the Hampton Invitational. The defending Southwestern Athletic Conference champions face East Carolina and host Hampton on Friday, and Maryland Eastern Shore on Saturday — three matches in under two days as the Rattlers aim to build momentum ahead of SWAC play.

Schedule (all times Eastern):
Friday, Aug. 29 — vs. East Carolina, 10 a.m.; at Hampton, 6 p.m.
Saturday, Aug. 30 — vs. Maryland Eastern Shore, noon

FAMU Key Players (2024 Season)

• Dylan Hoskins, libero (Grambling State transfer): Named to Preseason All-SWAC First Team, and Preseason SWAC Libero of the Year. Hoskins capped the 2024 volleyball season with several strong individual efforts. Hoskins finished the year with 321 digs, 66 assists and five aces across 90 sets played. 
• Victoria Santana, libero (Charlotte transfer): In her 2024 freshman season at Charlotte, she played 90 sets, finishing second on the team with 183 digs, averaging 2.03 digs per set, including a season-high 29 digs against Tulane, and achieved double-digit digs in six matches.
• Sydney Humes, libero/defensive specialist: As a sophomore in 2024, she appeared in 15 matches (43 sets), recording 28 digs and eight service aces, with a season-high eight digs at North Florida.
• Iyonnie Sanford, outside hitter: Earned Preseason All-SWAC First Team honors. In 2024, she appeared in 31 matches (94 sets), finishing with 250 kills (second on the team), averaging 2.66 kills per set, along with 104 digs and 50 total blocks. She twice earned SWAC Offensive Player of the Week honors and recorded a double-double of 11 kills and 15 digs in the SWAC Tournament quarterfinals.
• Makenzie Taylor, setter: Also, Preseason All-SWAC Second Team. In 2024 she tallied 428 assists (second on the team), with an average of 4.98 per set across 86 sets in 28 matches. She posted 20+ assists in 10 matches, including a season-high 36 assists in a win at Bethune-Cookman, and added 89 digs.
• Farah Farooq, middle hitter: Named to Preseason All-SWAC Second Team. In 2024 she played 74 sets (28 matches), registering 101 kills, 52 blocks, 29 digs, and 14 service aces.

With three opponent styles and venues in quick succession, consistency and depth will be paramount. Relying on standout contributors like Hoskins, Santana, Humes, Sanford, Taylor, and Farooq will be vital as FAMU looks to stay sharp and assertive heading into conference battles.