Fort Valley State University (FVSU) today announced the establishment of men’s volleyball as one of its NCAA Division II-sponsored sports, beginning in the 2020-2021 academic year. To support the new program, FVSU has received a $150,000 gift from First Point Volleyball Foundation and USA Volleyball. FVSU will immediately begin a national search for the new men’s volleyball head coach.

“We are proud to be on the leading edge of the establishment of men’s volleyball at the NCAA Division II level nationally,” said FVSU President Dr. Paul Jones.  “Men’s volleyball will help FVSU further distinguish itself as a unique institution where talented students are exposed to opportunities they can find at few other institutions of higher learning, including in the area of athletics. We look forward to bringing a diversity of talent to FVSU to take advantage of this dynamic sports program.”

Anthony Holloman, FVSU’s vice president of advancement and interim athletics director, chaired a Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) ad hoc committee which helped solidify the addition of the sport at six historically black colleges which are part of the SIAC, including Kentucky State University, Central State University, Morehouse College, Paine College, and Benedict College.  A total of $1 million ¾ $600,000 from First Point Volleyball Foundation and $400,000 from USA Volleyball ¾  has been invested in the initiative.

“Men’s volleyball players are extraordinary athletes who approach the sport with power and skill,” said Holloman. “We fully intend to attract elite performers who will be intense competitors and scholars, and go on to compete at higher levels such as the Olympics.”

Men’s volleyball is experiencing rapid growth in the United States, with new programs initiated at 80 universities over the past five years.  It is the fastest growing team sport in the United States for high school boys, growing by 22% over the past five years. Participation in other sports is slowing or decreasing, such as football, which saw a 9% decrease in participation over the same five-year period.  Growing from approximately 63,563 high school players today to a projected 100,000 players by 2026, men’s volleyball is the focus of initiatives in dozens of states across the nation.

“It has been terrific working with President Jones and Vice President Holloman,” said Wade Garard, CEO of First Point.  “We are so pleased to make a gift to Fort Valley State University through support from donors from all over the country who made this grant possible.  FVSU is clearly committed to providing an excellent experience for student-athletes. We could not be more excited that soon, young men will enjoy a Wildcat volleyball experience in Fort Valley.”

“We all want more opportunities for young people in this country to compete in collegiate athletics,” added John Speraw, head coach of USA Men’s national team and UCLA’s head men’s volleyball coach.  “When we founded First Point Volleyball Foundation, we envisioned supporting growth in NCAA D-II.  FVSU has been terrific in helping to bring about this opportunity. It is exciting for us to see men’s volleyball becoming a reality at Fort Valley State University.”