Talladega College will soon join six Division II schools in the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) that offer a men’s volleyball team.
“This is a historic move that will help broaden access to a sport that is often viewed as being primarily for women,” said Talladega College Vice President and Athletic Director Michael Grant. “While males and minorities are sorely underrepresented in volleyball, statistics are rapidly changing as the sport becomes increasingly popular.”
“There is a national initiative to increase diversity in volleyball,” said Talladega College President Gregory J. Vincent. “As a student-centered historically Black institution that is committed to excellence, we are thrilled to be at the forefront of this movement.”
Volleyball is the fastest-growing team sport for boys and young men in the United States. The game’s popularity among men has soared by 22% over the past five years, according to USA Volleyball (USAV). In the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), Division I and Division II programs compete together in championship tournaments.
Talladega College will recruit 15 – 20 male athletes beginning in the 2023-2024 academic year, when the institution joins Morehouse College, Central State University, Benedict College, Paine College, Fort Valley State University, and Kentucky State University in offering Division II men’s volleyball.
Founded in 1867, Talladega College is Alabama’s first private historically black liberal arts college. The institution was recognized as #13 in the nation for social mobility by U.S. News and World Report in 2022 and named one of Princeton Review’s 2023 Best Colleges Region by Region.
Source: Mary Sood/talladegatornadoes.com