Huntington University Launches Men’s Volleyball as Varsity Program
Men’s volleyball will begin competing at the varsity level in spring of 2027
HUNTINGTON, Ind. — Huntington University is pleased to announce the addition of men’s volleyball to HU’s varsity athletics lineup following faculty approval on January 21. The program will begin competing at the NAIA level in the 2026-2027 academic year.
HU’s men’s volleyball club team was started in the 2024-2025 academic year with the intention of transitioning to varsity status within two years.
“Elevating men’s volleyball to NAIA competition is a strategic intentional step in the future of Huntington University athletics,” said HU President Dr. Rob Pepper. “As the sport grows rapidly across the nation, this move creates exciting opportunities for student-athletes to compete at a higher level while growing in a Christ-centered community.”
HU Athletic Director Lori Culler noted the move aligns with the University’s Forever Foresters strategic plan, with one outcome listed in the plan being to increase HU’s number of student-athletes.
Culler hopes the varsity program will attract quality student-athletes who fit HU’s institutional mission, positively impact enrollment, retention and campus life and quickly establish itself as a worthy competitor in the NAIA.
Additionally, Culler recognizes the hard work done by the club team to establish the roots of men’s volleyball at HU and is excited for many of those involved to be part of the transition.
“I am grateful for the coaching staff and student-athletes whose commitment and effort laid the foundation for this program, and I am excited for them to have the opportunity to compete at the varsity level,” Culler said. “This transition is a testament to their hard work and positions the program for continued growth and success.”
A national search for a full-time head coach for the program will begin in the coming weeks.
The Huntington University Foresters compete in 18 intercollegiate sports for men and women. In the past decade, Huntington has produced 181 NAIA All-America honors and 631 All-America Scholar Athlete honors.
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The Huntington University men’s volleyball team will begin competing at the varsity level in the spring of 2027