(Article courtesy of University of the Ozarks Office of Public Relations)

CLARKSVILLE, Ark. -- University of the Ozarks will add women’s volleyball to its NCAA Division III athletic department beginning the fall 2025 semester, university officials announced today.

Women’s volleyball will represent the 20th varsity sport sponsored by the University and the 10th women’s sport.  

“Adding women’s volleyball will not only balance out our men’s and women’s sports and expand our tremendous athletic program, it will offer more opportunities for student-athletes to compete and excel,” said Dr. Sergio Molina, director of athletics. “Volleyball is an appropriate addition because it has been growing in popularity across the region and state. We are excited to offer this dynamic sport to the University community as well as the Arkansas River Valley.”

Collegiate volleyball is a fall sport, typically running from late August through November. The Eagles will play their home matches in Mabee Gymnasium.

Amy Lloyd, vice president for marketing and enrollment, cited the popularity of girls’ volleyball in the River Valley and throughout Arkansas as a reason the University pursued adding the sport. One hundred and seventy-two high schools in the state currently compete in girls volleyball.

“The popularity of girls’ and women’s volleyball makes this an exciting addition to the athletic program,” Lloyd said. “We are thrilled to be able to provide more opportunities for girls in Arkansas and throughout the region to continue their volleyball careers in college.”

Ozarks is the only school in the 12-team Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference (SCAC) that does not sponsor women’s volleyball. Approximately 420 NCAA Division III colleges and universities throughout the country have women’s volleyball, including fellow Arkansas Division III schools Hendrix College and Lyon College.

"We are thrilled that University of the Ozarks has committed to adding women's volleyball to its roster of athletic programs," said SCAC Commissioner Dwayne Hanberry. "This exciting addition not only enhances our conference but also exemplifies our commitment to promoting diverse opportunities for student-athletes. We look forward to supporting them on this new journey and witnessing the positive impact it will have on our conference community."

Lloyd said a nation-wide search for the sport’s first head coach will begin immediately.

Women’s volleyball will be the fifth sport added to the Ozarks athletic department over the past decade, joining men’s wrestling (2014), men’s and women’s clay target shooting (2014), indoor and outdoor track (2015) and swimming and diving (2016).