Ozarks Adding Volleyball

The University of the Ozarks will add volleyball and play in the SCAC starting in the fall of 2025. This is the 20th varsity sport sponsored by the University and 10th for the women.

This will bring the SCAC up to 12 teams next year in volleyball as they lose Southwestern and Trinity but gain Hendrix, LeTourneau and now Ozarks. My assumption is that they will play in two divisions of 6 teams but the scheduling remains to be seen. Ozarks does give Hendrix a travel buddy but the conference still has isolated schools in McMurry and Colorado College.

The article stats that the team will play in the Mabee Gymnasium, which has low ceilings. Something like 20′ high. I remembering talking to a coach about it when I had heard rumors they were adding the sport and they thought they could be grandfathered in as their are minimum standards for facilities. It’s obviously not a concern as that is where they are playing.

It appears that the SCAC is set moving forward with their 12 schools so it does bring us back to the ASC and their 4 remaining institutions. I have not heard anything of late but I still believe the C2C is about their only option if staying in DIII. Football continues to be a stumbling block (with UMHB and HSU having great programs) although the NCAA recently added to the number of at-large programs in that sport. It remains to be seen if that helps the ASC attract schools or helps the four find a new home.