Winston Salem Times

Carolina University Athletics has announced that its Men's Volleyball program will join the Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) as a per-sport member for the 2025 season. This inclusion, along with four other new programs, expands the AAC to eleven teams competing in Men's Volleyball.

The AAC now becomes the second-largest men's volleyball conference in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA). The top eight teams from these eleven will advance to the AAC Tournament, scheduled for April 17-19 at the Tribe Athletic Complex in Kingsport, Tennessee.

"We are so blessed to have the opportunity for our men's volleyball team to compete alongside and against some of the strongest programs in the area," said Athletic Director Chelsea Jones. "Our program has shown tremendous growth over the past few years, and we look forward to working with the AAC and its member schools to continue to grow the sport as well as our team."

"A great opportunity for the AAC to showcase men's volleyball with the addition of four excellent schools," commented AAC Commissioner Bill Popp. "I think it continues to show that Men's Volleyball is gaining popularity and is another growth opportunity for institutions looking to add sports. I am excited to work with the Athletic Administration and Staff for all four of these schools and know the competition will be great in the AAC."