Here at Harding we have many sports. Baseball, basketball, soccer, women’s volleyball and many more that athletes participate in.
One sport that we lack at the university is men’s volleyball. Sure, during the fall intramural season they allow us to compete in the game, but it is not enough for the guys here that have a desire to play competitive volleyball. I am one of them.
There are guys that love the sport and would be thrilled to start a team, but for some reason Harding does not have it. Would we be able to start a legitimate NCAA Division II men’s volleyball team? Maybe. However, if we cannot get the support and help from the school to start an actual team, why wouldn’t we be able to start a traveling club team with sponsors?
There are plenty of students that play on weekdays and weekends that would be overjoyed if they heard that they would be able to participate in a competitive league. Even if the team only traveled to Arkansas State University and played a team that they set up, it would still be an enjoyable, fun experience for the individuals involved.
The women’s volleyball team at HU and the coaching staff, they are assisted by male students who love the sport and want to be involved with the atmosphere of the game. Also, the female volleyball athletes are supportive of the idea and goal of starting a men’s team.
Amber Schinzing, setter for HU women’s volleyball said, “my brother plays and that would be awesome for him to be able to come here.”
If Harding started a men’s volleyball team, they would not only have current students interested in the program, but future, prospective ones as well.
This task should be taken to heart and the HU athletic program should recognize that there are male students thoroughly interested in and hopeful for a volleyball team.
For anyone interested in starting a club team contact: Shaun Melady
Email: smelady@harding.edu
