NCAA on JUCO Eligibility Waiver; Get ready for Officials Appreciation Week
At The Net – March 19, 2025
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AVCA Events
2025 AVCA Spring Officials Appreciation Week for boys, men’s, beach, club & pro volleyball teams is coming up March 21-29! This nine-day period is set aside especially for boys, men’s, beach, club and pro volleyball teams to make sure our officials know how grateful the volleyball community is for the integral role they play. Get your event scheduled ASAP and be sure to tag @AVCAVolleyball and #OFFICIATIONWEEK when sharing photos on social media.
Single session tickets will be offered on April 18 if any inventory remains.
The season-opening women’s volleyball showcase will take place at Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln, Nebraska, on Aug. 22–24, and at the Sanford Pentagon in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, on Aug. 25. Check out the event web site for more information and to see the eight matchups that will take place over the four days of 2025 First Serve.
Around the Court
NCAA releases new guidance around JUCO eligibility waiver
According to the NCAA memo from December, the waiver extends an extra year of eligibility in 2025-26 to athletes who previously “competed at a non-NCAA school for one or more years” and otherwise would have exhausted their NCAA eligibility following the 2024-25 season. The new guidance from the NCAA Division I Board of Directors, published March 13, provided clarity on the waiver.
Sportico: Congress May Have to Settle NCAA Athlete Eligibility Issue“Given that college athletes can earn NIL income and, if the House settlement is approved, a share of revenue, do NCAA rules limiting eligibility to four seasons in five years illegally restrain trade?”
NCAA President Charlie Bakerjoined CBS Evening News to discuss the settlement, NIL payments, concerns over sports betting, and changes reshaping athletics. NCAA has launched a new anti-harassment video targeting abuse and harassment student-athletes face from angry fans who lost a bet.
A 40-year-old father of three playing college volleyball? Check out the incredible story of Damon LaSalle, who is back on the court for New Jersey City this season for the first time since he was a star middle blocker for the Gothic Knights from 2004 to 2006.
Six of the nation’s best collegiate and Olympic athletes are vying for the 95th AAU Sullivan Award, including Nebraska grad and LOVB Omaha libero Lexi Rodriguez. Vote here!
NAIA: April 29 – May 3, Alliant Energy PowerHouse, Cedar Rapids, IA
Get ready for a thrilling season of sun, sand, and fierce competition! The 2025 National Collegiate Beach Volleyball Championship brings the heat with a high-stakes, single-elimination showdown featuring sixteen elite teams. Don’t miss your chance to witness the action May 2-4 in Gulf Shores, AL – get your tickets today!
Other upcoming Beach Volleyball championships:
NAIA: April 24-26, Greeneville Beach Volleyball Complex, Greeneville, TN
Submit a proposal to be considered as a speaker for on-court, beach court or classroom presentations at the AVCA Convention in Kansas City, Missouri, December 17-21, 2025. Applications due May 7.
Applications due May 9 – 2025 AVCA Match Point Mentoring Program! Designed exclusively for volleyball coaches at all levels of expertise, our program centers on creating mentoring trios where these coaches serve as both mentors and mentees to create a collaborative learning experience.
Upcoming Webinars – free for AVCA members who register in advance!
Hit a career wins milestone this season? Submit for the AVCA Victory Club! Coaches will be recognized at the 2025 AVCA Annual Convention in Kansas City, MO.
View the list of athletes named to the 2025 AVCA Boys High School All-American Watch List. In order to be featured on the list, each athlete must be in the process of completing their SENIOR year of high school. Athletes not yet listed can be nominated here.
View the list of athletes named to the 2025 AVCA High Risers List. In order to be featured on the list, each athlete must be a junior, sophomore, or freshman in high school. Athletes not yet listed can be nominated here.
Spots are Limited! Register for Align Volleyball Summit Before it Sells Out!
Align ’25 is the premier educational summit designed specifically for junior volleyball club leaders! USA Volleyball, AAU Volleyball and JVA are coming together May 13-14 at the InterContinental Downtown Chicago! Align your vision, strategy, and leadership with the future of junior volleyball!
Volleyball Club Directors: Lean on the JVA Mentor Program The goal of the JVA Mentor Program is to connect club directors seeking guidance in any area of running a club with other experienced directors who can listen, guide, and give advice. Learn more and apply today.
Drill to 15 with Kayla Allen – Vista Ridge High School (TX)
Building Core Values with Stephen Mackey – 2Words Character Development
Tips and Guidelines for Communication and Teaching Methodology to Protect Mental Health – Adam Sarancik
Volleyball Media
Volleyball World have signed a ten-year agreement with Stats Perform, a world leader in Sports AI. This partnership grants Stats Perform the exclusive global betting streaming and data rights to premier men’s and women’s volleyball competitions.
The AVP announced national broadcast partnerships: CBS Television Network will broadcast the 2025 AVP League Championship August 31 in addition to matches airing on CBS Sports Network throughout the season. The CW will also broadcast matches live on Saturdays from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Former UTSA star McKenzie Adams is having a strong season for LOVB Atlanta, which leads League One Volleyball by three games. The well-traveled veteran has a most-interesting story.
This week, the MasterCoaches revisit their conversation with AVCA CEO Jaime Gordon. Last week, the show featured Jen Spicher, CEO of the PVF. Watch live on Wednesdays at 2pm ET!
Coaching Careers
NCAA Division I
Reid Gann was named head coach of the ULM indoor volleyball program.
NCAA Division II
Pittsburg State University announced that Megan Besecker has been hired as the Gorillas head volleyball coach.
NCAA Division III
Johnny Powell named new Head Coach of Women’s Volleyball at Susquehanna University.
NAIA
Peru State Athletics announces the hiring of Caleb Bonaventure to take over the Bobcat Volleyball program.
