Volleyball Added to CF Patriots Athletics Program

The College of Central Florida will add women’s volleyball to its intercollegiate athletics program after approval at Tuesday’s meeting of the CF District Board of Trustees. The Patriots volleyball team will make its debut in fall 2011.

“There is a thriving high school and community volleyball scene in our service area, and we think it’s time for the College of Central Florida to take an active role in it,” said CF Director of Athletics Bob Zelinski. “It’s a natural next step for our athletics program.”

The move furthers CF’s ongoing mission to encourage participation in sports among girls and provide athletic opportunities for female student-athletes in Marion, Citrus and Levy counties. By adding volleyball to its women’s basketball and fast-pitch softball teams, the college now offers scholarships in the three most widely played sports among girls in its service area.

“The college is committed to responding to the community, and this is one more way to broaden our reach,” said Dr. Charles Dassance, CF president. “We believe that student-athletes, parents and fans will welcome this decision.”

Women’s volleyball will replace women’s tennis among CF athletic offerings. The tennis program has enjoyed consistent success, highlighted by the 2001 National Junior College Athletic Association Division II national championship.

“It’s unfortunate to fold any team, but we think the college’s resources are best served in focusing on the launch of the volleyball program and the continued successes of our basketball, baseball and softball teams,” Zelinski said. “We’d like to thank all of the student-athletes and coaches for their efforts in building and sustaining the college tennis program and assure them that their contributions will not be forgotten.”

CF becomes the 17th member of the Florida College System to field a women’s volleyball team sanctioned by the Florida Community College Activities Association and the NJCAA. The Patriots will become a member of the Mid-Florida Conference, joining Lake-Sumter Community College, St. Johns River Community College and State College of Florida at Jacksonville.

CF expects to begin the process of hiring a full-time volleyball coach in August and have the position filled by October. Under NJCAA rules, the college can begin signing student-athletes to its annual allotment of 14 scholarships on Nov. 1.

The Patriots will conduct spring practices and scrimmages in February 2011, start fall practice in August and open their inaugural season as early as Aug. 28. The NJCAA volleyball season is played entirely in the fall semester, concluding with the NJCAA Tournament in November.