It is a feeling that hasn't been felt on the campus of Southwest Mississippi Community College in 53 years. For the first time since the early 70's, junior college women's volleyball will take the court Summit.

"I'm proud that we as a college can offer another varsity sport in women's volleyball," Southwest President Dr. Steve Bishop said. "I think that with the growing popularity of volleyball, I anticipate that we will have a lot of interest in the program.
I also feel like we will also be able to attract quality students to participate in women's volleyball."

Southwest Athletic Director Ken Jackson echoes this adding that the decision to bring back volleyball was an easy decision.

"It is exciting when you are able to add one of the most popular participation sports and one of the fastest-growing sports for young ladies," Southwest Athletic Director Ken Jackson said. "It provides more women student-athletes the ability to compete and provides them the opportunity to get their education. It is a win-win situation for the student athlete and Southwest."

Southwest joins other MACCC schools including Pearl River, Jones, Meridian, Northeast Mississippi, Itawamba and Northwest Mississippi in competitive volleyball.

The addition of volleyball increases the number of sports at Southwest to 12. Volleyball joins baseball, men's and women's basketball, cheer, men's golf, football, men's and women's soccer, men's and women's tennis and softball.

The sport will begin play in the Fall of 2025 and will call the Southwest gymnasium its home.