By Abby Helmer ’28, staff writer
LVC is expanding its athletics program by adding men’s volleyball and women’s flag football, responding to rising student interest and national growth in both sports.
LVC has announced the addition of men’s volleyball and women’s flag football to its varsity athletics lineup, marking the first new varsity programs since esports launched in 2018. With these additions, LVC will sponsor 28 varsity teams, one of the largest offerings in the Middle Atlantic Conference.
Men’s volleyball is said to begin competition in Spring 2028, with a head coach expected to be hired this winter. Women’s flag football will launch in Spring 2029, with coaching hires planned for the 2026–27 academic year. The move follows rising interest in both sports at the high school and collegiate levels across the country.
For current students, the announcement is especially meaningful. Michai Figueroa, a member of LVC’s co-ed volleyball club, said the news represents years of student interest finally being recognized.
“A couple of friends and I have been pushing for a men’s volleyball team for some time now,” Figueroa said. “Seeing it now coming to life, even though it sucks that it will be after I leave, is still a dream come true.”
Figueroa noted that the demand has long been there.
“There has been plenty of interest in a men’s team for some time now, so it really feels like the administration just needed enough proof to really start it,” he said.
He hopes the varsity program will spark even more campus involvement.
“I think the addition will really spike interest in volleyball as a whole, for team and club.”
As LVC prepares for both sports to launch, students can expect updates on coaching hires, recruitment and timelines on godutchmen.com.