NEWPORT NEWS, Va. – The United States Collegiate Athletic Association has announced that the SUNY Canton has been awarded the 2014 and 2015 USCAA Women’s Volleyball National Championships. The championships will return to the SUNY Canton campus in Canton, NY on October 30-November 1, 2014 and November 4-7, 2015. Canton hosted the 2012 Championships and will complete their first two year bid cycle in 2013.
“SUNY Canton has provided the USCAA with a first-class experience for our volleyball championships,” says USCAA Associate Director Matt Simms. “They have fantastic athletic facilities to accommodate our championship, and their staff has shown a tremendous amount of support to create one of the best tournaments in the association.”
Canton’s initial bid focused on their brand new Convention, Athletics and Recreation Center, a 46 million dollar facility that houses the main gym, an indoor track, a hockey rink, fitness center, and several multi-purpose courts. Dana Hall, SUNY Canton’s old gymnasium, plays host to matches during the championships as well, helping create a unique and loud atmosphere.
“We’re honored to be awarded the USCAA Volleyball Nationals for 2014 and 2015,” said SUNY Canton Athletic Director Randy Sieminski. “Bringing ten teams and their fans to Canton, New York is a wonderful boost for our community, our college and our athletic department. Thank you to the USCAA for the wonderful opportunity to host again.”
The USCAA Volleyball National Championships feature 10 teams competing for the USCAA crown. Two pools of five teams each play a round robin, with the top four teams in each pool advancing to the elimination bracket. Daemen College is the defending champion after capturing their first USCAA Volleyball title in 2012. SUNY Canton, who finished fourth at the 2012 Championship, is excited to welcome the championships back for the foreseeable future.
“We’re ecstatic to bring back the top USCAA players and coaches to Canton, New York,” says SUNY Canton Head Volleyball Coach and Tournament Co-Director Carol LaMarche. “It’s fun not only as a coach, but as a fan of the sport to watch the intensity and skill level of a tournament of this magnitude. We experienced terrific crowd support at last year’s tournament, and we expect it to grow even more.”
The USCAA has also developed a relationship with the SUNY Canton sport management students. Several of these students assisted with the 2012 Volleyball Championships, and five students traveled to Uniontown, Pa. to volunteer for the 2013 USCAA Basketball National Championships. The partnership continues to develop with students possibly volunteering at as many as three different championships in 2013-14.
“Our Sports Management students are intricately involved in the planning, coordination and execution of the USCAA Volleyball Nationals,” says Sports Management Instructor and Tournament Co-Director Matthew Metcalf. “It’s a great opportunity for them to experience an event of this magnitude and everything that goes into running a successful, high-profile national tournament.”
For more information on USCAA Championship events, please visit www.theuscaa.com.