AAC Adds 4 Affiliates for Men's Volleyball

WALESKA, Ga. – Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) Commissioner Bill Popp announced the addition of Brewton-Parker College, Carolina University, St. Thomas University, and Talladega College as affiliate members for men's volleyball.

With the four new affiliates, the AAC now has 11 teams competing in men's volleyball.

"What a great opportunity for the AAC to showcase men's volleyball with the addition of four excellent schools to create one of the largest men's volleyball conference in the NAIA," said Popp. "I think it continues to show that this is one sport that continues to gain popularity and is another growth opportunity for institutions looking to add sports.

"I am excited to work with the Athletic Administration and Staffs for all four of these schools and know the competition will be great in the AAC," he added.

The AAC Council of Presidents approved the addition of the four affiliate members as its annual meeting on June 14.

The AAC now is the second largest conference for men's volleyball in the NAIA. Only the Heart of the America Conference has more at 12 members.

Of the 11 teams, the top eight will advance to the AAC Tournament, which is set to take place April 17-19 at the Tribe Athletic Complex in Kingsport, Tenn.

About the new members…

Brewton-Parker
Location: Mount Vernon, Ga.
Nickname: Barons
Head coach: Josh Branan
All-Time Record: 2-42 (201819)
History: The Barons sponsored men's volleyball for the 2018 and 2019 seasons as a new program before being put on hiatus. Brewton-Parker is reviving the program for the 2024-25 academic year.

Carolina
Location: Winston-Salem, N.C.
Nickname: Bruins
Head coach: To be announced
All-Time Record: 20-53 (2021-present)
History: The Bruins are entering their first year as a member of the NAIA and have been competing in the NCCAA. Carolina went 10-16 last season, setting the record for most wins in a season.

St. Thomas
Location: Miami Gardens, Fla.
Nickname: Bobcats
Head coach: Breno Ertty
All-Time Record: 0-0 (first season)
History: Men's Volleyball was added as St. Thomas' 31st athletic program in the fall of 2023. Breno Ertty was named the head coach, and the Bobcats will play their inaugural season in the spring of 2025.

Talladega
Location: Talladega, Ala.
Nickname: Tornadoes
Head coach: LaShanuda Spurgeon
All-Time Record: 4-23 (2024)
History: The Tornadoes played their inaugural season in the spring of 2024, going 4-23. Talladega recorded two wins against AAC members and scored a win over an NCAA Division II program.