Asbury Club Sports Adds Men’s Volleyball

August 21, 2024

Men’s volleyball is now in the lineup of Asbury University’s Club Sports program for students adding to roundnet, pickleball, disc golf, and ultimate. With men’s volleyball launching in Kentucky this year as an official Kentucky High School Athletic Association (KHSAA) sport at the high school level and its regional growth in the collegiate athletics, it was identified as a great addition to the program.

“I’m confident that men’s volleyball is the right club sport to add to the lineup and that right now is the perfect time to launch it,” said Head Club Sports Coach Zeke Friedeman. “With the growth of the sport, especially in our region, as well as the Kentucky high schools launching this year at the varsity level, there is a great opportunity to connect with a sizeable pool of high school athletes, create a strong program culture as the sport continues to grow, and represent the university well in the collegiate club scene.” 

Since club sports have fewer divisional lines controlling which schools are allowed to compete, Asbury’s roundnet schedule included several Division I schools, with wins over the University of Kentucky and the University of Cincinnati in 2021.

“This makes for a challenging competitive terrain, but also an exciting opportunity for our athletes to compete against the top talent from many of the largest colleges in the region,” Friedeman said.

“It’s rare and a privilege to experience overwhelming support for Club Sports programs so strongly,” said Men’s Volleyball Head Coach David Clayton. “I especially want to thank Mark Whitworth, Jennifer McChord, and Zeke Friedeman for their help in making men’s club volleyball possible. For these young men to experience a level of volleyball that goes beyond college intramurals is an absolute gem of an opportunity for their undergraduate experiences.”

“I’m thrilled to have coach Clayton leading the charge as the program’s first coach,” Friedeman said. He not only brings high-level volleyball experience as a former collegiate club and beach tournament player but has years of ministry experience and a passion for implementing discipleship and character development into the DNA of the program.”

“Club sports are a great way for all students, regardless of athletic background, stay active and compete while having fun,” said Men’s Volleyball Captain Joseph Lewis ’25. “Adding men’s volleyball to the mix will promote the club sports scene at Asbury even more. I’m grateful to be given the opportunity to help get this new program off the ground!”

For more information or to sign up for club sports, visit asbury.edu/clubsports.