Ospreys will start spiking volleyballs in Northwest Athletic Conference South Division action in 2019.
“We are stoked,” said Rogue Community College athletic director Darren Van Lehn. “Bringing women’s volleyball to Rogue means more opportunity for local athletes to continue their athletic careers while earning a college education. It also means an exciting new sport for our fans.”
The Ospreys will make their first serve in divisional competition in August 2019. They join 33 other college programs in the NWAC.
RCC plans to hire a head coach this fall. “I look forward to working with our incoming head coach to build a competitive roster, continue to expand our athletics program, and further establish Rogue Community College as the Home of the Ospreys,” Van Lehn said.
Practice and games will be held at The Courthouse all-sport facility owned and operated by Don Berryessa at 709 North Phoenix Road in Medford. “It’s an amazing space,” Van Lehn said. “It’s great to be able to further integrate the Ospreys with the community that has been so supportive of us.”
The Courthouse manager Nicole Rosanelli agreed. "We are pleased to partner with Rogue Community College as the pilot year of the women's volleyball program is launched. Go Ospreys!”
RCC will first look locally for athletes, where volleyball is played at a high level. In the last two years, from 3A to 6A competition, Rogue Valley high schools have placed 14 teams in the state’s top ten. "We will also hold an open tryout in the spring 2019,” Van Lehn said. “We are looking for 8-15 women for our initial roster.”
Visit NWAC volleyball for more information.
