Warren Wilson College has added women’s volleyball as a new varsity sport.

The college has hired Kristy Kamer as the new head coach. Kamer will focus on the 2022-2023 school year to recruit a team and prepare for practice and competition by fall of 2023.

“This is an exciting addition and step as we look to continue to grow our department,” said Robin Martin-Davis, interim athletic director at Warren Wilson. “We are thankful to have an administration that continues to support the initiatives of Warren Wilson athletics.”

The addition of volleyball is a key initiative for the athletics department as it continues through the NCAA Division III membership process. The college is currently in the second year of the four-year membership process. The introduction of a new team sport helps satisfy NCAA Division III membership requirements and Title IX compliance. Since women’s volleyball is currently sponsored by 433 schools in NCAA Division III, adding it as a team sport shows growth, support for athletics and increases the school’s NCAA Division III membership profile. 

Women’s volleyball is a popular sport in North Carolina, with more than 500 high school volleyball teams in the state. Asheville is home to two major volleyball clubs, and most of Asheville-area high schools sponsor women’s volleyball. 

“The popularity of women’s volleyball makes this an exciting addition to the athletic department and Warren Wilson College,” Martin-Davis said.

Women’s volleyball joins Warren Wilson College’s other varsity teams including men’s and women’s basketball, cross country, cycling, lacrosse, soccer and swimming. Warren Wilson also has active club sports, as well as intramural sports and outdoor programs.