HIGHLAND HEIGHTS, Ky. — Northern Kentucky University will add six new sports teams, the school announced Wednesday.
NKU’s board of directors voted to add men’s and women’s swimming, men’s and women’s triathlon, men’s volleyball and women’s stunt teams over the next two years.
“The addition of these programs further strengthens our commitment to providing diverse opportunities for our students and enriching their overall college experience at NKU,” Athletic Director Christina Roybal said in the release. .
Swimming, triathlon and stunt teams will join Nordic University’s sports lineup during the 2024-25 academic year. Men’s volleyball will be added next year.
“Our triathlon head coach, our swim coach, as well as our stunt coaches, that’s when we want them to start in January, February, so they have the opportunity to recruit throughout the spring semester. “Since it’s a spring sport, we won’t hire a men’s volleyball coach until June or July,” Roybal said.
She said she started considering adding sports last spring. Roybal considered about 20 sports and narrowed it down to six, she said.
All programs will use existing facilities for practice and competition to minimize start-up costs, NKU said. Grants have also been secured for some sports. Men’s volleyball and women’s stunt games will be ticketed, increasing revenue.
In addition to the new teams, NKU said it has already doubled the size of its track and field team and expanded its dance, cheerleading and pep band programs.
“Having more students come to campus could help with admissions and potentially increase tuition and revenue. That’s the hope that this venture can really do that, and I think it absolutely will. ” Roybal said.
Board President Rich Boehne said the move is just the first step in a “multi-pronged enrollment strategy.” NKU expects the expansion to bring an additional 250 student-athletes to campus.
“This will improve the lives of even more students and provide financial support to the university,” Bene said. “It’s a win-win.”
NKU said a national search for a coaching staff will begin immediately.
Joe Bianco, co-director of the men’s volleyball club Cincinnati Attack, said the expansion of the sport gives players something to aim for.
“I think there’s an opportunity, especially for the 16U players, to play Division I volleyball in their own backyard,” Bianco said. Please spotlight NKU. ”
Over the past three years, 28 Cincinnati Attack players have gone on to play college volleyball. Bianco expects that number to grow.
“We hope the crowds will turn out and there will be even more excitement. And we hope that some high school athletic leaders will see what NKU is doing and contribute to the continued growth of this game.” ” he said.
Bianco said she hopes NKU’s new program will help make players think they can make a career out of volleyball.
“I hope they have a successful career in men’s volleyball and can even make it to the Olympics,” he said.