Starting its journey in 1896, the B1G is the oldest D1 athletic conference in the USA, predating even the NCAAs. Over the years, the programs of the Big Ten have become some of the most dominant ones in the national circuit, especially in women’s volleyball. Now, it looks like the SEC is taking a page out of its colleagues’ playbook to give themselves a fighting chance in the nationals. Thankfully, a blueprint is already available.

After a thrilling 2024 NCAA D1 Volleyball Championship, a new season beckons. With the country’s volleyball scene undergoing some massive changes in recent months, it’s undoubtedly going to be a year to remember. However, there might be more to look forward to in the season for fans of the SEC conference. In recent years, apart from the Texas Longhorns, other South Eastern Conference volleyball programs haven’t had much of an impact on the national scene. But all that could change, and soon!

Huskers Illustrated’s Lincoln Arneal shared massive news for volleyball fans via X on April 10. After almost two decades, the SEC volleyball tournament is set to make a comeback! Sharing the Longhorns’ SEC schedule, Arneal notes, “The SEC schedule format this year is one match against the other 15 league teams. They will then close the year with a conference tournament in Savannah, Ga.”

SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey, in a press release, stated that the decision to relaunch the championship came as a desire to give the programs a better chance of showing their worth at the NCAAs. “We look forward to providing a memorable experience for SEC student-athletes, coaches and fans as we make Savannah home to the SEC Volleyball Tournament for the next three years,” Sankey said.

The 2025 SEC volleyball tournament will be held at Enmarket Arena between November 21 and 25. In 2022 and 2023, Texas won the NCAA D1 championship two in a row. But apart from that, the SEC hasn’t had much to show for in the national volleyball tournament. Hopefully, with the renewal of the SEC Volleyball Tournament, the situation will turn for the better in the coming years. Naturally, the stakeholders are excited to see how things unfold.

A major win for SEC’s volleyball future

In recent years, volleyball has seen incredible growth. From the country’s apex volleyball body to collegiate programs, collaborations and support has helped the athletes gain more exposure than ever before. Naturally, SEC programs are also thrilled that they will be part of the journey as well. “In order for the game to grow further, we need to have as many exciting matches that have meaning behind them as possible. I’m excited to have the SEC Championship back and have these exciting matches broadcast to the world. We can’t wait to visit Savannah next year and compete with the best,” said Texas A&M volleyball head coach Jamie Morrison.

At the 2024 NCAAs, eight teams represented the SEC conference. However, none of them left any special mark at the championship. With the revival of the 19-year-old tournament, that could finally change. For obvious reasons, the folks over at Enmarket Arena are also excited to see how they can contribute to a budding volleyball culture in the region by hosting the elite tournament.

Oak View Group’s Monty Jones Jr., also the general manager of Enmarket Arena, said about the upcoming event, “We at OVG are thrilled to host the SEC Volleyball Championship at Enmarket Arena and we thank the SEC for choosing us as the site of the championship these next few years.” When asked about the importance of the Championship happening at Enmarket Arena, he further added, “Hosting such a prestigious conference like the SEC, along with this exciting tournament, will not only be a showcase of elite athleticism, but also be a milestone for the city.”

How excited are you for the SEC’s call to arms and boost the programs’ chances at bagging an NCAA title next year? Tell us your thoughts below!