Fort Valley State makes history as first HBCU to reach NCAA Men’s Volleyball Championship

The Wildcats Men's Volleyball Team Commemorates their Historic Championship Season with a Banner on Senior Night

FORT VALLEY, Georgia – (41NBC/WMGT) – On a night already filled with pride and celebration, Fort Valley State University added a historic milestone to its growing athletic legacy.

During Senior Night at the Health and Physical Education Complex, the Wildcats honored their graduating student-athletes across multiple sports. But the highlight of the evening came with the unveiling of a new Men’s Volleyball championship banner — commemorating the team’s first-ever regular season title, Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference tournament championship, and NCAA Championship appearance.

With the achievement, Fort Valley State became the first Historically Black College or University (HBCU) to compete in the NCAA Championship in Men’s Volleyball.

Head Coach Larry Wrather led the Wildcats to new heights this season, and the team showed no signs of slowing down as they took on Edward Waters University in their final home match of the 2025 regular season.

The match began as a back-and-forth battle. In the first set, both the Wildcats and the visiting Tigers kept the score close. Senior outside hitter Jaxon Hicks sparked Fort Valley’s momentum with a dominant performance. Hicks racked up 15 kills, seven digs, four blocks, and three assists on the night.

Although the Wildcats narrowly dropped the first set, 25-23, they bounced back with three straight set victories to take the match 3-1.

Fort Valley State (15-9) now turns its attention to the final game of the regular season, set for Saturday on the road against EWU again, this time in Jacksonville, Florida, before beginning postseason play in the SIAC Tournament.