Newberry College Launches Men’s Varsity Volleyball Program

Newberry College Introduces Men’s Varsity Volleyball Program for 2026 Season

Newberry, South Carolina – Newberry College has announced the establishment of a men’s varsity intercollegiate volleyball program that will begin competing in the 2026 season. This new initiative is set to expand the college’s athletic offerings and provide new opportunities for student-athletes.

Kiko Santos, currently serving as the head coach for the women’s volleyball team, will take on the additional role of Director of Volleyball, overseeing both men’s and women’s programs at the college. The decision to add men’s volleyball comes after a strong push for greater inclusivity in the college’s athletic department, with the support of key institutional leaders.

Newberry College’s Athletics Director expressed enthusiasm for the introduction of the men’s program, citing confidence in Santos’ coaching abilities and vision for volleyball at the college. Support for the initiative has been reinforced by Dr. Scherrens and Interim President Dr. David Harpool, who believe that the addition will not only enhance the college’s athletic landscape but also cater to a broader demographic of students.

Aim of the New Initiative

The new men’s volleyball program is intended to create more opportunities for male student-athletes, aiding in overall student population management within the athletics department. By increasing participation in sports, the college aims to improve retention rates and graduation rates among its athletes. The integration of men’s volleyball is also viewed as a strategic move to balance the gender representation in the college’s sports teams.

Coaching and Background Experience

Coach Kiko Santos has held the position of head coach for the women’s volleyball team since March 2023 and possesses extensive coaching experience across various levels. His previous roles include coaching at NCAA Division 1 UNC Asheville and NCAA Division 2 Barry University. Santos has a distinguished background in volleyball, originating from Brazil, and was an accomplished player for the University of Nevada-Reno club team, which achieved a national ranking of fifth place by USA Today.

His impressive athletic career also includes playing for the Reno Volleyball club, where he led the team to the USAV national tournament in 1998. Santos’ coaching experience spans multiple countries, including Brazil, Iceland, Poland, and Switzerland, as well as involvement with the Brazilian national teams, further enriching his capacity to lead Newberry College’s volleyball programs.

Looking Ahead to 2026

As the men’s volleyball program prepares for its inaugural season, the anticipation grows for the Wolves’ first varsity game, scheduled for early January 2026. This significant development marks a new chapter in Newberry College’s athletic history, symbolizing both growth and commitment to enhancing the collegiate sports environment. The establishment of the men’s volleyball team reflects the college’s ongoing efforts to foster diverse athletic opportunities for its student body and is poised to attract male students interested in the sport.

Overall, Newberry College’s decision to introduce a men’s varsity volleyball program underscores its dedication to providing inclusive sports options and creating an engaging campus life. The initiative promises to enjoy ongoing institutional support while focusing on the development and success of its student-athletes.