STEUBENVILLE, Ohio (pacathletics.org) - The Franciscan University athletic department will be adding men's volleyball to its varsity sports offerings, starting in the 2026-27 academic year. The program, which will be the 21st varsity sport at Franciscan, will begin play in January 2027.

Jen Hickey '96 has been promoted to Head Men's and Women's Volleyball Coach. She looks to launch this program with a year of recruiting and formation while continuing to run a successful women's program.
 
"I am thrilled to add men's volleyball to Franciscan's varsity ranks under Coach Jen Hickey, who has done an outstanding job leading the women's program. Our men's club program has established a winning tradition and positive culture since its inception, and it is a natural step for us to sponsor it at the NCAA level. We believe offering it at the varsity level will enhance the student experience and multiply opportunities for encounter, conversion, and community—our Franciscan core values," said Franciscan Director of Athletics Danny Andersen.

The Barons will compete in the Presidents' Athletic Conference (PAC), which began sponsorship of men's volleyball in the 2024-25 academic year. Seven schools competed in the first conference season with Thiel winning the PAC Championship. Franciscan will be one of three teams joining the PAC for the 2027 season. Washington & Jefferson will be competing in their first collegiate season, and Saint Francis University will be joining as they transition from NCAA Division I.

"I am thrilled and honored to coach the inaugural Men's Volleyball team at Franciscan University," said Coach Hickey. "Men's volleyball has been one of the fastest-growing sports in recent years. Taking our current Men's club team into the NCAA and PAC in the spring of 2027 seems like a logical and great next step and provides the opportunity for more student-athletes to enjoy this exciting sport."

The club program began in 2015. In the 2023 season, they have earned wins against Grove City, Bethany, and Geneva, all of which have transitioned to NCAA Division III. They are members of the Eastern Collegiate Volleyball Association (EVCA) where they look to ramp up their play in 2026 before the transition to the NCAA level.

This is the first new program to be added at Franciscan since the summer of 2018 when Women's Golf and Baseball were announced.

Contributed by Franciscan Sports Information