INDIANAPOLIS – The Great Lakes Valley Conference (GLVC) announced Tuesday the University of Jamestown will join the league as an associate member in men’s volleyball, in the inaugural 2025-26 season.
The inaugural season of GLVC men’s volleyball will feature eight institutions, including full-time league members Maryville University, Missouri S&T, Quincy University, Rockhurst University, and Southwest Baptist University, as well as associate members Roosevelt University, Thomas More University and University of Jamestown. Thomas More was approved for associate membership status in October 2023, while Roosevelt was approved in May 2024.
“We’re pleased to be able to provide a home for the Jamestown’s men’s volleyball program in the GLVC as their institution reclassifies to NCAA Division II.” Said Jim Naumovich, GLVC Commissioner, “Their inclusion helps us to grow our schedule and provide additional competition opportunities for all eight teams in the league.”
The University of Jamestown is a private, four-year, liberal arts university founded in 1883 by Presbyterian settlers. It is located in Jamestown, ND - population 15,500 in southeastern North Dakota - just 100 miles from North Dakota's capital city, Bismarck, and 100 miles to the east is North Dakota's largest city, Fargo.
“The University of Jamestown is excited to join the GLVC in men's volleyball.” Said University of Jamestown Athletic Director Austin Hieb, “We couldn’t be happier to join this conference that decided to establish itself as a home for volleyball. We can’t wait to see what the years ahead have in store for us.”
The Jimmies will enter their seventh season of competition with this their first in Division II making the switch from NAIA on July 1, 2025. Jamestown joined the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC) as a full-time member. They are coached by Toby Rens who was announced as the new head coach on July 3. In his most recent collegiate season, Rens went 17-11 at NCAA Division III Oswego State University. In 2024 the Jimmies went 22-2 and were knocked out in Championship pool play.
The inaugural GLVC Men’s Volleyball Championship Tournament will take place April 23-25, 2026, as a four-team, single-elimination format at a site yet to be determined.
For more information on GLVC men’s volleyball, stay tuned online at GLVCsports.com and social media (@GLVCsports; #GLVCmvb) throughout the coming years.