Grand Rapids Community College’s nationally ranked volleyball team will start its season next month -- but without fans in the stands, following Michigan Community College Athletic Association health and wellness guidelines during the pandemic.
Raiders fans will still be able to follow the action online through a new partnership with the Michigan Sports Radio.
All home volleyball and basketball home games will be streamed through the organization’s website, michigansportsradio.com, including postseason games. Games will be archived on the GRCC Athletics YouTube channel.
“The safety and wellness of our student athletes is our top priority,” Interim Athletic Director Dave Selmon said. “While we’re disappointed fans can’t cheer on the Raiders in person, we’re glad we can show the games online. This partnership will allow people to enjoy the games, whether they are here in Grand Rapids or around the world.”
The Raiders volleyball team, ranked fourth in the nation in the first poll National Junior College Athletic Association poll, is scheduled to take on Glen Oaks Community College at home on Feb. 12.
The team is scheduled to play four more home matches, on March 12 against Lake Michigan College, March 16 against Kellogg Community College, March 19 against Ancilla College, and March 26 against Muskegon Community College.
The volleyball finished fifth in the nation at the NJCAA Division II tournament, the second-highest finish in program history. The team has qualified for the national tournament 10 times since Coach Chip Will took the helm in 2007.
The volleyball season typically runs from August through November. The decision to run a shortened, 10-game regular season and play without fans per the MCCAA guidelines.
NJCAA Region 12 is working on a plan for the upcoming men's and women's basketball seasons. The GRCC Athletic Department will announce the starting dates for those sports as soon as they are available.