9/20/2017

Cumberland University and the Motor MVB Foundation announced a $20,000 grant to aide in the establishment of a men’s volleyball program at CU. The University announced the addition of men’s volleyball for the 2018-19 academic year in August, with Kathy Slaughter serving as Director of Volleyball, overseeing the hiring of a coach and implementation of the program.

AD Ron Pavan, Wade Garard (CEO of Motor MVB Foundation), VB Coach Kathy Slaughter and President  Paul C. Stumb.

The Motor MVB Foundation is a non-profit organization that’s mission is to stimulate the growth of boys’ and men’s volleyball at all levels in the United States. While there are presently 188 collegiate programs nationwide, the organization’s goal is to help fund an increase to 380 programs by the start of the 2026-27 academic year. The foundation’s $20,000 grant to Cumberland will be dispersed over a two-year period.

“We are thrilled to provide support to Cumberland as they add men’s volleyball. We have been very impressed with the growth of Cumberland athletics and in the University’s enrollment, especially over the last two years,” said Wade Garard, CEO of MotorMVB Foundation. “Director of Athletics Ron Pavan has done a tremendous job with first-class facilities and hiring top-notch coaches. Coach [Kathy] Slaughter is a great leader for the position of Director of Volleyball. We expect she will find a talented and dedicated coach to lead the men’s team.”

“It is exciting to see the growth of collegiate men’s volleyball at the NAIA level,” said John Speraw, head coach of the US Men’s National volleyball team and Chairman of the Board of the Motor MVB Foundation. “With the addition of Cumberland and Life University as the 37th and 38th NAIA schools to add, it appears we will surpass 40 schools soon and have the opportunity for men’s volleyball to become an NAIA national championship sport.”

“Our foundation board chairman John Speraw always says there is nothing more important than providing opportunities for the young people of this country. We are pleased to be able to help do this for young men in Tennessee and from around the country who will come to Cumberland and enjoy a meaningful student-athlete experience,” Garard said.