Pack the Stands – NAIA Women’s Volleyball Notebook #5

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Whether you’re a longtime supporter or attending your first match, there’s never been a better time to experience NAIA volleyball.

As social media floods with women’s volleyball teams boasting of setting new attendance records across the country, NAIA teams vie for the same attention in their gyms.

“The fan base in women’s volleyball is growing rapidly, and a lot of college programs are taking advantage of this momentum,” said St. Thomas (Fla.) Head Coach Whitney Battoe. “In addition to fan support, administrations are supporting the momentum by investing in the overall experience.”

Two NAIA teams ranked among the Top 35 schools across the country in various associations, recording the highest attendance numbers during the 2025 season.

[AVCA Attendance Numbers]

St. Thomas (Fla.) led the way for the NAIA with 2,307 in attendance at their home match against New College of Florida.

“Our athletes felt like superstars with a packed crowd. There was a line of people waiting for autographs after our match,” said Battoe. “HOWEVER, we knew the event was bigger than us…it was for the sport of volleyball and specifically for NAIA volleyball. We wanted people to see how talented our athletes are.”

The leading contributor behind the record crowd at St. Thomas is the team’s involvement in the surrounding community.

“The biggest factor driving growth in our area is stronger partnerships with our local clubs,” said Battoe. “I am doing my best to show my face in as many gyms as possible so people know about STU and NAIA volleyball. We had six clubs committed to bringing several of their teams to our record attendance match.”

The Bobcats are preparing for a new experience this fall: an outdoor match scheduled for late October or early November. (Stay tuned to the Bobcats schedule for more info on this event, HERE)

On the opposite coast, Lewis-Clark State (Idaho) followed STU with 1,392 in attendance at their match against College of Idaho.  LCSC regularly holds a 1k Day during the volleyball season, and last year, they also surpassed 1,000 fans the day before 1k Day, with 1,089 in attendance.

Keep an eye on the Warriors for the 2026 edition of 1k Day on Oct. 3 and find out if they set a new attendance record. (Game information HERE)

Filling the stands with 1k or more in attendance may not be the most common thing at NAIA schools, due to being nastled in smaller communities and having smaller attendance numbers, but many, like Mobile (Ala.), feel the support of other teams on campus, which builds a good foundation for filling the stands.

“Seeing my classmates and fellow athletes show up to support us always inspires me to play harder and to give my very best,” said Sophie Dorris of Mobile, who is a junior outside hitter this season. “That kind of support reminds me that we’re all part of something bigger than our individual sports.”

The student body’s passion for this team stems from the fact that many of the players are involved in various campus roles.

“As a volleyball player, it is easy to become comfortable within the close-knit community of my team, but being a part of Student Life has challenged me to look beyond that circle and to intentionally build relationships with other student-athletes, faculty and so many others,” said Dorris. “Those relationships have reminded me that a strong campus community is built when we take the time to see, know, and care for people with whom we didn’t previously cross paths. What makes being a resident assistant especially meaningful to me is that I get to carry that same sense of community into every space I am a part of. I have learned that leadership is not simply about having a title or authority, but about sacrificially serving, creating intentional connections and setting an example for others.”

 Not only are the Rams drawing from their existing student body, but they are also reaping the benefits of being active in their surrounding community.

 “To see the faces of the community dotting the stands brings a flood of gratefulness. As coaches, we’ve been heavily invested in the community since we started here in 2005, and to see the community show up to support our student athletes speaks volumes about the University of Mobile’s reach in the area,” said head coach Jon Campbell. “Our players have the privilege of greeting younger girls who have come to see what the college game is all about, and our student athletes carry themselves with the knowledge that they set the tone for many young fans in the stands pursuing the same sport at their levels.”

Over the past few years, Mobile Volleyball has consistently drawn some of the largest crowds of any sport on its campus. Most of the time, this is done without the help of special marketing events.

The energy, passion, and community of NAIA volleyball are best experienced in person. Find a match near you and be part of the atmosphere that makes college athletics special. See you in the stands.

Bold indicates upset