August 28, 2021 – Augusta, GA –
New athletic seasons sometimes mean major changes,and for Paine College in Augusta GA, that’s exactly what it means. Paine College has now become a member of the National Christian College Athletic Association Division I, or NCCAA DI, after being a part of the NCAA DII. This will become effective on July 1, 2021.
For info on the NCCAA, “The NCCAA was incorporated to provide a Christian-based organization that functions uniquely as a national and international agency for the promotion of outreach and ministry and for the maintenance, enhancement, and promotion of intercollegiate athletic competition with a Christian perspective. From its beginning in Canton, Ohio in 1968, the NCCAA has grown to encompass over 100 Christian colleges nationwide, both liberal arts and Bible colleges. The participating schools are dedicated not only to providing the best athletic competition possible, but also to exemplifying Jesus Christ in all they do.”
In the official release by the college athletics website, a few statements were given. “We are indeed excited to join the National Christian College Athletic Association,” said Dr. Cheryl Evans Jones, President of Paine College. “Consistent with the mission of the NCCAA, we will be able to use athletics and athletic competitions to further develop spiritually-centered student-athletes to assume positions of leadership and service.”
With this big change for the athletics program, they may see themselves in a new light facing some new opponents. Most notably for this school, their volleyball program has seen the most success. But can they continue that success, and potentially make it greater than before? The team also may feel slightly more pressure because of the move as well, as well as an increase in motivation.
The upcoming season for the volleyball team has some good teams on the list, with most notably Columbia International University and Bob Jones University, both of whom had successful seasons last year. Paine will also be competing against Allen University and For Valley State University. In the last posted season, Paine went 1-1 versus both schools.
With the change of, let’s say scenery, for the school in general, the volleyball team will be up against great teams, as well as facing some different schools they might not have played before. What kind of expectations will the school, faculty, and the athletes have for themselves after the switch? Will they crack under pressure? It may be a challenge, but anything is possible.
The full schedule is available on the Paine College athletics website, their season kicks off with a match versus Trinity Baptist College at home on September 7, following that match will be another rumble with Columbia College.
