Grand Canyon University cut the men’s volleyball on April 29th via Instagram after 17 years as one of GCU’s most successful sports programs.
GCU decided to cut the program due to the desire for “better support” for the rest of their 20+ athletic programs.
The Men’s Volleyball program at GCU had been thriving, and was setting new expectations for not only themselves but the entire men’s volleyball community as a whole.
Despite a historic 2024 season in which the Lopes finished with an 18-10 record, reached the NCAA Final Four, and earned a top 10 national ranking, GCU administration said the program was cut to “better support” the university’s other 20+ athletic teams.
However, this decision was met with skepticism, particularly due to the success built both on and off the court.
With all of this
success, what’s the reason for the shut down?
With only 27 D1 Volleyball programs around the United States, there were already limited options for players.
“We will financially help and support any and all players that decide to continue their athletic and academic careers at different institutions,” GCU announced on their social media.
Yet, even with this aid, people are still questioning what this means for the future of men’s volleyball and the future of the GCU players.
For future recruits like California High School Senior Thetcher Fahlbusch, the news is even harder to process. After signing with GCU in February, Fahlbusch had been preparing to join what he thought was a rising powerhouse. “We’ve been all-in since then,” he said. “Now I’m not sure what happens next.”
Similarly, this news came suddenly and bitterly to the boys volleyball team at Sunnyslope High.
“Everyone’s just trying to grow the game,” said Junior Outside Hitter Mickey Gerdes. “GCU cutting their program isn’t a good step in that direction.”
In a sport that already struggles with national recognition at the collegiate level, cutting one of the top programs in the nation will be met with controversy and confusion.
Overall, players and supporters are left only feeling disappointment but also see it as a step backward for the sport itself.
The end of GCU’s men’s volleyball program marks more than just the end of a successful team. It exemplifies a critical setback in the attempt to grow and keep men’s volleyball alive across the country.
