Abbotsford - UCFV's men's and women's volleyball teams have been accepted by the BC Colleges Athletic Association (BCCAA) into league play beginning in Fall 2004.  

"This is great news," says Mark Kosak, UCFV athletic director. "We are in the midst of the program's second season of exhibition play, and the decision was not expected until the BCCAA annual general meeting in May. However, in order to proceed with player recruitment and other preparatory considerations, the BCCAA Board of Governors were convinced to hold the vote at the recent winter board meetings."  

"I'm ecstatic about this development" said Kosak. "It was a risky proposition to have the decision made at this time, but in the end, the BCCAA was convinced that UCFV could conduct a legitimate and quality BCCAA volleyball program. For our athletes and coaches, this is the best news possible. Instead of worrying about the future of the program, they can now get on with the business of preparing to field the strongest teams possible for our inaugural season of league play."  

The Cascades' men's and women's teams are currently completing a schedule of exhibition matches against BCCAA member institutions and elite club tournaments. BCCAA members against whom the Cascades will compete next fall include Malaspina University College, Capilano College, University College of the Cariboo, Langara College, Camosun College, Okanagan University College, Douglas College, College of the Rockies, College of New Caledonia, and Columbia Bible College.  

Interested players are invited to contact UCFV Athletics to find out more about team try-out opportunities. A talent identification camp will be held in the spring of 2004.