1/4/26
Geneva, N.Y. – The Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference has found its newest men’s volleyball affiliate, and the choice reflects the league’s commitment to competitive balance and program quality.
Hobart College will begin conference play in 2027, filling the spot vacated by Houghton University. The timing works perfectly for both programs, as Houghton transitions to the Empire 8, which launches men’s volleyball sponsorship next season.
Rapid Ascent Catches Conference Attention
What makes Hobart’s addition particularly notable is how quickly the program has made its mark. In just two years as a varsity sport, the Statesmen have turned heads across the region and drawn national attention for their competitive play and program development.
Director of Athletics Brian Miller expressed excitement about the opportunity to compete in a conference already familiar to the institution through William Smith’s bowling program.
“Hobart volleyball has quickly picked up steam, both regionally and nationally, in just two seasons of play as our newest varsity sport,” Miller said. “We are grateful to continue that relationship with Hobart volleyball competing against the outstanding institutions within the conference.”
Seven-Team Format Stays Intact
The conference maintains its balanced seven-team structure with the addition. Five schools compete as full-time members: Penn State Altoona, Penn State Behrend, Carlow University, Hilbert College, and Mount Aloysius College. Hobart joins Buffalo State College as affiliate members, creating a geographically diverse and athletically competitive league.
AMCC Commissioner Jeromy Yetter emphasized that Hobart’s trajectory as a young program made them an attractive addition during this transition period.
“Though a relatively new program, Hobart has quickly established itself as a rising presence at both the regional and national levels,” Yetter said. “The timing is ideal, and we look forward to Hobart continuing to elevate the strength and competitiveness of AMCC men’s volleyball.”
Final UVC Season in 2026
The Statesmen will complete one more season in the United Volleyball Conference in 2026 before transitioning to the AMCC the following year.
The AMCC championship will follow its established format, with the regular season winner hosting the title match on Saturday, April 11 at 1:00 p.m.
For Hobart, located on Seneca Lake in New York’s Finger Lakes region, the move represents another step in building a comprehensive athletics program that mirrors the institution’s academic focus on preparing students for success beyond graduation. The liberal arts college emphasizes hands-on learning, critical thinking, and connecting student passions to career pathways.