Aug. 25, 2009

DID YOU KNOW? The sport of women's volleyball achieved intercollegiate status at North Carolina Central University in 1975.

Under the direction of head coach Sandra Shuler, the team posted a 6-11 record in its first season.

The first match was played on Sept. 23 at Louisburg College. The first home match was contested on Sept. 23 against Winston-Salem State University, followed by a nightcap versus Saint Augustine's College. The team's first victory was over Meredith College (15-7, 4-15, 15-9) on Sept. 30 in Durham, N.C.

The NCCU women's volleyball team also matched up against Duke (twice), North Carolina and N.C. State in their first official season of intercollegiate competition.

Shuler went on to coach the Lady Eagles for 18 years (1975-93). Following the 1993 season, Shuler turned the program over to current NCCU Athletics Director, Dr. Ingrid Wicker-McCree, who held the position through the 2005 season. Georgette Crawford-Crooks took over in 2006 and continues to serve as the women's volleyball coach at NCCU.

As part of North Carolina Central University's Centennial celebration, the NCCU Department of Athletics will post sports history facts from the institution's first 100 years to its official web site, www.NCCUEaglePride.com, every Monday during the year-long observance.