New Tulane Sports: Bowling, Sand Volleyball

Two new Green Wave women's sports — bowling and sand volleyball — will begin competition in 2011-12, bringing Tulane back into compliance with 16 NCAA Division I programs, athletics director Rick Dickson announced.

The addition of two new women's sports will bring Tulane back into NCAA compliance with 16 Division I programs.

The reduction in sports programs took place after Hurricane Katrina as part of the university's Renewal Plan. During the past two years, Tulane has phased six sports into full-time service, including women's tennis, women's golf, men's outdoor track, men's cross country, men's tennis and women's swimming and diving.

"This completes five years of dedicated work on behalf of our staff to bring Tulane back in compliance with NCAA requirements for Division I,” Dickson said. “This marks a momentous time in our history — five years ago, many doubted it would occur — and is another testament of the resolve of Tulane in rebuilding our entire community.”

Women's bowling is considered a winter sport, with 33 Division I schools that sponsor the sport. The Green Wave bowling team will compete at New Orleans' renowned Rock `N' Bowl, 3000 S. Carrollton Ave.

Women's sand volleyball recently was recognized by NCAA Division I and II schools as an emerging sport for women and will be played during the spring season.

“The decision by Tulane to add sand volleyball, an NCAA emerging sport certain to be very popular, is both smart and progressive,” said Kathy DeBoer, executive director of the American Volleyball Coaches Association. Rather than adding a traditional sport, Tulane will now be a leader in building a new sport, she added.

Tulane's new sand volleyball squad will be coached by the Green Wave's current women's volleyball staff led by head coach Sinisa Momic.

“The selection of these two sports fits well for the interests and abilities of our campus and community, and also completes our commitment to rebuilding a compliant and equitable Division I program,” Dickson added.