Grand Canyon University ranked No. 1 for student volleyball participation in the state, according to a Watchdog analysis of college sports participation.
The U.S. Department of Education Office of Postsecondary Education collects athletics data annually from all institutions with intercollegiate athletics programs that receive funding through federal financial aid programs. Data for 2016 – the latest year available – includes more than 2,000 schools nationwide.
Grand Canyon University‘s volleyball team consisted of 43 members, the highest student popularity number in Arizona.
In all, there are 274 students playing on 17 college and university volleyball teams in the state.
College volleyball participation rankings
Rank | School | Division | Total Undergraduates | Volleyball Total Participation |
1 | Grand Canyon University | NCAA Division I without football | 14,542 | 43 |
2 | Arizona State University-Tempe | NCAA Division I-FBS | 38,761 | 25 |
3 | Arizona Christian University | NAIA Division I | 651 | 19 |
4 | University of Arizona | NCAA Division I-FBS | 29,049 | 19 |
5 | Northern Arizona University | NCAA Division I-FCS | 21,490 | 16 |
6 | Yavapai College | NJCAA Division I | 1,694 | 15 |
7 | Eastern Arizona College | NJCAA Division I | 1,969 | 14 |
8 | Pima Community College | NJCAA Division I | 7,476 | 14 |
9 | Chandler-Gilbert Community College | NJCAA Division II | 3,625 | 13 |
10 | Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott | NAIA Division I | 2,255 | 13 |
11 | Mesa Community College | NJCAA Division II | 5,883 | 13 |
12 | South Mountain Community College | NJCAA Division II | 1,213 | 13 |
13 | Arizona Western College | NJCAA Division I | 2,163 | 12 |
14 | Glendale Community College | NJCAA Division II | 5,546 | 12 |
15 | Scottsdale Community College | Other | 2,342 | 12 |
16 | Central Arizona College | NJCAA Division I | 1,732 | 11 |
17 | Phoenix College | NJCAA Division II | 2,846 | 10 |