TALLADEGA, Ala. —As Talladega College's men's volleyball program embarks on its second season, head coach LaShaunda Spurgeon is optimistic about the team's growth and development. After a challenging inaugural season where the Tornadoes finished with a record of 4-23, the focus now shifts to progress, teamwork, and the creation of a winning culture. "Going into year two, our goal is to focus on progress, not perfection, as we continue building a solid foundation," Spurgeon stated.

The 2024 season was a learning year for the Tornadoes. With a youthful roster, the team faced tough competition in the Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC). Despite the setbacks reflected in their record, Spurgeon noted that "the growth didn't show in our record, but we saw it throughout the season." This year, with a full roster, she anticipates significant improvements. "We're excited to have a full roster this year. Last year, we played a full schedule with just nine players, so having depth this season will be a game-changer."

As the team prepares for the upcoming season, they will also look to address weaknesses from last year. "We're addressing weaknesses by focusing on depth, skill development, and improving consistency across all positions," Spurgeon explained. She emphasized the importance of player development, stating that her associate head coach plays a vital role in individual and small-group training, ensuring all players are on the same page.

The roster will see eight returning players who gained valuable experience last season. Key players to watch include sophomore setter Elijah Foster, who brings leadership and skill to the court, along with sophomore defensive specialist Andrea Tognazzo and right-side hitter Malik Foreman, who led the team statistically in the previous season. The coaching staff is also excited about impactful newcomers, including freshmen Nkoya Williams, Love-let Blake, and Kaden Hoyte, as well as transfer Aleksander Sobik.

Spurgeon recognizes that building a strong team culture is crucial for success. "We're emphasizing communication, trust, and accountability, which are key to creating a strong and unified culture." This focus will help integrate new players while maintaining continuity with the returning athletes. "We focus on creating a welcoming environment and pairing newcomers with experienced players to ensure a smooth transition into our systems and culture," she added.

The Tornadoes will kick off their 2025 season on January 31 against Morehouse College in Atlanta, GA. The schedule features several exciting matchups, including home games against Life University, Lemoyne-Owen College, and Warner University. "We're excited to compete in a growing and competitive conference as the only HBCU NAIA program," Spurgeon said, emphasizing that every match presents an opportunity to prove themselves.

2025 Talladega College Men's Volleyball Schedule

The team will only have five home games this season.

As the Tornadoes prepare for the upcoming season, Spurgeon has a clear message for her players: "Trust the process, focus on growth, and remember that every effort contributes to building something great. Together, we're laying the foundation for a winning program." With this mindset, the Tornadoes are set to take on the challenges of their second season, eager to showcase their progress and determination to succeed.

As the only collegiate men's volleyball team in the state and the sole HBCU NAIA men's program, the Tornadoes aim to enhance fan engagement and support. Spurgeon hopes to rally the community behind the team through social media outreach, team events, and by highlighting their achievements throughout the season. "Being the first and only collegiate men's volleyball team in the state, we hope to gain support and outreach so that more people learn about us and rally behind our efforts as a minority program," she said.

With a renewed focus on development and collaboration, the Talladega College men's volleyball program is poised for growth in 2025, setting the stage for an exciting season ahead. Fans can look forward to watching the Tornadoes as they strive to establish themselves as a competitive force in collegiate volleyball.