The sound of a perfectly executed spike will soon echo through the Dunn Center at Austin Peay State University as Clarksville prepares to host one of junior college athletics’ premier events: the 2025 NJCAA Division I Volleyball Championship.

From Nov. 19-22, 16 of the nation’s most talented junior college volleyball programs will descend on Clarksville, bringing with them an estimated 250 athletes and over 1,500 spectators, coaches and recruiters. The National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) championship represents the pinnacle of competition for two-year college programs, where future Division I stars and professional players often first make their mark.

National stage in Clarksville’s backyard

The economic impact alone tells a compelling story. Conservative estimates suggest the four-day tournament will generate approximately $1.6 million in visitor spending, as teams and their supporters fill local hotels, restaurants and attractions. But the numbers only tell part of the story; this championship puts Clarksville squarely on the map as a destination for major sporting events.

“This is exactly the kind of event that showcases what Clarksville can do,” said Visit Clarksville Senior Director of Sales Blake Monroe. “We’re not just hosting a tournament; we’re proving our city has the facilities, hospitality, and infrastructure to handle national-caliber events.”

Coast-to-coast competition

The tournament bracket reads like a cross-country road trip, with elite programs traveling from New Mexico, Texas, Wyoming, Colorado, Kansas, Utah and Florida to compete for the national title. These aren’t just regional powerhouses; they represent the best junior college volleyball programs in America, many serving as crucial stepping stones for athletes pursuing four-year scholarships or professional careers.

The championship match, scheduled for Saturday evening, Nov. 22, will crown a national champion and likely feature scouts from major universities looking for transfer talent. The Austin Peay State University Dunn Center provides an ideal venue, offering the court quality and seating capacity fitting a championship of this magnitude.

Community partnership powers success

The tournament’s success relies on a coalition of community partners who’ve opened their doors to welcome visiting teams and fans. ACME Sports, Dave & Buster’s, The Roxy Regional Theatre, and the Customs House Museum are all contributing to create a memorable experience that extends beyond the volleyball court.

“Visit Clarksville extends a special thanks to our community partners for their support in opening up their spaces to welcome these athletes to Clarksville,” Monroe noted, recognizing that championship-level hospitality requires a team effort.

These partnerships ensure that while athletes compete for a national title, their families and supporters discover what makes Clarksville special.

Four days of elite competition

The tournament schedule maximizes the excitement:

  • Pool play and bracket rounds: Wednesday, Nov. 19-Saturday, Nov. 22
  • Championship Match: Saturday, Nov. 22

Championship welcome awaits

As 16 teams prepare to battle for a national title, Clarksville stands ready to deliver an experience that matches the caliber of competition. From the moment the athlete’s step onto the Dunn Center court to the final point of the championship match, this tournament will showcase not just exceptional volleyball, but a community that knows how to host.

For tickets and more information about the 2025 NJCAA Division I Volleyball Championship, visit https://visitclarksvilletn.simpletix.com/.