WARRENSBURG, Mo. – UCM Athletics is proud to announce that the defending MIAA Regular Season and Tournament champion Jennies volleyball team will be competing on a brand new Taraflex® Sport M Plus playing surface beginning in 2024.
 
"UCM Athletics strives to be the premier NCAA Division II athletic department," Vice President of Intercollegiate Athletics Matt Howdeshell said. "Jennies volleyball has and will continue to play a pivotal role in this mission. By ensuring our student-athletes can practice and compete on the best playing surface in their sport, further confirms our commitment to our student-athletes well-being, competitive excellence, and our mission."
 
With the addition of the Taraflex® Sport M Plus volleyball court, Central Missouri becomes the fifth Division II school to have a state-of-the-art playing surface which features shock absorption technology that can limit the damage athletes' bodies experience by up to 35-percent.
 
"We are thrilled to start a new era of Jennies volleyball on this state-of-the-art surface," head coach Caitlin Peterson said. "The addition of the Taraflex® court is a testament to the dedication of our athletic department and university to make UCM the premier Division II athletics program. I'm excited for the impact this will have on our team this fall and for years to come."
 
Taraflex® has been used for top international indoor volleyball competitions since 1976. The Sport M Plus court has been used for the Olympic Games and is required by the NCAA for all Division I host institutions for post season play.
 
The surface will feature a new court design that will emphasize the Jennies' athletic marks and is set to be revealed in August. Fans should stay tuned for more information regarding the court's rededication, which will take place prior to the fall season.
 
Central Missouri will play its first match on the brand-new playing surface Saturday, Sept. 21, as they take on the Drury Panthers during the Dr. Peggy Martin Challenge beginning at 4:00 p.m. from the Jerry M. Hughes Athletics Center in Warrensburg.
 
The Jens begin the 2024 season on Friday, Sept. 6, in the opening day of the West Texas A&M Tournament against West Virginia State, with first serve scheduled for 9:00 a.m. from the WTAMU Fieldhouse in Canyon, Texas.