Contributed/ETSU Athletics

High-level volleyball made its way back to Johnson City as East Tennessee State University hosted the 2025 Buccaneer Classic, presented by Tri-Cities Airports. This two day tournament was played September 12-13th at the historic Brooks Gym It  brought together four competitive programs– VCU, Western Kentucky, High Point, and ETSU– in a weekend showcase that promised fast-paced action and intensity.

The Bucs closed out the tournament with a 3-2 victory over High Point. 

ETSU won two out of three matches in the tournament. Along with the victory over Hight Point, ETSU also beat VCU 3-1, while falling to Western Kentucky 0-3.

The Buccaneer Classic is a signature early-season tournament for ETSU volleyball that gives the program a chance to face quality non-conference opponents on their home court. Now an annual tradition, the Classic has become an important event for the Bucs as they take the opportunity at the start of the season to fine-tune their lineup and strategies ahead of conference play. For head coach Lindsey Devine, the tournament is about more than wins and losses– it’s about building team chemistry and testing the squad against NCAA caliber competition.

The tournament was established by ETSU’s volleyball program as a way to bring competitive, intense volleyball to Johnson City while simultaneously giving the team valuable experience early in the season. Before the Classic began, ETSU often had to travel extensively for quality non-conference matches, which made it challenging to prepare for the Southern Conference season. The ETSU athletics department alongside the volleyball coaching staff, upon realizing the benefits of hosting a tournament on their home court, worked to create an event that would bring in strong regional teams and provide students and fans with exciting live volleyball action. Since its inception the Buccaneer Classic has grown steadily in reputation, drawing programs from across the Southeast and becoming a yearly tradition for the Bucs. Beyond competition, the tournament serves as a showcase for ETSU volleyball’s growing program and an opportunity to engage the campus and local community. Over time it has helped raise the profile of volleyball in the Tri-Cities area, encouraging youth participation in the sport and building a fiercely loyal fanbase that continues to support the team each fall.

Coming off a steady start to the 2025 campaign, the Buccaneersmade a statement on their home floor and built some early momentum behind a mix of veteran leadership and young talent. The Bucs run a fast-paced offense, anchored by a veteran setter who keeps hitters in rhythm and isn’t afraid to spread the ball around. The middle attack is a big part of their game with quick steps and strong blocking at the net that poses a major challenge for opposing offenses. On the pins, ETSU has scoring options on both sides– with a reliable outside who can handle long rallies and a right-side hitter who adds power from the backcourt. Defensively, the Bucs are scrappy and tough to break down. The back row is anchored by a group that moves well together and reads hitters effectively, giving them a strong foundation in long exchanges. The team also has the depth to make rotation adjustments mid-match, which could be key in a multi game weekend like the Buccaneer Classic.

The Buccaneer Classic isn’t just another early season tournament–  it was a chance for ETSU to showcase its volleyball program and rally the local community and students around a growing sport. As the team facedstrong competition from the other three programs, the tournament served as a critical benchmark for how the Bucs stack up regionally and prepare for conference play. 

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