HBCU Athletic Conference bringing community events to championships in Shreveport-Bossier
The HBCUAC is bringing more than championship action to northwest Louisiana this fall—it’s bringing opportunity, mentorship, character growth, and community connection. As part of the 2025 Men’s & Women’s Soccer and Volleyball Championships, the HBCUAC will host two community training clinics designed to inspire the next generation of student-athletes while fostering stronger community ties through sport and character building.
Soccer Clinic – Thursday, November 6, 2025 | 4:00 p.m.
Hosted by: Cumbre Alta Bossier City Soccer Club
Location: Northport Sports Complex, 4800 Old Mooringsport Rd, Shreveport, LA 71107
Local youth athletes will have the chance to sharpen their soccer skills and learn directly from collegiate coaches and athletes during this free soccer clinic. The session will feature training drills, skill development, and a meet-and-greet with HBCUAC coaches and players, who will share insight into college recruitment and scholarship opportunities.
Volleyball Clinic – Sunday, November 9, 2025 | 1-2:15 & 2:30-3:45 p.m.
Locations: BHP YMCA and Lash YMCA
Two sessions will be held at both locations — middle school athletes first, followed by high school participants. The middle school session will be held at both locations from 1-2:15 p.m., followed by the high school session from 2:30-3:45 p.m.
Registration: https://www.ymcanwla.org/
Each session will provide hands-on instruction from HBCUAC volleyball coaches and student-athletes, reinforcing fundamentals and teamwork while introducing participants to the energy of HBCU athletics.
Building Connection Beyond the Game
HBCUAC Commissioner Kiki Baker Barnes, Ph.D., emphasized that these clinics represent more than just athletic training—they reflect the conference’s commitment to community engagement, education, and aligned purpose through the NAIA Champions of Character® initiative.
“We believe championships should leave a lasting impact on the communities that host them,” said Dr. Barnes. “By connecting local youth with our coaches and student-athletes, we’re showing them that college athletics—and the doors it can open—are within reach. These clinics support the NAIA Champions of Character principles of integrity, respect, responsibility, sportsmanship, and servant leadership. The HBCUAC is building a conference that doesn’t just visit cities; it becomes part of their story.”
Sara Nelms, Director of Sports for the Shreveport‑Bossier Sports Commission with Visit Shreveport-Bossier, echoed that sentiment, noting the importance of community partnerships in growing the local sports ecosystem.
“These clinics create meaningful touchpoints between our residents and visiting programs,” Nelms said. “When young athletes can meet collegiate players, learn from them, and witness the next level of competition firsthand, it strengthens our local sports culture and inspires continued participation and excellence in character. Our partnership with this prestigious conference not only showcases the quality of our sporting facilities but also drives economic growth and positions Shreveport-Bossier as a premier destination for athletic development and high-caliber sporting events."
The Power of Sports and Character in Communities
The NAIA Champions of Character® program exists to change the culture of sports by training students, coaches, and parents to value character alongside competition — focusing on five core values: integrity, respect, responsibility, sportsmanship, and servant leadership.
Research supports that community-wide sports engagement contributes to improved youth development, stronger social connections, and long-term benefits for host cities. Communities that integrate accessible youth sports programs often see higher academic motivation, lower dropout rates, and healthier lifestyles. The HBCUAC’s model builds on that philosophy — ensuring that each championship is not just a competition, but a celebration of community spirit, growth, and character.
Get Involved
Both clinics are open to the public, and space is limited. Families and youth organizations are encouraged to register early and attend the championship games to experience the full energy of HBCU athletics and character development.
For schedules, tickets, and event updates, visit HBCUAC Tournament Central.
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About the HBCU Athletic Conference
The HBCU Athletic Conference (HBCUAC) is the only HBCU conference in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA). The HBCUAC membership includes Dillard University (LA), Fisk University (TN), Huston-Tillotson University (TX), Oakwood University (AL), Paul Quinn College (TX), Philander Smith University (AR), Rust College (MS), Southern University at New Orleans (LA), Stillman College (AL), Talladega College (AL), Tougaloo College (MS), University of the Virgin Islands (St. Thomas), Voorhees University (SC), Wilberforce University (OH), and Wiley University (TX). HBCUAC sponsors championships in men's and women's basketball, men's and women's cross country, men's and women's soccer, men's and women's track and field, women's volleyball, softball, and baseball. In 2022, the HBCUAC secured the largest media rights deal in conference and NAIA history, signing a multimillion-dollar deal with Urban Edge Network. On July 1, 2024, the conference rebranded from the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference (GCAC) to the HBCU Athletic Conference, marking a new era for the conference that embodies the makeup of its membership. For more information, visit hbcuac.org.