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Heard County is getting a chance to show off its new athletic facilities this weekend as it hosts a preseason collegiate volleyball tournament on Aug. 13. Southern Union, Point University, Young Harris College and University of West Georgia will be the four colleges taking part in the tournament.

“Volleyball in the West Georgia area is growing and starting to become a big sport,” said Greg Holcomb, a member of the Heard County Board of Education. “These four schools were quick to agree.”

The local board of education was looking for ways to showcase the new gymnasium and performance arts center and thought this would be a great way to display it. 

This event allows the volleyball players from Heard County, and the local community, to engage with college athletes and coaches. 

“Volleyball coaches in our area are returning volleyball scholarships because the kids don’t know there is a volleyball scholarship they can apply for,” Holcomb said. “We wanted to showcase these teams but also to have a question and answer time.”

This will give local rec, middle and high school volleyball players a chance to find out about opportunities at levels beyond K-12. 

While there have been some practices on the court, this will be the first time the structure has hosted an event like this. The gymnasium allows Heard County to host events like this one and bring people to the Franklin community that would not typically spend their time and money there. 

“With an event like this, you don’t know what to expect,” Holcomb said. 

The event will also serve as a fundraiser for the Heard County volleyball time. With the Braves volleyball season starting earlier this week, this could serve as a nice boon to their newly started season.

“We have five sponsors,” Holcomb said. “Because we have some sponsorships, we are going to charge just the minimum to get in.”

Doors will open at 2 p.m. with the first game tipping off at 3 p.m. The entry fee is $5.