GREENVILLE, S.C. - The National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA) announced today that Regina DeLozier, Maranatha's Women's and Men's Volleyball Coach, has been inducted into the NCCAA Hall of Fame. DeLozier is one of three honorees to be named to the Class of 2026.

DeLozier is nothing short of a Maranatha icon, as she coached 16 seasons of women's volleyball while helping the men's volleyball program through its first five seasons at the varsity level. DeLozier's reputation is sterling, and her track record of excellence speak volumes for who she is:

DeLozier's NCCAA Accomplishments	Number
National Titles	3
Regional Titles	12
NCCAA All-Americans	35
NCCAA Game Plan 4 LIFE Award Winners	5
National Tournament Appearances	14
NCCAA National Coach of the Year Honors	2
NCCAA National Players of the Year	7
*Includes 13 consecutive appearances

But her standard of preparation and athletic excellence is just one facet of DeLozier's coaching - her passion and love for her players make her a coach that they never forget. During her farewell ceremony at her final game at home, her former players lined the court and/or spoke tributes in a farewell video (below).

--

"The purpose of the Hall of Fame Award is to recognize individuals who have given outstanding leadership and/or service to the NCCAA," the NCCAA released in a statement today. "Individuals should have high moral character and Christian integrity; presently be making a positive contribution by serving the Lord and society; and maintain a continued interest in Christian higher education and intercollegiate athletics. DeLozier still visits [the Maranatha] campus and maintains contact with former student-athletes and staff to display her unwavering love and support of those continuing to lead lives to Christ through sport."

"Regina has influenced hundreds of young women through her volleyball ministry," said Rob Thompson, Maranatha's most recent NCCAA Hall of Famer. "Her impact on her players continues, her professional life reflects her personal life. If all my hires at Maranatha had the same level of dedication, heart, and success as those of coach DeLozier, my job would have been easy."

"Regina's approach was holistic in that she not only maintained high standards of excellence regarding the players' level of play, but also greatly impacted their spiritual commitments," said Maranatha's Men's Soccer Coach, Jeff Pill. "She set high standards for herself and actualized those standards with her daily actions. Her practices were highly organized and demanding. She kept herself updated in coaching and employed new ideas with wisdom and discernment, tirelessly working to make sure that she kept the needed edge on her opponents. This all resulted in an athletic product that would electrify the campus. Her teams would pack the stands with appreciative and enthusiastic supporters. She helped to orchestrate excitement and positive spirit on campus as a result."

"Her love for her players is unmistakable," said Mattie Bumpus, NCCAA National Player of the Year and Maranatha Volleyball Coach. "She makes each group feel unique and special. Long after the season ends, she continues to pray for her athletes, stay in touch, and celebrate their milestones. She cheers on professional accomplishments, and in many cases, she's the first to hear baby announcements. To her players she isn't just a coach - she's family. Her true legacy will not be found in records or trophies, but in the lives she has touched and the people she has helped."

The 2026 inductees will officially be honored at the Hall of Fame Luncheon on May 28, 2026 at the NCCAA National Convention in Greenville, South Carolina. For DeLozier, the honor is one to remember.

"I never imagined that my name would be considered for the honor - I still feel humbled and amazed. The NCCAA's mission is to keep Christ at the center of athletics. It's also the heartbeat of Maranatha Baptist University and the athletic program. Being the volleyball coach at Maranatha made it easy to work with the NCCAA as our goals aligned. Both have the commitment to serving God and serving others while sharing the gospel. I Peter 3:15 was a key verse for our volleyball team and was the theme for each of our mission trips: being ready to share the hope of salvation in Christ alone to anyone who would listen. May God receive the honor and glory for how he weaved our paths together." - Regina DeLozier

She's most known for her overwhelming success and impact on the Maranatha Women's Volleyball program, so few people know she was one of the key pieces in getting the Maranatha Men's Volleyball Program through its first few years at the varsity level. But of course, DeLozier passes the credit.

"[The men's program] was a huge part of everything," DeLozier said. "Remember, Torey [Rosen] was instrumental in getting the NCCAA to recognize Men's Volleyball again. The men's theme was iron sharpening iron, and embracing being a man and their future role as a godly leader and husband. Probably one of the most special parts of all of the coaching is the continued connection to my players. I love the cards, emails, phone calls, texts that I get from former players and the lifelong friendship and connection. Plus I think it's pretty cool that one of my former men's players is my pastor now."    

DeLozier becomes the fifth inductee from the Maranatha Athletics Staff into the NCCAA, joining Rob Thompson, Marsha Jackson, Ben Peterson, and Jerry Terrill among the highest honorees in the NCCAA.

For a complete listing of the NCCAA Hall of Fame, go here.