A New Partnership Rooted in Performance, Culture, and HBCU Excellence
Take One Sportswear is proud to announce a new apparel partnership with Fort Valley State University's men's volleyball program, further expanding the brand's presence in collegiate athletics and its commitment to supporting Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).
Through the collaboration, Take One Sportswear will outfit the Wildcats with a custom collection of off-court performance, training, and travel apparel, including coordinated sweatsuits, dri-fit performance shirts, long-sleeve tops, sleeveless training shirts, athletic shorts, and additional team gear.
The partnership comes as Fort Valley State prepares to compete in the Outrigger Invitational in Hawai‘i in December 2026, where the Wildcats are scheduled to compete against nationally recognized collegiate volleyball programs, including the University of Hawai‘i, USC, and Penn State.
Working alongside Head Men's Volleyball Coach Larry Wrather, Take One is developing apparel that reflects the Wildcats' identity, championship culture, and growing presence on the national stage.
For Take One, the partnership represents more than outfitting a collegiate program. It's an opportunity to build a meaningful relationship with a team that shares the company's commitment to excellence, opportunity, and the next generation of athletes.
Building a Championship Standard in HBCU Volleyball
Fort Valley State men's volleyball has emerged as one of the most compelling success stories in collegiate men's volleyball.
Under the leadership of Coach Larry Wrather, the Wildcats have helped redefine expectations for HBCU men's volleyball, establishing a championship culture while making history on the national stage.
Fort Valley State became the first HBCU men's volleyball program to reach the NCAA National Collegiate Men's Volleyball Championship's Elite Eight, accomplishing the feat twice under Wrather's leadership.
The program has also captured multiple Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) regular-season and tournament championships, further solidifying its position among the conference's leading programs.
But the Wildcats' success extends beyond wins and championships.
Wrather has built a program centered on accountability, player development, competitiveness, and opportunity. Under his leadership, Fort Valley State has developed All-Americans, conference award winners, and student-athletes recognized for accomplishments both on the court and in the classroom.
Before taking the helm at Fort Valley State, Wrather gained collegiate coaching experience at the University of Charleston following his playing career at Ball State University. His involvement with USA Volleyball's National Team Development Program further reflects his commitment to athlete development and the continued growth of the sport.
For Take One Sportswear, the opportunity to collaborate with a program built on these principles represents a natural alignment.
Both organizations recognize that athletic excellence is about more than competition. It's about building identity, creating opportunities, and establishing a standard that extends beyond the game.
Outfitting the Wildcats Beyond the Court
A team's identity doesn't begin and end with the final whistle.
From training sessions and travel days to team activities and appearances, the apparel athletes wear reflects the program they represent.
Through this partnership, Take One Sportswear will provide Fort Valley State men's volleyball with a collection of custom off-court apparel created around the program's needs and identity.
The collection will include:
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Coordinated sweatsuits for travel and team activities
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Dri-fit performance shirts for training and everyday wear
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Long-sleeve performance tops for added versatility
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Sleeveless training shirts for workouts and team activities
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Athletic shorts and additional custom team apparel
The collection will help outfit the Wildcats as they prepare for their upcoming Hawai‘i trip, allowing the program to represent Fort Valley State through coordinated apparel beyond competition.
Take One's approach emphasizes thoughtful design, customization, and direct collaboration with coaches to ensure the finished products reflect each program's individual identity.
For the Wildcats, that means apparel designed to complement the culture they have established and the standard they continue to pursue.
Taking the Wildcats to Hawai‘i: The Outrigger Invitational
In December 2026, Fort Valley State University's men's volleyball program is set to travel to Hawai‘i for the Outrigger Invitational, marking another significant opportunity for the Wildcats to compete on a national stage.
For a program that has already made history in HBCU men's volleyball, the trip represents another chapter in its continued growth and pursuit of excellence.
As part of the experience, Take One Sportswear will outfit the Wildcats with custom off-court performance and travel apparel, including coordinated sweatsuits, performance shirts, long-sleeve tops, sleeveless training apparel, and athletic shorts.
The collection will help the team represent Fort Valley State's identity throughout its travels, training activities, and time away from competition.
For Take One, supporting the Wildcats during this experience represents the kind of meaningful collegiate partnership the brand continues to build—one centered on athletic excellence, program identity, and relationships that extend beyond the court.
Supporting the Continued Growth of HBCU Athletics
Historically Black Colleges and Universities have long played an important role in developing talent, creating opportunities, and building communities through athletics.
Fort Valley State men's volleyball represents an especially meaningful chapter in that tradition.
As one of the programs helping elevate the visibility of HBCU men's volleyball, the Wildcats continue to demonstrate what is possible through strong leadership, investment in student-athletes, and a commitment to competitive excellence.
For Take One Sportswear, building relationships with programs like Fort Valley State aligns with the company's broader vision of supporting athletes and athletic organizations through personalized service, creative design, and authentic partnerships.
The collaboration also represents another step in Take One's continued growth within collegiate athletics and the sport of volleyball.
United By The Game
Since its founding, Take One Sportswear has worked to create more than custom athletic apparel.
The company has focused on building relationships with programs that value individuality, culture, and the shared experiences that bring athletes together.
The partnership with Fort Valley State University men's volleyball reflects that mission.
As Coach Larry Wrather and the Wildcats prepare for their next opportunity on the national stage, Take One looks forward to supporting the program through custom apparel created with its athletes, identity, and journey in mind.
Different programs. Different journeys. A shared pursuit of excellence.
United By The Game.
