Grand Canyon University was founded in Prescott, Ariz., relocated to downtown Phoenix, and now boasts an online enrollment of 45,000.

If things go according to the blueprint, the school will be found on the volleyball map.

"I think we’re definitely heading in the right direction," said coach Jeremy Price, whose Antelopes play volleyball matches against Hawaii tonight and Saturday in the Stan Sheriff Center.

In an era of increasing budget deficits and decreasing athletic programs, Grand Canyon added three men’s sports four years ago. The wrestling team is ranked in Division II’s top 10, and the men’s track team had a D-II national indoor champion.

"Hopefully, we can follow that success," Price said.

A 5,500-seat arena opened in the fall at what is termed the "ground" campus. The "ground" enrollment is about 4,000 students.

"It’s a nice time to be an Antelope," Price said.

In 2010, Price was hired away from Juniata College (Huntington, Pa.), where he won two Division III national volleyball titles

"Can I say the weather?" Priced mused about his decision. "The winter is a lot better here."

The volleyball outlook was sunnier, too.

The Antelopes were projected to struggle last year, "and we met those expectations," Price said. "We’ve shown some good improvement through the fall and the beginning of this season."

Grand Canyon competes in the Midwest Intercollegiate Volleyball Association.

The Antelopes have a balanced attack. Left-side hitter Ben Ponnet and opposite attacker Jordan Torantino, a converted middle, take the majority of the swings. Ryan Mather and Chris Lockwood are active middle blockers. Trent Bruns was the All-MIVA libero in 2011. Keith Smith is the top setter.