Beach volleyball has rapidly become one of the most exciting sports in college athletics. With fast-paced gameplay, scenic courts, and elite competition, NCAA College Beach Volleyball is a springtime staple for sports fans and student-athletes alike. This guide breaks down the full structure, format, and key programs to help you understand what makes NCAA beach volleyball one of the most exciting college sports today.
Format
Regular Season
The NCAA beach volleyball season spans from late February to early May, with teams competing in dual matches; Each school fields five doubles pairs, ranked from 1 to 5, and each pair plays a best-of-three sets match against the opposing team’s equivalent.
The team that wins at least three out of five matches wins the dual. Regular-season competition includes duals, weekend tournaments, and conference events, helping schools build a strong national ranking.
NCAA Beach Volleyball Championship
The season culminates in the NCAA Beach Volleyball Championship, now featuring 16 teams in a single-elimination bracket. This high-stakes tournament crowns the national champion.
Top Universities
USC
The Trojans lead all programs with 6 NCAA titles (2016, 2017, 2021–2024). Coached by Olympic gold medalist Dain Blanton, USC boasts elite talent like Tina Graudiņa, Sara Hughes, and Kelly Cheng.
UCLA
A top rival to USC, UCLA captured 2018 and 2019 NCAA championships. Known for strong coaching and consistent All‑American pair production.
Florida State
FSU dominates the East Coast, frequently reaching semifinals. A program with fierce recruiting and national tournament presence.
LSU
LSU competes in Division I within the Coastal Collegiate Sports Association and plays home matches at the on‑campus LSU Beach Volleyball Stadium. Coached by Russell Brock, the Tigers have made NCAA tournament appearances in 2017, 2018, 2019, 2021, and 2022. LSU also produced an undefeated spring pair: Kristen Nuss and Taryn Kloth, who went 36‑0 in 2021 and advanced to the Paris Olympics.
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TCU
Winner of the 2025 NCAA Championship, TCU became the first program outside of Los Angeles to claim the title.. They continue their ascent with strong recruiting and tournament performance.
What About Men’s NCAA Beach Volleyball?
While women’s NCAA beach volleyball is thriving, men’s beach volleyball is still not an official NCAA sport. However, club teams are gaining popularity, and organizations like the AVCA and NCVF are working to create more opportunities.
There’s growing interest in establishing men’s college beach volleyball programs, especially in California, Florida, and other states where beach volleyball is part of the youth sports culture. Many indoor men’s volleyball athletes train on the sand in the off-season, and schools are starting to explore co-ed or developmental programs.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re looking to play college beach volleyball, follow your favorite teams, or simply understand the sport better, there’s never been a better time to get involved. The NCAA’s continued investment in women’s beach volleyball, combined with the growing buzz around men’s beach volleyball, makes this a sport to watch in the coming years.