NCAA Beach Volleyball Championship back in G.S. May 2-4

NCAA Beach Volleyball Championship back in G.S. May 2-4
Huntington Beach will host in 2026; Gulf Shores also hosts 2027-2031

The 2025 National Collegiate Beach Volleyball Championship on May 2-4 will be relocated to Gulf Shores from Huntington Beach, California to allow that area to focus its resources on supporting those recovering from the wildfire devastation in neighboring Las Angeles County.
The fires that raged across Southern California left parts of Los Angeles reduced to ashes, destroying or damaging more than 16,000 homes. The fires began on Jan. 7 in northern Los Angeles County during one of the strongest Santa Ana wind events to hit the region in more than 10 years, with winds in some areas reaching nearly 100 mph. Those powerful winds, along with dry conditions, caused the flames to spread at break-neck speed, burning through entire neighborhoods and causing mass evacuations. So far, the death toll remains at 29 lives.
The decision to move the championship was a mutual one between the NCAA and the Orange County Sports Commission, which collaborated with host school Long Beach State to make Huntington Beach’s championship host bid.
“In light of the ongoing recovery efforts approximately 50 miles up north in Los Angeles County, our focus is currently on ensuring hotel rooms and other resources remain focused on supporting those in need,” Orange County Sports Commission Executive Director Anthony Brenneman said.
“We are fortunate to have an alternative site in Gulf Shores that beach volleyball student-athletes, coaches and fans are familiar with,” said Ashley Armstrong, NCAA Women’s Beach Volleyball Committee chair and deputy athletics director at Loyola Marymount University. “Relocating the championship is in the best interest for all involved.”
The University of Alabama at Birmingham, the host school for this year’s National Collegiate Beach Volleyball Championship, and local organizing committee Alabama’s Beaches Sports & Events will collaborate to conduct the tournament.
Gulf Shores has hosted the event since the inaugural tournament in 2016. Details on ticket information will be provided later.
“When we were approached about this opportunity, we felt confident that we could provide a similar championship experience as in past years,” said Beth Gendler, president and CEO of Alabama’s Beaches Sports & Events. “Our community is excited to have the NCAA Beach Volleyball Championship return to Gulf Shores.”
Last month, it was announced that the National Collegiate Beach Volleyball Championship would be held in Gulf Shores from 2027 to 2031. Capital improvements for these years include the addition of spectator stadium seating and additional hospitality space, with continued support and upgrades to the television compound. Alabama Beaches Sports & Events also has committed to enhancing marketing resources and elevating the student-athlete experience.
Gulf Shores has reaped the rewards from jumping on board the emerging popularity of beach volleyball by hosting national championship contests at its public beach since 2012, four years before the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) sanctioned beach volleyball as its 90th championship sport. CBS Sports broadcast the initial contests, before the games moved to the ESPN networks.
Close to 1,500 women competed in NCAA beach volleyball games in 2024, representing a 72% increase in seven years. Almost 100 NCAA schools sanction the sport, up from a mere 15 when the first tournaments were held in Gulf Shores. Huntington Beach is still scheduled to host the 2026 championship.
“Orange County is proud to host the future championship at Huntington Beach, with its world-famous backdrop, which will provide an unparalleled experience for the athletes, coaches and fans,” Brenneman said. “We look forward to showing the NCAA beach volleyball community a positive championship experience.”