Top Collegiate Beach Volleyball Teams Compete for National Title in Huntsville This Weekend

By Abigail Harrison, DHI Communications Coordinator

This weekend, Huntsville is set to host the highly anticipated American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) Collegiate Beach National Championships, an event that will spotlight top collegiate beach volleyball talent from across the country. The event, organized by the Huntsville Sports Commission in collaboration with the City of Huntsville, Rally Volleyball, and the Huntsville/Madison County Convention & Visitors Bureau, will take place from November 15-17 at the John Hunt Sand Volleyball Complex in John Hunt Park.

“This event will feature the best pairs in the country, culminating in the crowning of new national champions on Sunday,” said Dr. Jaime Gordon, CEO of the AVCA. He highlighted the foundational role of former AVCA Executive Kathy DeBoer in creating this competition, which has grown into a premier national event for collegiate beach volleyball.

The championships will bring together the top 64 pairs representing 38 NCAA Division I and II beach programs. Among the schools competing are powerhouse teams from Arizona, UCLA, Florida State, and Stanford. Fans can expect an action-packed weekend, with matches starting each day at 9 a.m. The schedule includes Fighting Friday, Survival Saturday, and Championship Sunday, with semifinals and finals scheduled for Sunday morning and early afternoon.

In addition to the matches, Rally Volleyball CEO Colleen Craig expressed enthusiasm for the event’s growth, noting, “Moving into year three of this event, we couldn’t be more pleased. Partnerships with The City of Huntsville and the Huntsville Sports Commission allow us to provide elite hospitality for the athletes and coaches.” This year, Volleyball World TV will live-stream matches from three courts, enabling fans worldwide to watch the action.

Mark Russell, Executive Director of the Huntsville Sports Commission, added, “We’re thrilled to welcome back the AVCA Fall Collegiate Beach Championships to Huntsville and hope to see our community come out to support these talented athletes. Hosting high-level competitions like this not only brings excitement to our city but also showcases Huntsville as a premier destination for sports tourism.”

The event will also feature One Man’s Vintage Market on Saturday, November 16, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The market will offer unique vintage finds from over 50 vendors, giving attendees an opportunity to enjoy a day of sports and shopping. Additionally, the Harvest SpikeFest Coed Grass Tournament, open to players of all skill levels, will take place on Sunday, November 17, adding even more excitement to the weekend lineup.

Admission and parking for all events are free. Concessions, food vendors, and lawn games will be available on-site, with spectators encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets. For more information, visit www.avca.org.