The 2025 NCAA Beach Volleyball season has delivered sun-soaked drama, fierce rallies, and unmatched athleticism across the sand courts of the country. As the sport continues to rise in popularity, more teams, fans, and media are flocking to beach volleyball’s unique blend of strategy, stamina, and teamwork. With the national championships just around the corner, this season has shaped up to be one of the most competitive in recent memory.
How the NCAA Beach Volleyball Season Works
NCAA beach volleyball is a relatively new but fast-growing sport, officially sanctioned since 2016. The season runs from late February through early May, culminating in the NCAA Championship.
Season Structure:
- Regular Season (Feb–April): Teams compete in dual matches—five pairs (duos) play in head-to-head matches against another team’s five pairs. The first team to win three of five matches wins the dual.
- Conference Championships (Late April): Conferences like the Pac-12, CCSA, and ASUN host championships where teams battle for titles and NCAA consideration.
- NCAA Championship (May 3–5, 2025, in Gulf Shores, Alabama): The top 17 teams (expanded from 16 in 2023) qualify. It’s a single-elimination tournament for national glory.
2025 Season Highlights
The 2025 season has featured intense rivalries, new powerhouses, and thrilling matchups up and down the rankings. Here are a few highlights:
- USC Dominates the Sand: The Trojans, aiming for their fourth consecutive NCAA title, have once again proven to be the gold standard. Led by veteran pairs and a strong freshman class, USC has lost only one dual all season.
- UCLA Brings the Heat: The Bruins, longtime rivals of USC, have shown impressive depth this season, knocking off top-five opponents and capturing the Pac-12 regular season title. Their No. 1 and No. 2 pairs have been nearly unstoppable.
- Florida State’s Southern Surge: FSU, one of the top programs outside the West Coast, has been a consistent top-three team, thanks to its strong performances in the CCSA and big wins against top-ranked teams.
- Stanford’s Breakthrough: The Cardinal has made serious strides this year, climbing into the top five for the first time and becoming a dark horse contender with strong play from their middle pairs.
- Emerging Mid-Majors: Teams like LMU (Loyola Marymount), Georgia State, and FAU have proven they can hang with the big dogs, scoring key upsets and showcasing the sport’s growing parity.
Championship Contenders
With the NCAA Championship returning to Gulf Shores, Alabama, from May 2-4, these are the top teams expected to make deep runs:
- USC Trojans
USC remains the team to beat, with a mix of experience, talent, and confidence. If they maintain form, they could capture a historic fourth straight national title.
- UCLA Bruins
UCLA is peaking at the right time and has proven they can take down any opponent. Their depth from top to bottom makes them a serious threat.
- Florida State Seminoles
The top program in the East, FSU is known for adapting well to any opponent and environment. Their consistency is their biggest asset.
- Stanford Cardinal
This year’s surprise team, Stanford has gone from good to great. If they can stay focused, they could make a splash in match play.
- LMU Lions
LMU has hovered in the top 10 all season and could upset a few higher seeds if the draw favors them.
The Magic of Gulf Shores: Where Champions Are Crowned
The NCAA Beach Volleyball Championship is held on the white sands of Gulf Shores Public Beach, creating one of the most visually stunning and energetic championship settings in all of college sports. The ocean breeze, packed stands, and TV coverage on ESPN make it a marquee event for the sport.
Life’s a Beach
The 2025 NCAA Beach Volleyball season has proven just how far the sport has come in a short time. With its fast pace, athleticism, and team-oriented format, it continues to win over new fans and elevate women’s college sports. As the top teams prepare for the championship, all eyes will be on the sand, where one team will rise above the rest and claim the crown of the beach.
One thing is for sure: the waves may crash, but the intensity never fades in NCAA beach volleyball.
Learn more at: https://www.ncaa.com/sports/beach-volleyball
The Sport Lady has been a lifelong sports enthusiast. She believes that sports have the power to unite people, create common bonds, and foster shared experiences. As a wife and mother of sports lovers, she is passionate about her favorite teams and cherishes every opportunity to watch them play. For her, every day is game day!