Gulf Shores gears up for the NCAA Beach Volleyball National Championships

The sun-soaked sands of Gulf Shores are set to host the 2025 NCAA Beach Volleyball Championship from May 2 to May 4, marking a return to familiar territory for collegiate beach volleyball enthusiasts. Originally slated for Huntington Beach, California, the championship was relocated due to ongoing recovery efforts in Los Angeles County following devastating wildfires. The NCAA, in collaboration with the Orange County Sports Commission and Long Beach State, made the decision to move the event to ensure resources remained focused on community recovery efforts.

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Gulf Shores, no stranger to the championship, has been the tournament’s home since its inception in 2016. The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) and Alabama’s Beaches Sports & Events will once again serve as hosts, continuing their tradition of providing a top-tier experience for athletes and fans alike. The local community has embraced the event, with plans underway to enhance spectator seating, hospitality spaces, and broadcasting infrastructure in anticipation of hosting the championship through 2031.

The tournament kicks off on Friday, May 2, with first-round matches beginning at 8 a.m. CT. Quarterfinals and semifinals are scheduled for Saturday, May 3, starting at 9 a.m. CT, culminating in the national championship match on Sunday, May 4, at 9:30 a.m. CT. Fans unable to attend in person can catch all the action live on ESPN’s family of networks, with individual matches streaming on ESPN+.   The event will take place on the beach in front of The Hang Out. 

The 16-team field features a mix of seasoned powerhouses and emerging programs. Top-seeded UCLA (30-6) enters the tournament with a strong track record playing in their 9th Tournament, while second-seeded TCU (28-5) aims to capitalize on its momentum from an undefeated home season and a Big 12 championship. Defending champion USC, seeded fifth, seeks its fifth consecutive national title and their 9th straight appearance.   UCLA, USC, Florida State are the only three schools who have played in every Tournament.   LSU is playing in their 8th appearance, while Cal Poly in their 5th and California in their 4th appearance.   Notably Boise State and Texas are playing in their first Tournament.  

From its inception in 2016 to 2024, only two teams had won the NCAA Beach Volleyball Championship: the USC Trojans (six titles and four-time defending champion: 2016, 2017, 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024) and the UCLA Bruins (two titles: 2018 and 2019). Both teams are in the running for the title once again in 2025. UCLA entered the NCAA tournament seeded No. 1.  

Beyond the competition, the championship brings significant economic benefits to Gulf Shores. Last year’s event attracted a record 10,000 spectators, generating an estimated $1.5 million in economic impact. The tournament also reinforces Gulf Shores’ reputation as a premier destination for sports tourism and family-friendly events.

With plans to host the championship through 2031, Gulf Shores is poised to become synonymous with collegiate beach volleyball, much like Omaha with the College World Series and Oklahoma City with the Women’s College World Series. As the 2025 championship approaches, anticipation builds for another exciting chapter in NCAA beach volleyball history.

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Matt Colville

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