Beach Volleyball in College

Why Beach Volleyball in College?
Beach volleyball is one of the fastest-growing sports at the collegiate level, offering exciting opportunities for student-athletes to continue their careers while pursuing higher education.  It develops not only athletic skills but also leadership, resilience and confidence - both on and off the court.

College Programs by Division
NCAA Division 1 : Approximately 65 schools sponsor beach volleyball
NCAA Division 2 : Around 5-20 schools and growing
NCAA Division 3 : Fewer than 10 programs currently
NAIA : Between 15-30 schools offer programs
Many schools offer both indoor and beach volleyball, though athletes who receive beach-specific scholarships were not allowed to compete in indoor due to NCAA scholarship rules, now that has changed!

Scholarship & Roster Info

Division I:

  • Up to 6 full scholarships (equivalency model)
  • Can be split among multiple athletes
  • Max of 14 athletes can receive athletic aid


Division II:

  • Up to 5 scholarships (equivalency)
  • Typically divided among rostered players


Division III:

  • No athletic scholarships (academic and need-based aid only)


NAIA:

  • Scholarship limits vary by school

Starting in 2025-2026
Division I schools that opt into new NCAA rules can now:

  • Offer up to 19 scholarship
  • Count up to 19 athletes on roster
  • Allocate scholarship funds more flexibly across the full team


What College Coaches Look For

  • Competitive tournament results
  • Strong technical skills and volleyball IQ
  • Athleticism and growth potential
  • Coachability, leadership and positive attitudes
  • Strong academics and responsible communication

 

How to Get Recruited

Getting recruited takes early planning, persistence and clarity.  Here are some key steps:

  • Start early - as early at 8th-9th grade
  • Build a player profile - video highlights, bio and academic information
  • Compete in showcase tournaments and attend college clinics - where college coaches recruit
  • Contact Coaches Directly - with personalized emails and updates
  • Stay eligible - keep grades up and understand NCAA/NAIA rules