GULF SHORES AND ORANGE BEACH — A budding mecca for collegiate beach volleyball, the city of Gulf Shores and Alabama’s Beaches Sports & Events are set to host the American Volleyball Coaches Association Small College Beach Volleyball Championships on April 17-19.

This free, public event will bring approximately 650 student-athletes representing 33 schools from around the country to Gulf Place Public Beach.

“It is very exciting for the AVCA to again team up with Gulf Shores for a beach volleyball championship,” said Dr. Jaime Gordon, AVCA CEO. “The city has made a name in the beach volleyball community, and it was a great partner when the AVCA held the first collegiate national championships there from 2012-15, just before the NCAA took over. Bringing the 2025 AVCA Small College Beach Championships to Gulf Shores continues that partnership, and we look forward to a great event in April.”

The field for this multi-faceted event includes 18 Division II schools, 9 Division III schools and 6 NAIA schools. With 20 championship courts and four practice courts, the large open site will be a sight to see and the public is encouraged to attend.

“Our journey to become a desirable destination for collegiate beach volleyball started with hosting the AVCA before the sport became NCAA-sanctioned, and for that, we are forever grateful,” said Michelle Russ, STS, vice president of sales, sports and events at Alabama’s Beaches Sports & Events. “We look forward to welcoming the AVCA back to our beaches for this large-scale championship.”

To learn more about the AVCA, visit avca.org. For information on upcoming athletic and major leisure events along Alabama’s Beaches and to book accommodations, visit alabamasbeaches.com/sports.