Beach

The Gulf Coast Region offers top-notch doubles competition and fun on world-class beaches. Our friendly, well-run tournaments are sanctioned by USA Volleyball. 2013 Beach Series schedule (PDF).

Weekly tournament updates

Get the latest tournament updated info here!

Beach Series registration now available

Beach Series brochures with registration forms are now available:

• Junior players Beach Series brochure + registration form.
• Adult players Beach Series brochure + registration form.

Registration also can be completed online for these events:

• Online registration for Beach Series events.

Accommodations links for beach events

• Contact – Lisa Nickelson
• Discount code – 522121
• Contact phone – (800) 221-0258 ext. 7095
• Contact email – lisan@brett-robinson.com

June 15, 2013-Room Link
2013 Gulf Coast Region USA Volleyball Beach Series V-USA Junior Beach Tour
http://www.gulfshoresorangebeachsports.com/events-special-rates/default.aspx?id=18001

July 13, 2013-Room Link
2013 Gulf Coast Region Grand Championship Beach Volleyball
http://www.gulfshoresorangebeachsports.com/events-special-rates/default.aspx?id=18000

July 20, 2013-Room Link
2013 Gulf Coast Region USA Volleyball Beach Series VI
http://www.gulfshoresorangebeachsports.com/events-special-rates/default.aspx?id=18002

Nov. 17 beach tourney draws media coverage

(Nov. 20, 2012) - Photographer Brian Kelly of al.com captured some nice images from the Nov. 17 beach championships tourney at Gulf Shores, Ala. Click to view the photo gallery.

Sign up to play in a beach tournament!

Adult/collegiate players can sign up for a beach series tournament here:

• Adult player beach series brochure and registration form - Print the tournament registration brochure, sign all signature areas, attach proper fees and mail to region office. Must be a USAV member. Please take the time to email the Gulf Coast Region office at worldbb@gulftel.com to confirm your registration.
• To join USAV/Gulf Coast Region as a member - Select the "Online registration" tab above. Click "Renewing Membership" if you have been a member in prior years, "new member" if you are signing up for the first time. Follow the prompts in the data fields - when you are asked for the membership category, select the "outdoor" membership category for adults. At $20, it includes all adult tournaments in the Gulf Coast Region Beach Series. Be sure to:
  • Select "outdoor" membership category (not "summer").
• Waiver and assumption of risk - (For a minor playing in an adult event.) Fill this out, sign it, and then mail or bring it in.

A junior player can sign up for a beach series tournament here:

• Junior player beach series brochure and registration form - Print the tournament registration brochure, sign all signature areas, attach proper fees and mail to region office. Must be a USAV member. Please take the time to email the Gulf Coast Region office at worldbb@gulftel.com to confirm your registration.
• To join USAV/Gulf Coast Region as a member - Select the "Online registration" tab above. Click "Renewing Membership" if you have been a member in prior years, "new member" if you are signing up for the first time. Follow the prompts in the data fields - when you are asked for the membership category, select the "outdoor" membership category for adults. At $15, it includes all junior tournaments in the Gulf Coast Region Beach Series. Be sure to:
  • Select "outdoor" membership category (not "summer"). An outdoor member category includes beach only and does not provide participation in any indoor events as a member of one of our region clubs. If you will play both outdoor and indoor, register as a full Regular Junior Member at $75.
• Medical release form (for juniors) - Fill this out, sign it, get it notarized and bring it to the first beach series tourney, after which it will be retained on file.

For further information, contact the region office.

AVCA national championship tourney draws rave reviews

The April 27-29, 2012 collegiate national sand volleyball championships in Gulf Shores, Ala., were a smashing success.

The NCAA's national magazine, Champion, features the Gulf Coast Region's highly successful sand nationals tournament in the fall 2012 issue. Take a look at this nice high-profile article, which includes plenty of photos.

Here, from the American Volleyball Coaches Association, is a news release with an event wrap-up:

Inaugural AVCA Collegiate Sand Volleyball Championships a Spectacular Success for Schools and Spectators

Lexington, KY (May 2, 2012) – It was all fun in the sun at the inaugural AVCA Collegiate Sand Volleyball National Championships in Gulf Shores, AL, a landmark event bringing together elite competition from the collegiate sand volleyball scene to anoint both a Pairs Champion and a Team Champion. The tournament would serve as the capstone to the first-ever collegiate sand volleyball season, a season which saw 15 varsity programs from around the country participate, with more to come in subsequent years. Competition took place on the beautiful white sand beaches of Gulf Shores, where five newly constructed courts were built especially for hosting the championship.

The championship event spanned three days and featured top competitors from programs that participated in the first season of collegiate sand volleyball. Friday and Sunday were devoted to naming a duo as the Pairs National Champion, while Saturday saw four of the best programs in the country battling it out for the Team National Championship.

The Pairs Championship was awarded to the winner of a 16-team single-elimination tournament that took place on Sunday morning and afternoon. Seeding for the tournament was based on the results of pool play on Friday afternoon.

The Team Championship was given to the winner of a four-team double-elimination tournament, for which the field consisted of four top teams as selected by a committee comprised of representatives from various aspects of the volleyball community.

Pepperdine, Long Beach State University, Florida State University and the College of Charleston were selected for the Team Championships. Each of their top two pairs was awarded an at-large spot in the Pairs Championships, where they would face pairs from the University of Southern California, the University of Hawai’i, Florida Atlantic University, UAB, the University of North Florida and Stetson University.

Pepperdine capped off a historic season by claiming the Team Championship on Saturday, followed by one of their duos, Racich and Ross, claiming the Pairs Championship on Sunday. The team title was the school’s 20th national championship overall, and the first to be won by a women’s team. After defeating the other pair from their school in the semi-finals, they defeated Long Beach State University’s pair of Ledoux and Roenicke in three sets to win the title. Racich and Ross clinched the championship in comeback fashion, dropping the first set 14-21 before rebounding to win the second set 21-15. They overcame an 11-14 deficit to win the deciding set, 16-14.

In Saturday’s team action, Pepperdine dispatched LBSU in the second round, only to see them battle out of the loser’s bracket to face them again in the Team Championship. Pepperdine would sweep all five flights to secure the victory.

The AVCA partnered with the CBS Sports Network (CBBSN) to provide special coverage of the event. Camera crews were on hand the entire weekend collecting game footage, interviews and commentary for inclusion in the upcoming Alt Games: College Action Sports Championships Highlight Show, which will air on CBSSN on Sunday, July 15 at 2 PM EST.

Footage from the weekend will also air on CBSSN as a two-part special, with the first hour broadcasting on Wednesday, June 6 from 9-10 PM EST, and the second hour airing on Wednesday, June 13 at 9 PM EST.

Archives - proud of our growing Beach Series heritage!

Commissioner's note: From this point on the page, on down to the bottom, please enjoy our archived beach series stories. These news items from past years feature sunny beach volleyball photos and news coverage. Please do not confuse the archived info below with the current info above! - Philip Bryant

2012 beach tournaments

Here are the upcoming Gulf Coast Region sanctioned beach tournaments. All tournaments are juniors and adults, unless specifically noted.

• March 24 & 25, 2012 – Gulf Shores, AL
  • West 2nd Street Beach.
  • Collegiate Women and Adult.
  • Host: Gulf Coast Region.
• April 26 to 29, 2012 – Beach Series – Gulf Shores, AL
  • Gulf Place Beach – Main Public Beach.
  • AVCA National Collegiate Sand Championships.
  • Juniors and Adult.
  • Host: Gulf Coast Region.
• May 26, 2012 – Beach Series – Perdido Key, FL
  • At the world-famous Flora Bama.
  • Host club: Dolphin VBC and Gulf Coast Region.
• June 2, 2012 – Beach Series – Panama City, FL
  • Sharkey’s.
  • Host Club: Miracle Strip Volleyball Academy and Gulf Coast Region.
• June 16, 2012 – Beach Series – Navarre Beach, FL
  • Juana’s.
  • Host: Gulf Coast Region
• June 23, 2012 – Beach Series – Waveland, MS
  • Public Beach Pier.
  • Host Club: Dig It VBC and Gulf Coast Region.
• July 14 & 15, 2012 – Beach Series – Gulf Shores, AL
  • West 2nd Street Beach.
  • Host: Gulf Coast Region.
• July 21 & 22, 2012 – Grand Championships – Gulf Shores, AL
  • Gulf Place Beach – Main Public Beach.
  • Host: Gulf Coast Region of USA Volleyball.

Accommodations

Here is accommodations information for the April 26-29 beach series event that is associated with the AVCA national collegiate sand volleyball championships:

2012 Gulf Coast Region USA Volleyball Beach Series II (Juniors & Adults)

For more information, contact Sarah Hicks at (251) 974-4611 or shicks@gulfshores.com.

2011 Beach series wraps up - a successful season!

(Aug. 30, 2011) - The 2011 Beach Series has concluded, and it was a fantastic season with phenomenal growth in the game. Congratulations to all teams, individuals and our sponsors who made these events possible. We look forward to next season in the sand!

Strong competition, fun times, sand and sun!

(Sept. 1, 2010) - The Gulf Coast Region's Beach Series for 2010 was another strong showing of tournaments and teams with a healthy dose of hearty competition and fun in the sun. The host clubs were fabulous, and the participating teams improved weekly. A great time was had by all.

Our friendly, well-run tournaments, sanctioned by USA Volleyball, are attracting more media attention each year: WMBB-13 news story | AL.com story with photos.

Please note that the July 10 tournament in Waveland, MS and the July 17 tourney in Fort Walton Beach, FL were canceled due to the oil spill.

The region's Beach Series had a strong year, building on last season's success. The Series concluded with a championship event on July 31. Here was the schedule:

• June 5 - Gulf Shores, AL - Map.
• June 12 - Panama City, FL.
• June 26 - Navarre Beach, FL (juniors):
  • Location: Juana's - Map.
• June 27 - Navarre Beach, FL (adults):
  • Location: Juana's - Map.
  • Check-in: 8 to 8:45
  • Pool play: 9 a.m.
  • Registration: Tournament brochure with waiver
  • Entry fee: $50 per team
  • Divisions:
    • Men's doubles.
    • Women's doubles.
    • Co-ed doubles.
  • Prizes: Merchandise, volleyball clothing.
  • Lodging: Partner for Navarre Beach Series stop is the Hampton Inn on 98 a few miles west of bridge. 850-939-4848.
  • Contact: Coach Bryant, commissioner, (251) 979-4287, worldbb@gulftel.com
• July 10 - Waveland, MS - canceled due to oil spill.
  • Directions to playing site:
    • From I-10, turn south at the Bay/Waveland exit (Hwy 603).
    • Go south to Highway 90. At Highway 90 go straight. 603 turns into Nicholson Ave. Cross railroad tracks.
    • Turn right on Central.
    • Turn left on Lafitte. Lafitte will take you to the pier. Playing site will be just west of the pier.
• July 17 - Fort Walton Beach, FL - canceled due to oil spill.
• July 31 - Gulf Shores, AL - Grand Championships.

Also available - promotional flier.

News stories feature players in Gulf Coast Region's Beach Series

(June 21, 2010) - Recent media coverage of the Gulf Coast Region's Beach Series includes a very nice story about the June 5 tournament in Gulf Shores, AL, by the Alabama Live website, as well as TV news coverage from WMBB, an ABC affiliate..

2009 beach championships offered great play

(Oct. 27, 2009) - The 2009 beach championships in the Gulf Coast Region were again a great success. The 2009 beach series flier shows details. The schedule was:

• May 30-31 - Gulf Shores, AL.
• June 13-14 - Panama City, FL. Map and motel info.
• June 27-28 - Pensacola, FL. Map and motel info.
• Aug. 1-2 - Gulf Shores, AL. - Grand championships.

Teams from other regions are encouraged to participate in this fast-growing doubles competition. If you are not a USAV member, please join in your region (find your region).

The Gulf Coast Region Grand Championships were in Gulf Shores, Ala., on Aug. 1, with both junior and adult divisions.

Inaugural 2008 beach series rocks the surf

(Aug. 12, 2008) - Beach volleyball tournament action is now a hallmark of the Gulf Coast Region. We have some of the best beaches in the world. The summer of 2008 was our inaugural beach season. The series was a great success. Here is the lineup of 2008 tournaments:

• Gulf Shores, AL - May 17, 2008. Map. | Results/photos.
• Panama City, FL - June 14, 2008. Map. | Results/photo.
• Pensacola Beach, FL - June 28, 2008. Map.
• Gulfport, MS junior + adult tournament - July 12, 2008. Map. Directions: From I-10 coming from east or west, turn south at the Loraine Cowan Road exit. Turn right on Seaway Road. Turn left at big water tower and sign for The Dock.
• Gulf Shores, AL - Aug. 2, 2008. Grand championships. Map.

The Gulf Coast Region of USA Volleyball sponsored this inaugural series. The goal is to grow the game indoors and out. A promotional one-page flier includes additional information. Junior divisions of 12, 14, 16 and 18 will be offered for boys and girls, with an additional female 20-and-under division. Adult divisions are planned for the future.

A challenge to school athletic departments: "We're issuing a special challenge to the athletic departments of area high schools," says Philip Bryant, commissioner of the Gulf Coast Region. "We will award a substantial donation to the athletic program with the most athletes in the tournament."

This new series has been six years in the making. The region has procured excellent equipment for these tournaments. Like all USAV-sanctioned events, the 2008 Beach Volleyball Series will offer high-level competition, well-run events and the opportunity to play in refereed games according to the official rules of volleyball as played in the Olympics.

Sponsorship opportunities are still available: Sponsorship opportunities are available for the series. Interested parties should contact the region office (call 251-981-4746 or email worldbb@gulftel.com) for a sponsorship packet.

A significant milestone for Gulf Coast volleyball: "This new beach series has been six years in the making," Bryant says. "It's a very big deal. We plan to offer high-level beach play that is fun for everyone.

"But make no mistake. These tournaments will be tough to win. The best players will all come out for it. We expect junior athletes from all over the country to participate. We look forward to hosting teams from other regions who want to test their mettle on the sand against the best volleyball athletes in the Gulf Coast Region."

The region's goal is to host the 2014 Junior Olympic Beach Championships of USA Volleyball, Bryant says.

"This will just be a fantastic new series," says Commissioner Bryant, "and a significant milestone in the growth of the sport of volleyball along the Gulf Coast."

Panama City June 14 tournament results

(June 18, 2008) - Deanna Vogler and Brooke Carpenter took first place in the 2008 Beach Volleyball Series tournament in Panama City, FL, on June 14. The tournament is one of four tournaments to qualify for the Grand Championships in Gulf Shores, AL on Aug. 2. The girls already qualified for a spot with a second-place finish in the Gulf Shores tournament earlier this summer. The 2008 Beach Volleyball Series is presented by the Gulf Coast Region of USA Volleyball. See full results for Panama City tournament.

Deanna Vogler and Brooke Carpenter, champions of the 2008 Beach Volleyball Series in Panama City, FL, pose at the site of their triumph.

Gulf Shores May 17 tournament results and photos

(June 12, 2008) - The May 17 Beach Volleyball Series event was a historic occasion for the Gulf Coast Region.

Under a clear crisp blue sky in Gulf Shores, AL, the Gulf Coast Region hosted its first-ever beach tournament. This first stop of the region's Beach Volleyball Series hosted teams from three states. Some of the best junior players along the northern Gulf Coast competed to be crowned champion of this inaugural event. See full results for Gulf Shores May 17 tournament.

The day began with National Beach Official Crystal Lewis from Panama City, FL, conducting a beach rules and scorekeeping clinic. Crystal also held a strategy session that assisted the younger players in identifying tactics and skills of the beach game that they can develop and will see from our Olympic players in China later this summer.

Teams competed in pool play, then they were seeded for a single-elimination tournament.

This historical volleyball event in the Gulf Coast Region will conclude with the Grand Championships on Aug. 2 in Gulf Shores, AL. Find a partner and join the fun!

Players at the inaugural Gulf Shores tournament made history and had a great day in the sand and the sun, kicking off the Gulf Coast Region's 2008 Beach Volleyball Series.

Brooke Carpenter makes a pass out of the net while partner Deanna Vogler sets up for the attack.

In the 16/18 division, champions were Brett/Brett (right), followed by second-place team Carpenter/Vogler (left).

In the 14s division, champions Caitlin Chapman and Emily Brooks (from left) defeated the team of Sarah Litteken and Sarah Bunch in the finals.

National beach official Crystal Lewis instructs players at the beginning of the day of beach play. Players received instruction in officiating and also in beach tactics and skills.

Amanda Curington and Caroline Ennis.

Brooke Carpenter and Deanna Vogler.

Caitlin Chapman and Emily Brooks.

Christy Golden and Tori Wheat.

Emily Brett and Erin Brett.

Morgan Banks and Victoria Smith.

Sarah Litteken and Sarah Bunch.

Taelor Sloth and Marla Ebert.

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