UAB Beach Volleyball Poised for Strong 2026 Season with Veteran Leadership and Challenging Schedule
The UAB Beach Volleyball team kicks off its 2026 campaign this weekend at the Unconquered Invitational in Tallahassee, Florida, entering the season with momentum from a program-record 21-win 2025 season and national recognition. The Blazers received votes in the AVCA Collegiate Beach Preseason Coaches Poll, signaling a promising year ahead.
Facing Top Competition Right Away
UAB doesn’t shy away from challenges, opening its schedule against No. 8 Florida State on Friday at 8 a.m. CT. The team will continue play against No. 18 Georgia State later that day at 4:45 p.m. CT. Saturday’s matches include Cal State Bakersfield at 9:15 a.m. CT and North Alabama at 1 p.m. CT. This early test against ranked opponents sets the stage for a demanding spring schedule.
Haas and Stant Lead the Charge
Senior duo Jasmine Haas and Olivia Stant are expected to be key players for the Blazers. Recognized with CUSA Preseason Team honors, they broke the single-season pair wins record in 2025 and are now within striking distance of the all-time pair wins record, trailing Sara Rishell and Rachel Fairbanks by just six wins. Haas is as well just four wins away from becoming the program’s all-time wins leader.
Depth and New Talent Bolster the Roster
Beyond Haas and Stant, UAB returns experienced players including Addison Atkins, Lauren Cairo, Olivia Chychrun, Isabel Day, Sadie Sharpe, Alexa Smith, and Sarah Smith. The team has also added North Alabama transfer Pien Grooters and freshmen Ava Grace Knott, Delaney Rich, and Virginia Voitier, bringing additional size and versatility to the lineup.
A Schedule Packed with Ranked Opponents
The Blazers’ 2026 schedule is notably strong, featuring matchups against seven teams ranked in the AVCA preseason top 20, including Florida State, Long Beach State, Washington, Tulane, LMU, and Stetson. This challenging slate is designed to prepare the team for conference play and potential postseason success.
The Rise of Collegiate Beach Volleyball: A Growing Sport
The increasing competitiveness of UAB’s schedule reflects the broader growth of collegiate beach volleyball. The sport has experienced significant expansion in recent years, with more universities adding programs and attracting talented athletes. This growth is driven by increased media coverage, rising fan interest, and the sport’s unique appeal as a dynamic and visually exciting competition.
The AVCA preseason rankings, featuring teams like UCLA, Stanford, and Cal Poly, demonstrate the depth of talent in the sport. The inclusion of multiple opponents from UAB’s schedule in these rankings highlights the program’s commitment to competing at the highest level.
Pro Tip:
Keep an eye on the dynamic duo of Haas, and Stant. Their experience and proven track record will be crucial to UAB’s success this season. Pairings are key in beach volleyball, and a strong, consistent team at Court 1 can set the tone for the entire lineup.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Where does UAB Beach Volleyball play its home matches? The article does not specify where UAB plays its home matches.
- Who is the head coach of UAB Beach Volleyball? Delaney Rose is the head coach.
- What conference does UAB Beach Volleyball compete in? UAB competes in Conference USA (CUSA).
Stay updated on UAB Beach Volleyball: Visit the official UAB Athletics website for schedules, results, and more information.
