BELTON, Texas — The American Southwest Conference will add beach volleyball as a varsity sport beginning in the 2026-27 academic year, becoming the first NCAA Division III conference to sponsor a championship in the sport.

East Texas Baptist, Howard Payne, Mary Hardin-Baylor and Schreiner will sponsor teams and compete for the inaugural ASC Beach Volleyball Championship next spring. Beach volleyball became an official NCAA sport in 2015 as the association’s 90th championship event.

“Today marks an exciting milestone for our conference,” ASC Commissioner Leslie Schuemann said. “The addition of beach volleyball reflects our commitment to expanding opportunities for student-athletes and embracing sports that are growing across the nation.”

The NCAA operates a national championship in beach

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