Gulf Shores awarded NCAA Beach Volleyball Championship through 2024

Gulf Shores and Orange Beach Sports Commission • October 14, 2020

Event moving to California in 2025-26 after 9 years at Gulf Place

Stock photo of NCAA women's sand volleyball in G ulf Shores, Alabama.
(OBA®) – GULF SHORES AND ORANGE BEACH, AL – On Oct. 14, 2020, the NCAA announced its future championship site selections through 2026, including awarding the 2023-2024 Beach Volleyball Championships to the city of Gulf Shores. Gulf Shores, the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) and the Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Sports Commission will continue to host the event at Gulf Place – the city’s main public beach.

“To say we are proud and looking forward to continuing the NCAA beach volleyball tradition along Alabama’s beaches is an understatement,” said Beth Gendler, vice president of sales for the Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Sports Commission. “The city of Gulf Shores, UAB, the Sports Commission and other partners work tirelessly to make our destination the go-to for beach volleyball, showcasing our sugar-white sand on the national stage with NCAA and ESPN.”

Coming off several months of event cancellations and modifications due to COVID-19 across the globe, including the 2020 NCAA Beach Volleyball Championship, the announcement brings hope to the future of sporting events and continuing to grow beach volleyball.

In conjunction with the NCAA event, the Gulf Coast Region of USA Volleyball hosts hundreds of youth and adult pairs adjacent to the championship site for national qualifiers. Two 2020 Gulf Shores High School graduates and USA Volleyball standouts, Marti McLaurin and Lauren Quigley, are now playing beach volleyball at the collegiate level – McLaurin at UAB and Quigley at the University of North Alabama.

The championship will move for the first time since the inaugural 2016 NCAA-sanctioned season to Huntingdon Beach, CA, for 2025-2026, after being in Gulf Shores for nine years. For more information on the future NCAA site selections, visit http://bit.ly/NCAAselections. For information on upcoming athletic events along Alabama’s Gulf Coast, visit GulfShores.com/Sports, or call 1-800-745-SAND.

Share this article w/ Friends...

Foley Police Cruiser
By OBA Staff June 9, 2025
Foley, Ala. — (OBA) — The Foley Police Department is investigating a burglary that happened overnight at the Tanger Outlet Mall. An employee at Zales Outlet called the police around 8:30 a.m. Monday. They reported that jewelry had been stolen during the night. The value of the stolen items has not been released.
Mini Golf Planned for Bubba’s Seafood House Property
By John Mullen June 9, 2025
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — A group of four people is planning a new mini-golf course at the site of longtime Bubba’s Seafood House on beach road. John Pilcher, Jody Pilcher, Mary Pilcher and Emmie Pilcher Flowers are making the request. According to Baldwin County tax records, the group owns six parcels fronting the road east of Fat Daddy’s. They will request changes to a previously submitted site plan.
Orange Beach Sportsplex
By OBA Staff June 9, 2025
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — Registration is now open for this year’s Little Mako Summer Camps in Orange Beach. Each camp offers a chance for kids to learn, practice, and enjoy sports alongside Mako coaches and players. The camps are open to beginners and those looking to elevate their skills. Activities include tennis, baseball, soccer, and cross-country.
Things to do on the Gulf Coast this week.
By Jessica A. Taylor June 9, 2025
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — As summer heats up along the Alabama Gulf Coast, the week ahead offers a full schedule of activities for locals and visitors alike. From aerial tours and live performances to educational programs, food festivals, and community clean-ups, there's something happening every day across the region. Whether you're seeking adventure, a learning opportunity, or a moment of quiet reflection by the water, the coast continues to deliver diverse experiences for all ages.
Second Straight Month of Falling Home Prices in Baldwin
By OBA Staff June 8, 2025
Robertsdale, Ala. — (OBA) — Baldwin County home prices dropped for the second month in a row, according to the latest data from Baldwin REALTORS®. Both residential and resort markets saw lower average prices compared to last year. Homes also stayed on the market longer. Fewer properties were sold in some areas.
Free Mental Wellness Platform Now Available for All Alabamians
By OBA Staff June 8, 2025
A new online tool is now available to help Alabamians improve their mental wellness. CredibleMind, a free digital platform, offers personalized self-care resources to anyone in the state. It aims to close the gap between those seeking help and the shortage of mental health professionals. The program is completely anonymous, easy to use, and available right away.
LuLu Gribbin with Governor Ivey during the signing of LuLu's Law
By Jessica A. Taylor June 7, 2025
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — On the eve of the one-year anniversary of Lulu Gribbin's nearly fatal shark attack, I could hear children laughing and playing with their family pets in the background, negotiating who gets to toss the ball next. “Are you done with your noodles” cried out the father, Dr. Ryan Forbess of Orange Beach, Alabama. Apologizing for the noise and distractions, he explained, “We are packing up to head out in the morning—back to the same place, actually.”
Orange Beach High School Star Gains Attention at University of Alabama
By OBA Staff June 7, 2025
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — Orange Beach High School freshman Lee Steele is starting to make waves in the basketball world. The 6-foot-6 player had a standout day during a visit to The University of Alabama. His skills and work ethic caught the attention of head coach Nate Oats and his coaching staff. Observers say Steele is playing his best basketball yet.
Gulf State Park to Host Three-Day Shark Fest Event
By OBA Staff June 7, 2025
Gulf Shores, Ala. — (OBA) — Gulf Shores will once again host Shark Fest, a popular summer event focused on marine life. The event takes place at Gulf State Park’s Saltwater Pier and offers hands-on activities for all ages. Guests will learn about Gulf Coast sharks through interactive exhibits, expert presentations, and up-close encounters. This year’s event promises more excitement, learning, and family-friendly fun.
Expect Excellence Brings Rock Hits to the Stage
By OBA Staff June 7, 2025
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — A high-energy rock show is returning to Orange Beach this summer. The Expect Excellence Music Department will perform “Dream On – A Tribute to Classic Rock” for three nights, June 26 through 28, at the Orange Beach Performing Arts Center.
Show More