I’ve covered a lot of sporting events in my career, but there was something undeniably electric about the 2025 NCAA Women’s Beach Volleyball Championship this weekend in Gulf Shores. From the very first serve to the final point, it wasn’t just a tournament—it was a statement.

And what a statement TCU made.

The Horned Frogs claimed their first-ever national title in a dramatic 3-2 win over Loyola Marymount University (LMU). It wasn’t just a win—it was a seismic shift. For the first time in championship history, neither UCLA nor USC hoisted the trophy. Instead, a hungry, fearless TCU team stood victorious on the white sands of Alabama, redefining the power map of collegiate beach volleyball.

I was on the ground, and let me tell you, the energy was unreal. The athletes? Dialed in. The fans? Fired up. And the vibe? Pure magic.

What impressed me the most wasn’t just the level of play—it was the heart. The hustle. The belief. The grit. TCU didn’t just win points—they fought for them. Digs that looked impossible, blocks that rocked the court, and serves that sliced through the wind like laser beams.

This wasn’t just a win for TCU—it was a win for every program fighting to prove they belong. The whole event, set behind The Hangout in Gulf Shores, felt like a festival of athleticism. You had people dancing on tables during timeouts, cheering in the sun, and celebrating every rally like it was a Super Bowl play. And with over 450 matches across all divisions just days earlier at the AVCA Small College Championship, Alabama is officially the new heart of beach volleyball in May.

LMU had its share of shining moments, but this was TCU’s time. As the final point hit the sand, sealing both the match and a legacy, their players stormed the court in a rush of tears and screams–culminating in a celebratory dog pile that marked their historic win.

Adding to the excitement, two programs—Texas and Boise State—made their inaugural appearances at the NCAA Beach Volleyball Championship. Texas, seeded No. 7, earned a hard-fought 3-2 win over No. 10 California before falling to eventual champion TCU in the quarterfinals. Boise State, seeded No. 14, took on No. 3 Stanford in the opening round. Though they didn’t advance, their presence on the national stage marked a proud and promising milestone for the program.

I walked away from the finals with sand in my shoes, a camera full of unforgettable moments, and soaking wet from jumping into the Gulf to capture that iconic shot of the team hoisting the trophy in the water after their win. Totally worth it!!!

NCAA Women’s Beach Volleyball isn’t just growing, it’s thriving. And if this weekend proved anything, it’s that the best is yet to come. Until next year—same beach, even more magic!