SAN JOSE, Calif.—The San José State beach volleyball program enters a new phase as the Spartans have accepted an invitation to join the Southland Conference as an affiliate member beginning with the 2022-23 academic year, as announced by Director of Athletics Jeff Konya on Monday. The Spartans join fellow Mountain West member Boise State as an affiliate in the Southland for beach volleyball.
"We are proud to be joining the Southland Conference in beach volleyball," said Trent Kersten, Director of Volleyball. "This decision cements our athletic department and administration as one that is striving for excellence and is immensely invested in the student athlete experience. Thank you to the Southland Conference and to our executive staff for making this possible."
"We are so excited to be joining the Southland Conference in beach volleyball," said Delainey Gregory, Associate Beach Head Coach. "This opportunity enhances our student-athletes' experience and gives them a chance to compete at the highest level. This choice by our leadership proves the commitment to provide a competitive experience for our student-athletes. A huge thank you to the Southland Conference, Jeff Konya and the executive leadership team for making this possible."
San José State's inaugural season was in 2014, and the Spartans have improved each season. The program was 9-2 in 2020 before COVID shortened the season, and the Spartans picked up wins over Oregon, Santa Clara, Boise State, Sacramento State and multiple wins over Saint Mary's en route to a program-best 12 wins this year.
"The Southland Conference continues to prioritize the success and growth of NCAA women's beach volleyball by creating a competitive platform to prepare our student-athletes for an opportunity to shine on the most prominent stage," said Southland Commissioner Chris Grant. "We are elated to welcome San José State as an affiliate member for Southland Conference beach volleyball beginning next Spring. I want to thank San Jose State's Athletic Director, Jeff Konya, for his collaboration in this process."
For beach volleyball, the Southland Conference will be Boise State, Houston Baptist, New Orleans, Nicholls, Southeastern, Texas A&M Corpus Christi and San José State. The 2023 Southland Beach Volleyball Tournament will be held April 21-23 at the Islander Courts at Water's Edge Park in Corpus Christi, Texas.
"Now all of our teams at San José State will be competing for a conference championship," said Director of Athletics Jeff Konya. "It's an exciting time and we are so happy for these talented student-athletes. It was very important to this administration to find a home for the Spartans, and we thank the Southland Conference and Commissioner Chris Grant for this opportunity."
This past season, the Southland tournament champion received an automatic bid to the NCAA Championship.
#AllSpartans
