Nebraska Cornhuskers beach volleyball
University of Nebraska–Lincoln beach volleyball team
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The Nebraska Cornhuskers beach volleyball team competes as part of NCAA Division I, representing the University of Nebraska–Lincoln as an independent. The team has been coached by Jaylen Reyes since 2023.
| Nebraska Cornhuskers beach volleyball | |
|---|---|
| |
| Founded | 2013 |
| University | University of Nebraska–Lincoln |
| Athletic director | Troy Dannen |
| Head coach | Jaylen Reyes (5th season) |
| Conference | Independent |
| Location | Lincoln, Nebraska |
| Home arena | Hawks Championship Center |
| Nickname | Cornhuskers |
Beach volleyball is one of three varsity sports at Nebraska not affiliated with the Big Ten Conference.
History
The program was established in 2013 as a training and recruiting tool for Nebraska's indoor team, and the rosters typically include the same players. Indoor head coach John Cook led the beach team until turning the program over to assistant Jaylen Reyes in 2023.[1] Reyes served as an assistant on the United States national under-21 team during the 2024 NORCECA Championship.[2]
Nebraska remains one of few beach volleyball programs throughout the Midwest and generally plays the bulk of its season during a spring trip to California and Hawaii, and does not attempt to qualify for the sixteen-team NCAA championship.[3] The university annually hosts matches at the indoor Alloy Strength Complex at the Hawks Championship Center, and held a February 2024 triangular at its campus recreation courts.[4][5] NU plays an annual series in Lincoln with Wayne State, the only other in-state beach volleyball program.
Prior to the establishment of beach volleyball as an AVCA or NCAA sport, Jordan Larson and Sarah Pavan won the 2007 Collegiate Beach Championship.[6]
Conference affiliations
- Independent (2013–present)
Coaches
Seasons
Olympians
| Olympiad | City | Athlete | Country | Finish |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 (XXXI) |  Rio de Janeiro | Sarah Pavan |  Canada | Quarterfinal |
| 2020 (XXXII) |  Tokyo | Tyler Hildebrand (coach) |  United States |  Champion (men's) |
| Sarah Pavan | Canada | Quarterfinal |
Notes
- The AVCA ran the premier beach volleyball tournament until the first NCAA championship was held in 2016. Nebraska does not attempt to qualify for postseason play.[3]
- Canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Nebraska did not compete in the 2021 beach volleyball season as the indoor season, typically in fall, was moved to spring due to the COVID-19 pandemic.