Tampa Reigns Again

GULF SHORES, Ala. — The dynasty is real. The dominance is undeniable.

The University of Tampa Spartans staked their claim as the queens of small college beach volleyball on Saturday, capturing their second straight AVCA Division II National Championship with a commanding run through the 2025 bracket. On the sun-drenched sands of Gulf Shores, they powered past Concordia University Irvine (CUI) in the title match, reminding everyone why they’re the team to beat in DII beach.

“We knew coming in that the target was on our back,” Tampa head coach Jeff Lamm said. “But our girls embraced it. They wanted to prove that last year wasn’t a one-off—it was the start of something.”

They proved it.

Championship Cruise

From the first serve of pool play to the final point in the gold medal match, Tampa played like a team on a mission. After sweeping through preliminary rounds with clinical precision, the Spartans dispatched Palm Beach Atlantic in the semifinals, setting up a championship showdown with a red-hot CUI squad that had just swept Texas A&M–Kingsville.

CUI, making their first-ever title appearance in Gulf Shores, came in riding high on the play of star duo Sabrina Lemoine and Tara Ostojic—the pair that had earned AVCA All-American honors earlier in the day. But Tampa’s depth and balance proved too much to handle. With clean execution, dominant service games, and poise in the pressure points, the Spartans shut the door early and never looked back.

Stars Shine Bright for Spartans

While Tampa’s strength has always been its system and depth, a few standout performances tilted the scales. Senior blocker Maddie Bishop was a force at the net all weekend, while sophomore setter Riley Kerns dazzled with her court vision and touch. The No. 1 pair played clean, mistake-free volleyball, keeping rallies short and the scoreboard ticking.

“Everyone stepped up when it mattered,” said Bishop. “We’ve been grinding for this since January. To do it back-to-back, with this group? It’s unreal.”

Tampa’s win caps a 24-3 season and adds a second AVCA trophy to the program’s growing case, cementing their status as the premier small-college beach volleyball power.

CUI’s Cinderella Run Ends Just Short

Though the gold eluded them, Concordia Irvine left Gulf Shores with heads high and a program-defining weekend under their belts. The Eagles not only reached their first final—they did it with style.

Lemoine and Ostojic were electric throughout the tournament, particularly in the semifinals where they cruised past Kingsville in straight sets. Their chemistry, honed over two seasons together, kept CUI in every match they played.

“We left it all out there,” Lemoine said after the final. “Tampa’s legit, but we’re proud of what we built. This is just the beginning for our program.”

CUI’s roster is young, and with a core returning in 2026, they’ll be back—and dangerous.

Palm Beach Atlantic, Florida Southern Impress in Final Standings

Palm Beach Atlantic secured a third-place finish in the top bracket, a major step forward for a rising program. Their top duo, Camdyn Albrecht and Katelyn Nadeau, were named AVCA All-Americans for their strong tournament performance, including a gritty effort against Tampa in the semifinals.

“We’ve been building year by year,” said PBA coach Jessica Brush. “This weekend showed we can hang with anyone.”

Meanwhile, Florida Southern College wrapped up its season with a title of its own—claiming the Silver Bracket Championship with a perfect 3-0 record on the final day. Wins over Saint Leo, Carson-Newman, and Vanguard capped a bounce-back weekend for the Mocs, who finished the tournament 4-3.

Looking Ahead

As the sun set on Gulf Shores Saturday evening, the sense around the boardwalk was clear: Division II beach volleyball has never been deeper, faster, or more competitive. Programs like Tampa and CUI are setting the bar, but the rest of the field is rising fast.

The 2025 AVCA Small College Championships delivered high drama, elite play, and a showcase of emerging stars. And with more programs adding beach teams each year, this isn’t just a niche event anymore—it’s becoming a proving ground for future NCAA powers.

“People need to start paying attention to this level,” Lamm said. “Because the talent is real, and it’s only getting better.”