Hope International University will begin its inaugural men’s beach volleyball season with a four-match slate September 18-20 at the Brookhurst and PCH Courts in Huntington Beach, California. The Royals will face Arizona Christian and Park Gilbert twice each during the opening weekend.
The 2026 roster comprises 10 players, blending those from the men’s indoor volleyball team with athletes focused exclusively on beach volleyball. Returning indoor representatives Alessandro Spendolini and Ethan Davis lead the team alongside freshmen Josiah Trautman, Jackson Mezera, and Cam Taylor, who also compete in indoor volleyball. The exclusively beach volleyball players include Atticus Graham, Trevor Southards, Tobias Penasse, Keoke Desha, and Jett Rocker-Graham.
Following the home opener, Hope International will travel to Glendale, Arizona on October 2-3 to play two matches each against Arizona Christian and Park Gilbert, in addition to a single contest with Northern Arizona. Subsequently, the team will compete in the USAV West Coast Pairs Challenge in Manhattan Beach from October 9-11.
The season will culminate with the inaugural AVCA Championships held November 7-8 at The John Hunt Park Sand Volleyball Complex in Huntsville, Alabama.
CSB Take
Hope International University’s addition of a men’s beach volleyball program signifies a noteworthy expansion of its athletics offerings. The combination of athletes experienced in indoor volleyball with those dedicated solely to the sand provides the Royals with a solid foundation. The carefully constructed schedule, featuring regional opponents and participation in prominent events like the USAV West Coast Pairs Challenge and AVCA Championships, positions the team to establish itself competitively in this emerging collegiate sport.
Source: Original report
