University of Utah Discontinues Beach Volleyball Program After Nine Seasons
Salt Lake City, UT – April 29, 2025 – The University of Utah has announced the discontinuation of its beach volleyball program after nine seasons, citing a combination of challenges stemming from recent conference changes and the sport’s limited growth potential. Athletic Director Mark Harlan emphasized that the decision was not made lightly and involved careful consideration and consultation.
The Utes initially joined the NCAA beach volleyball scene as a member of the Pac-12 Conference in 2017, where they competed against nine other schools. With the recent transition to the Big 12 Conference, however, competition dwindled significantly, as only three other schools in the conference offer the sport. Additionally, the Big 12 does not provide automatic qualification for NCAA championships, contributing to the program’s difficulties. Harlan commented on the disappointing landscape: “Currently, there are only 12 beach volleyball programs among power conference institutions, with little evidence of the sport expanding at this time.”
This decision comes on the heels of a season where the Utes reached the semifinals of the Big 12 tournament. The move will affect approximately 12 current athletes and incoming recruits. Harlan reassured them that the university would honor scholarships for current players through their undergraduate degrees, while also facilitating opportunities for those wishing to transfer to different programs.
Furthermore, the scholarship funds previously allocated for beach volleyball will be reallocated to support other women’s sports at the university, ensuring ongoing commitment to female athletics. The University of Utah aims to continue providing a world-class experience for all its student-athletes despite the recent changes.
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