Flyers Beach Volleyball Ready to Build on National Success in 2026

The Sandhills Community College beach volleyball program officially kicked off the 2026 season on Thursday, February 6, with its annual Red & Gray scrimmage, a competitive five-match showdown that saw the Red team edge the Gray team, 3–2. More importantly, the scrimmage offered an early glimpse into a deep, talented roster that is eager to build on last season's historic run.

The Flyers return to the sand after finishing second in the Region in 2025, falling only to Richard Bland College, and earning a sixth-place finish at the NJCAA National Championship in Huntsville, Alabama. With nationals once again set for Huntsville on April 30–May 2, Sandhills enters the spring with experience, confidence, and momentum.

For many players, simply being back in competition mode was energizing. "Being back in the sand felt so great and brought back so many good memories from last season," said sophomore Reagan Smith. "It was just a glimpse of how fun this season will be. After a great season of indoor volleyball, I have a great feeling about this beach season starting this Wednesday."

The scrimmage format allowed coaches to experiment with pairings while players competed in close, pressure-filled matches. Several contests went to three sets, something freshman Alyssa Ingle noted as a positive sign for the team's competitive depth. "Seeing a lot of games go to three really showed how competitive our team is," Ingle said. "It makes me very excited for the season to start and be able to compete."

That competitiveness is paired with a strong sense of connection across the roster, which includes a mix of returning sophomores and a large freshman class. Freshman Jaselyn Fink emphasized both the growth and relationships she has already found within the program. "Playing beach volleyball for Sandhills has been the best decision for me—meeting new people and growing as a player," Fink said. "Preseason has been very exciting being able to compete against teammates and get ready to show the skills we've picked up in practice."

Sophomore Katelyn Bunting echoed that sentiment, highlighting both individual progress and team chemistry as key takeaways from the scrimmage. "Having the opportunity to play and show what we've been practicing was very exciting," Bunting said. "Watching and cheering on my teammates was even better. I can already tell this season will be amazing."

For some Flyers, the 2026 season carries added significance. Sophomore Emery Freeman, entering her final year of collegiate competition, reflected on the emotional weight of opening day. "Being in a jersey again felt different than fall season and practice," Freeman said. "It was bittersweet being back at the beginning of the season, but it gives me so much hope. We have a lot of talent this year and a much stronger team bond."

That bond will be tested early and often, as Sandhills faces a demanding schedule featuring conference matchups, road trips, and home dates at the Flyers' sand courts. The regular season opens Wednesday, February 11, with a road doubleheader at Catawba College, before the Flyers return home on February 18 to host Salem College.

Conference play will loom large throughout the spring, with key matchups against Richard Bland College and Wake Technical CC carrying postseason implications. The Flyers will also travel to Florida in March to face Florida State College at Jacksonville and St. Johns River State College, providing valuable experience against out-of-region opponents.

In addition to the team championship, the 2026 NJCAA Beach Volleyball Championship will introduce a new pairs championship, with 16 individual pairs competing alongside the team title. The addition adds another layer of opportunity for the Flyers, who boast a roster filled with versatile defenders, physical blockers, and adaptable partners.

With a strong sophomore core, an influx of motivated freshmen, and a program that has established itself on the national stage, Sandhills enters 2026 with high expectations — and the belief that the best is still ahead.

The journey begins now, back in the sand, with the Flyers ready to compete.