Construction on FAU's new competition-ready sand volleyball courts is scheduled to be completed by the end of next week. (OwlAccess.com photo)
FAU spends $250,000 for sand volleyball courts which should be ready to use shortly.
Originally published on 1/29/2015
by Chuck King
BOCA RATON - Florida Atlantic is bringing the beach to campus.
On Wednesday FAU began importing the 870 tons of sand that will complete it's sand volleyball courts.
The project, which is expected to cost $250,000, is scheduled to be completed on Feb. 6.
The NCAA recently voted to fully sanction sand volleyball as one of its championships. Adding a sand volleyball facility on campus is a move that will aid FAU with Title IX compliance, which requires schools to move toward equal financial support of men's and women's sports.
“Obviously, getting us set to play sand volleyball was one of the most economical choices we could make, and that wasn't the only reason we added it,” Executive Associate Athletic Director Melissa Dawson said. “If you look at the weather and where we are located, and all that, it makes sense for our climate and everything - so it was a perfect fit for us.”
Sand volleyball season begins in March, with the Owls' first-ever home match coming on March 11 against FIU. FAU hopes to host tournaments in the coming years.
Florida Atlantic first began its sand volleyball program four years ago. At the time the team was comprised almost entirely of players from its indoor volleyball team. Now, only two players, Lexi Rhein and Beth Shoaff, play on both teams.
The Owls had been practicing at local beaches and on some sand courts near the dorms.
The new facility, which is located next to the softball stadium, will feature three courts filled with olympic-quality sand trucked in from a sand mine in Moore Haven, Fla. Unlike regular beach sand, FIUB Olympic Specified Sand doesn't stick to competitors. When complete, the courts will have 18 inches of sand resting upon a customized drainage system.
The facility will feature berms on two side of the court for spectator seating and a grassy area for lawn chairs.
When not in use by the sand volleyball team, the courts will be available for FAU students to use.
“The more of the students that enjoy it, the more of a chance we have to get our students to come out and watch our team play,” Dawson said.
Around 50 schools across the nation sponsor sand volleyball, but that number is expected to rise quickly now that the NCAA fully recognizes the sport.
Only three Conference USA schools, FAU, FIU and UAB, currently sponsor the sport. Many Florida schools compete, including Florida St., Florida Gulf Coast and Jacksonville.
On Wednesday FAU began importing the 870 tons of sand that will complete it's sand volleyball courts.
The project, which is expected to cost $250,000, is scheduled to be completed on Feb. 6.
The NCAA recently voted to fully sanction sand volleyball as one of its championships. Adding a sand volleyball facility on campus is a move that will aid FAU with Title IX compliance, which requires schools to move toward equal financial support of men's and women's sports.
“Obviously, getting us set to play sand volleyball was one of the most economical choices we could make, and that wasn't the only reason we added it,” Executive Associate Athletic Director Melissa Dawson said. “If you look at the weather and where we are located, and all that, it makes sense for our climate and everything - so it was a perfect fit for us.”
Sand volleyball season begins in March, with the Owls' first-ever home match coming on March 11 against FIU. FAU hopes to host tournaments in the coming years.
Florida Atlantic first began its sand volleyball program four years ago. At the time the team was comprised almost entirely of players from its indoor volleyball team. Now, only two players, Lexi Rhein and Beth Shoaff, play on both teams.
The Owls had been practicing at local beaches and on some sand courts near the dorms.
The new facility, which is located next to the softball stadium, will feature three courts filled with olympic-quality sand trucked in from a sand mine in Moore Haven, Fla. Unlike regular beach sand, FIUB Olympic Specified Sand doesn't stick to competitors. When complete, the courts will have 18 inches of sand resting upon a customized drainage system.
The facility will feature berms on two side of the court for spectator seating and a grassy area for lawn chairs.
When not in use by the sand volleyball team, the courts will be available for FAU students to use.
“The more of the students that enjoy it, the more of a chance we have to get our students to come out and watch our team play,” Dawson said.
Around 50 schools across the nation sponsor sand volleyball, but that number is expected to rise quickly now that the NCAA fully recognizes the sport.
Only three Conference USA schools, FAU, FIU and UAB, currently sponsor the sport. Many Florida schools compete, including Florida St., Florida Gulf Coast and Jacksonville.
