New Braunfels, Texas – The American Southwest Conference is excited to announce that Concordia University Texas has signed an agreement to join the ASC as an affiliate member in the sport of beach volleyball. The ASC announced in November 2025 that it will begin sponsoring a beach volleyball conference championship starting in the 2026-27 season, making it the first NCAA Division III conference to do so.

"We are thrilled to welcome Concordia University Texas as an affiliate member for beach volleyball," said ASC Commissioner Leslie Schuemann. "Launching the first NCAA Division III conference championship in beach volleyball is a proud milestone for the ASC, and Concordia’s participation with our ASC member institutions will help set the standard for the sport’s growth at this level." 

East Texas Baptist, Howard Payne, Mary Hardin-Baylor, and Schreiner will also sponsor the sport and compete for the ASC Beach Volleyball Conference Championship. With the addition of Concordia, the ASC currently has five institutions sponsoring beach volleyball for the inaugural season. The introduction of NCAA beach volleyball to Division III marks a unique opportunity for student-athletes across the country and for the institutions that sponsor the sport. 

“Concordia University Texas is excited to become an affiliate member of the American Southwest Conference in beach volleyball," said Concordia University Texas Director of Athletics, Matt Wallis. "This opportunity provides our student-athletes with a strong competitive platform while continuing to enhance the overall experience of our beach volleyball program. We appreciate the ASC’s leadership and support and look forward to competing alongside the outstanding institutions within the conference.”

Beach volleyball matches must be played on sand surfaces established by the institutions and compete in pairs with 10 student-athletes forming five pairs. 

Each year during the spring, the NCAA operates a National Collegiate Championship that may include teams from all three divisions if they receive an at-large bid. Small colleges can choose to compete in the annual AVCA Small College Beach Championships held during the spring semester.  

For more information about ASC beach volleyball visit ASC First NCAA Division III Conference to Sponsor Beach Volleyball Conference Championship.