Southland Conference adds San José State as Beach Volleyball Affiliate Member

Spartans give league seven members for 2023 season

FRISCO, Texas – The Southland Conference and San José State University have entered into a multi-year affiliate membership agreement for beach volleyball, beginning in 2023, the league announced Monday.

“The Southland Conference continues to prioritize the success and growth of NCAA women’s beach volleyball by creating a competitive platform to prepare our student-athletes for an opportunity to shine on the most prominent stage,” said Southland Commissioner Chris Grant. “We are elated to welcome San José State as an affiliate member for Southland Conference beach volleyball beginning next Spring. I want to thank San José State’s Athletic Director, Jeff Konya, for his collaboration in this process.”

The Spartans have competed as a Division I independent since the program’s inception in 2014 and have improved in each full season, including a program-record 12 wins this year. SJSU picked up wins over Oregon, Santa Clara, Sacramento State, Saint Mary’s and Boise State, bringing the Spartans all-time record to 3-1 against their fellow affiliate member.

“Now all of our teams at San José State will be competing for a conference championship,” said Director of Athletics Jeff Konya. “It’s an exciting time and we are so happy for these talented student-athletes. It was very important to this administration to find a home for the Spartans, and we thank the Southland Conference and Commissioner Chris Grant for this opportunity.”

“We are so excited to be joining the Southland Conference in beach volleyball,” said Delainey Gregory, Associate Beach Head Coach. “This opportunity enhances our student-athletes’ experience and gives them a chance to compete at the highest level. This choice by our leadership proves the commitment to provide a competitive experience for our student-athletes. A huge thank you to the Southland Conference, Jeff Konya and the executive leadership team for making this possible.”

The 2023 Southland Conference beach volleyball lineup will include Boise State, HBU, New Orleans, Nicholls, San José State, Southeastern and Texas A&M-Corpus Christi, who earned the league’s first automatic bid in 2022. The 2023 Southland Beach Volleyball Tournament will be held April 21-23 at the Islander Courts at Water’s Edge Park in Corpus Christi, Texas.