DeLand, Fla. – Stetson University is thrilled to announce that it will proudly host the 2025 AVCA Collegiate Beach East Bid Tournament on October 11-12 at Cooper Beach. As one of only nine qualifying events this year, Stetson's tournament is a crucial stepping stone in the journey toward the highly anticipated AVCA Fall Collegiate Beach Championships, where 21 coveted bids are up for grabs.
The upcoming competition promises an electrifying atmosphere, bringing together some of the finest collegiate beach volleyball talent from across the region. Spectators can look forward to thrilling matches featuring top pairs from powerhouse programs Florida State, Jacksonville University, the University of North Florida and Stetson. In total, 16 dynamic pairs will battle it out on the sandy courts, each determined to make their mark and earn their spot at the national championships.
With only two bids available at this event, the stakes couldn't be higher. The pairs who finish at the top will secure those bids and advance to the next level of competition. However, the tournament's structure ensures fairness and opportunity: if a pair is deemed ineligible or if a university has already reached its maximum of two bids, those bids will be passed down to the next eligible pairs, keeping the pathway open and competitive.
Fans, athletes, and beach volleyball enthusiasts alike are encouraged to join in the excitement and support these outstanding student-athletes as they showcase their skills and sportsmanship in what promises to be a thrilling weekend of competition at Cooper Beach.
About Stetson Athletics
At Stetson University, student-athletes don't just compete—they thrive. Located in historic DeLand, Florida, between Orlando and Daytona Beach, Stetson offers the perfect blend of competitive athletics, academic excellence, and an unbeatable Central Florida lifestyle. As the oldest private university in the region, Stetson supports approximately 500 student-athletes across 19 NCAA Division I sports. Nicknamed the "Hatters" after the institution's namesake John B. Stetson, a hat manufacturer who originated the modern-day cowboy hat, most Stetson athletic teams compete in the Atlantic Sun Conference, where they proudly hold the longest active membership since 1985. With top-tier facilities, personalized support, and a welcoming campus community, Stetson is where students can grow, compete, and succeed. Learn more at GoHatters.com or follow social media accounts @StetsonHatters.