Jacksonville University Beach Volleyball Team Overview

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The thrill of beach volleyball, the sound of the waves crashing against the shore, and the sun shining bright on the sand. For the Jacksonville University beach volleyball team, this is more than just a picturesque setting - it's their office, their passion, and their livelihood. As one of the top-ranked teams in the nation, the JU beach volleyball squad has made a name for itself in the collegiate volleyball world.

Program History and Success

The Jacksonville University beach volleyball program was established in 2013, and since then, it has experienced a meteoric rise to success. The team has won numerous conference championships, including the ASUN Conference title in 2019. The Dolphins have also made appearances in the NCAA Beach Volleyball Championship, with their highest finish being a quarterfinal appearance in 2018.

Coaching Staff

At the helm of the JU beach volleyball team is Head Coach, Carolyn Jenkins. With over a decade of coaching experience, Jenkins has built a reputation as one of the top coaches in the nation. Her expertise and guidance have been instrumental in shaping the team into the powerhouse it is today. Alongside Jenkins is Assistant Coach, Lauren Erickson, who brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the program.

Player Profiles

The JU beach volleyball team is comprised of talented athletes from around the country. Some of the standout players include:

• Alexa Schmidt: A junior outside hitter from California, Schmidt is a two-time ASUN Conference Player of the Week and has been named to the ASUN All-Tournament Team.
• Samantha Speck: A senior libero from Florida, Speck is a three-time ASUN Conference Defensive Player of the Week and has been named to the ASUN All-Conference Team.
• Rachel Miller: A sophomore middle blocker from Texas, Miller is a two-time ASUN Conference Newcomer of the Week and has been named to the ASUN All-Tournament Team.

Notable Alumnae

Several JU beach volleyball alumnae have gone on to achieve success in the sport, including:

• Taylor Nyquist: A 2019 graduate, Nyquist is currently playing professionally on the AVP Tour.
• Emily Laskelle: A 2018 graduate, Laskelle is an assistant coach at the University of North Florida.

Competitive Schedule

The JU beach volleyball team competes in the ASUN Conference, which is comprised of teams from the southeastern United States. The team's competitive schedule includes matches against top-ranked teams from around the nation, as well as appearances in prestigious tournaments such as the AVCA Collegiate Beach Volleyball National Championships.

Recruiting and Tryouts

The JU beach volleyball team is always on the lookout for talented athletes to join its ranks. The program holds annual tryouts, and recruits from around the country. If you're a high school or junior college athlete looking to take your beach volleyball career to the next level, consider joining the Dolphins.

Facilities and Resources

The JU beach volleyball team has access to top-notch facilities and resources, including:

• The Jacksonville University Beach Volleyball Complex: A state-of-the-art facility featuring six sand courts, a training room, and a locker room.
• The Swisher Gymnasium: A 1,500-seat arena that serves as the team's indoor practice facility.

Community Engagement

The JU beach volleyball team is committed to giving back to the community. The team participates in various outreach programs, including beach cleanups and youth volleyball clinics.

Championship Wins

The JU beach volleyball team has won several championships, including:

• 2019 ASUN Conference Championship: The team defeated North Alabama in the championship match to claim its first ASUN title.
• 2018 ASUN Conference Tournament Championship: The team defeated Florida Gulf Coast in the championship match to claim its first ASUN tournament title.

Awards and Accolades

The JU beach volleyball team has received numerous awards and accolades, including:

• 2019 AVCA Team Academic Award: The team was recognized for its academic excellence, with a team GPA of 3.5 or higher.
• 2018 ASUN Conference Sportsmanship Award: The team was recognized for its sportsmanship and conduct during competition.

Final Thoughts

The Jacksonville University beach volleyball team is a force to be reckoned with in the collegiate volleyball world. With its talented athletes, experienced coaching staff, and top-notch facilities, the team is poised for continued success in the years to come. Whether you're a current student, a prospective recruit, or a fan, the JU beach volleyball team is an exciting and dynamic program to be a part of.